How does the church fulfill its mission with the greatest possible effectiveness? Of course, there is no single answer. Through its multiple ministries, the church seeks to respond to the longings of the human heart in ways that deeply touch every part of the spirit with the consistent message of hope the gospel provides. Sometimes we do this with music, sometimes with the spoken word, sometimes in community, sometimes in quiet solitude. Sometimes it is accompanied by great joy and laughter. At other times it is borne on a river of tears. At times it happens as we serve others. It can also happen as we allow others to serve us. Sometimes we think we know what has created a spiritual climate in which the gospel takes root. At other times, it is pure mystery, and the only thing we can reasonably do is stand in wonder and awe.

Such is the nature of the spiritual journey we know as the Christian faith. It calls, challenges, cajoles, caresses, and creates us, not once, but over and over again. We find ourselves responding to all that is around us in ways that move us toward GodŐs love and possibility experienced through faith in Christ.

In this issue of Leading from the Center we are reminded of the ways in which the creative energies of human beings have the potential of appropriating the Christian message across the full range of emotional experience. In the midst of pain or comfort, fear or safety, anger or pleasure, joy or sorrow, we know that creative people have a way of expressing faith and using that faith to live lives of deep meaning.

The Reverend Karla M. Kincannon is a United Methodist pastor, artist, published author, and spiritual director. She was a valued member of the leadership team at the 1999 Pathways Conference in Santa Fe, NM. There in the beautiful surroundings of that unique setting she demonstrated to us the significant power of art to nourish spiritual health.

The Reverend Doug Cain is a United Methodist pastor who writes out of the depth of his own spiritual journey and from his years of experience in the pastorate. A participant in the Santa Fe conference, he understands the importance of holistic ministry that draws on all our resources and speaks to all our needs.

The Reverend Judith Bunyi, also a participant in the Santa Fe conference, reviews the book Stretch Out Your Hand: Exploring Healing Prayer by Norberg and Webber (Upper Room Books) as a further reminder of the importance of healing and wholeness.

The Reverend F. Lloyd Chester serves as assistant pastor at three local churches in the Dallas, TX, area. Recently he was appointed chaplain at Methodist Medical Center, Dallas. He has written for several journals and magazines and has been aired on National Public Radio. Here he writes on "Art and Wholeness in Church Life."

May these pages teach us that God's creative possibilities are still unfolding and that we may draw upon them for our own healing and wholeness.

Good reading,
C. Gerald Richardson
Director, Conference Spiritual Leadership Development,
United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, Nashville, TN