Christian Reflection on Scharmer's Emerging Future
Scharmer believes that we must learn from the future, seeing what is emerging, and use that as the basis for leadership. This happens as one is able to be fully present to this moment, to this person, to this event / situation.
It should be noted that there is some Buddhist philosophy in Scharmer's work, at least the possibility that it would fit nicely with his work, so I wanted to offer a Christian reflection on the above idea.
Christians believe in kairos time. That is, there are moments that are important and extraordinary, most specifically for God to work in an active way, revealing part of his eternal purpose. Not all moments are equal. While some time plods along, kronos time, different moments are charged with revelation, kairos time. C.S. Lewis said that the "present is the moment that time touches eternity" that it is the moment when "freedom and actuality are offered to [people]." Being present--fully present--in the moment allows for different moments of kairos time--moments charged with eternal value where we can discern the movement of time as a whole under God's direction. We can see the future emerging by being fully present in the moment that touches eternity. Leading in that direction, whether or not anyone follows, is good leadership. Moving in that direction that values all of God's creation, full justice restored, in the present moment can be done by leading or by falling back (Seth Godin), but one thing one cannot do in the kairos moment: nothing. It is in that moment that Rev. Dr. Peter Widdicombe's advice rings most true: "For God's sake do something!"
It should be noted that there is some Buddhist philosophy in Scharmer's work, at least the possibility that it would fit nicely with his work, so I wanted to offer a Christian reflection on the above idea.
Christians believe in kairos time. That is, there are moments that are important and extraordinary, most specifically for God to work in an active way, revealing part of his eternal purpose. Not all moments are equal. While some time plods along, kronos time, different moments are charged with revelation, kairos time. C.S. Lewis said that the "present is the moment that time touches eternity" that it is the moment when "freedom and actuality are offered to [people]." Being present--fully present--in the moment allows for different moments of kairos time--moments charged with eternal value where we can discern the movement of time as a whole under God's direction. We can see the future emerging by being fully present in the moment that touches eternity. Leading in that direction, whether or not anyone follows, is good leadership. Moving in that direction that values all of God's creation, full justice restored, in the present moment can be done by leading or by falling back (Seth Godin), but one thing one cannot do in the kairos moment: nothing. It is in that moment that Rev. Dr. Peter Widdicombe's advice rings most true: "For God's sake do something!"
Labels: Leadership, lewis, Practical Theology, Scharmer, Theory U, time
posted by Aaron Perry at
10:46 AM
2 Comments:
Aaron, I think that what you are saying is what makes the perfect leader. A person who is able to lead according to how they see the future unfolding, especially one who would be willing to lead according to God's perfect plan. But it does take perception and knowledge to be effective in this endeavor. Otherwise, the leader is simply left trying to catch up to the rest of the world. This is one area where it is most difficult for the rural pastor because all too often rural people don't want to concern themselves with the rest of the world, simply being involved in their own little piece of the pie so they miss what is happening on a grander scale. (Perhaps this is not just a rural problem) Kairos time - this is a new idea to me - is a gift that all too often we miss because we are caught in our own time. Perhaps that is one reson it can be so difficult to effect change in the church.
Just a thought, Peter
Hi Peter,
Thanks for sharing good thoughts. Let me reflect on this for a bit and maybe get back to sharing in this conversation.
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