Open Space Technology

I’ve been researching Open Space Technology, a way of facilitating meetings and conferences that is radically decentralized and empowering. It is not a technology in the sense of computers, cars, or warp drives, but rather meaning a tool or a method (see Wikipedia). There is no agenda or plan before the meeting begins – only a simple topic phrased as a question. The facilitator explains the Rule of Motion and Responsibility (Law of Two Feet) and the principles that come from it, and then sits down to let the participants choose small discussion topics, host them, record them (paper, video, podcast, whatever), and then publish the results for everyone else to read. Here’s a photo slideshow that describes how a typical Open Space event unfolds.

I once participated in a conference that used Open Space Technology, hosted by PTEV. It was one of the most invigorating, passion-filled events I’ve ever seen.

Christmas Joy

Christmas Presents

Originally uploaded by James Zwier.

Perhaps God answers our prayers as we think them. I sent out my newsletter just a few hours before receiving my long-awaited Christmas package from my girlfriend Sarah. I had asked people to pray that the box would arrive someday… half in jest and half believing that somehow God must care about little things as much as big things. Sarah and I joked today that we would only give up hope by next Christmas.
I am overjoyed to receive the gifts of warmth sent in a time when my toes were very cold – slippers, socks, toe warmers, and tea. The weather here cycles between warm and cold every 7-10 days; it has been getting progressively warmer, but this week is a cold spell so the slippers keep my toes cozy warm.
Indeed I do believe in the God of the small things.

disciples

Speaking of not sleeping — I went to Disciples, the current play running in the Lab Theater at Calvin. I recommend it without hesitation: it’s thematically rich, theologically deep, philosophically fascinating, dramatically arresting, emotionally captivating, etc, etc, etc… I was going to write something substantive about it for my other blog tonight, but clearly I got distracted. Oh well. Perhaps tomorrow afternoon, if I can sleep in that long.

once a knitter…

So now I have gotten myself hooked on knitting. And something tells me this might not be a temporary addiction. I really like how the craft has become a part of my life, filling those small moments of lost time. But even more than that, I love how knitting has become for me a way back into the practice of spiritual disciplines I’ve long neglected. Not only does knitting involve my mind and body, stretching my ability to learn challenging techniques or move my fingers in nimbler ways — knitting draws my heart and faith into life.

You may know that the past year or two has been a bit difficult spiritually for me. When I signed up for this class, I never expected knitting to become a way back into the habits of faith that so nourish my soul. But it has. And I am grateful. So when you see me knitting at home, at the bus stop, in lectures, in your apartments… then know that I am enjoying a craft that links communion and community together.

So, does anyone want to learn?

from Indianapolis

So I’m in Indianapolis for the Lilly PTEV (programs for theological exploration of vocation) conference. Great people (I’ve met students from Goshen, Messiah, Dordt, Alma, Austin, etc), great conversations.

Coolest thing about this conference? The OpenSpace way it is run: we decide what, when, and how we want to talk about stuff. The only guiding question: What does the world need to know about your theological exploration of vocation?

I’ve gone to conversations like:
is thinking about vocation a luxury? What about those who can’t (injustice) or are unable (disability)?
how can we come together? Ecumenism rocks!