Lessons from a rollercoaster

I really disliked amusement rides as a kid. I can remember screaming at the top of my lungs, while riding the spinning Tilt-O-World, “TELL THE MAN TO MAKE IT STOP!!” Now, some 20 years later, I’ve experienced a little more and have even grown to love amusement rides, especially the rollercoaster.

My spiritual life could be described as a rollercoaster. Up and down. High and low. Sometimes I’m screaming from excitement while other times I’m frantically searching for something to grasp on to.

The rollercoaster is cool because we experience it in community. I have never ridden alone. There are always many people on the train and we are experiencing the fear and the thrill together. The rant while we’re climbing that first hill, the gasps at the top, and the fear/joy/terror going down that steep drop – all within an earshot of each other. We hear and see how those around us are experiencing the ride. We are experiencing it together.

Our spiritual lives are also cool because we can experience them in community. We can learn from each other’s spiritual experiences. We can see how others deal with the same issues we are facing, things we often think we are experiencing alone. In community others can spur us on in areas that we have had little experience in. We can also be an encouragement to others in areas where we have grown. Learning from each other as we go about in our daily lives – that’s what community is about.

Over these past few years I have been trying to be more deliberate in living out my spiritual journey in a community setting. I’ve endeavored to be more vulnerable with those I’m in relationship with. I try to observe those around me and grow from their experiences. Others have opened up and been more transparent with me. We’re experiencing the highs and the lows together.

Whether volunteering at church, studying at school, serving as a youth pastor, or on staff at a seminary, my need for community has always been there. Most recently, living in Fresno, CA., the community my family and I experienced impacted our lives enormously. Now, back in Winnipeg and working with the Board of Discipleship Ministries and all the associated changes, I’m even more aware of the need for intentional community. The more time passes, the more I desire community.

I love this ride called the spiritual life but I don’t want to be on it in isolation. I want to experience it with others.

Cam Rowland is director of the Board of Discipleship Ministries of the Canadian MB Conference.