Crazybusy World

Cynthia Rigby, W.C. Brown Professor of Theology

Our lives are not only full, they are crammed full. And we are always trying to figure out how to pack more in, and, in the midst of all this, we want to be disciples. To follow the One who promises us rest, who promises us peace, who promises us joy, who promises us life. We know he does not want us to be stressed out all the time; that he calls us, in fact, to be “salt” and “light” in this weary, fast-paced world. But we’re not quite sure how to pull this off.

During the 2011 Annual College of Pastoral Leaders meeting,  Cynthia Rigby, W.C. Brown Professor of Theology, taught a a three-session workshop titled "Being ALIVE in a Crazybusy World." We asked her to share some points to reflect on what it means to claim the abundant life Christ offers, and to live this life not only for ourselves, but also for the world that God so loves.

Being ALIVE in a Crazybusy World

1)  We tend to think of play as a time to get away from work and "refuel," so we can go back to work and be more productive.  But what if we engaged in play for its own sake?  What if we thought of it is productive in its own right, rather than as something necessary for keeping up with our work?

2)  In one sense, play should be the most productive "work" we do.  This is because play is meant to generate new ideas and new ways of being.

3)  Does God play?  Reflect on the lyrics to "Morning Has Broken."  What is meant when the song says that God "recreates . . . a new day"?  Do we, in any sense, recreate our days the way God does?

4)  How can we preach/teach/live in ways that are playful?

5)  What is the relationship between "rest" and "play"?  It seems that they are different.  It seems that we need plenty of rest not only if we are going to be able to work well, but also if we are going to be able to play well.

6)  Is sabbath a time for "rest" or a time for "play"?

About the College of Pastoral Leaders

How it works:

Groups of 4-6 ministers will submit a CPL grant application. They must define pastoral excellence and describe what they need to hone, inspire, invigorate, and rejuvenate pastoral excellence, as they describe it, in their lives and ministries.

Grants will be accepted until October 31, 2011. Grants will be reviewed during the month of November, announced in December, and funds will be available for use beginning January. All funds must be used by December 2014.

Guidelines for CPL Grant Proposals

  • All participants must live within the borders of the United States.
  • All participants must be ordained ministers of their denominations.
  • Grant proposals must include a budget. 
  • Grant proposals should indicate a plan, not that a plan will be made if the grant is awarded.
  • Grants will not be awarded for the purpose of conducting workshops.
  • Grants will not be awarded for staff development of a particular congregation.
  • Grants will not be awarded for the sole purpose of one large trip.
  •  Grant proposals should indicate theological inquiry and/or spiritual renewal.
  • All parts of the grant proposal must be in place before the proposal will be evaluated.