LE3 .A278 2014

2014

Janzen, Carol Anne

Acadia University

Doctor of Ministry

D.Min.

Ministry

Acadia Divinity College

Congregational life in mainline worshiping communities could be described as comfortable, as worship space is crafted in favoured architecture styles, with likeable decor, liturgies, and hymns. Particularly in Western culture, the thrust of church services is geared to thinking, not feeling or the participation of one’s senses. This paper explores engaging the sensate senses to create moments where barriers are dropped and people can open themselves to an encounter with God. The hope is that the encounter fosters a new way of living and precipitates transformation. Through five sensory events executed during worship, followed up by theological reflection circles, a congregation bears witness to the role that sense and reflection play in encountering thin space and the transformation of one’s perceived thoughts. One will notice that elements of surprise and actions of discomfort led to deeper struggle in meaning-making and reflection -- producing profound ‘Aha’ moments. The experience has left the congregation with a desire to participate in sensory events and reflection circles on a regular basis -- realizing that encountering God is a lifelong affair. Leaders who apply this work will focus on creating space wherein boundaries are broken and individuals or whole communities are presented with the uncomfortable so as to encounter the Holy.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:313