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Asking the Right Questions

Let’s take a moment to address, “Asking the Right Questions”. 

We have two objectives. 

  • Firstly, ask the right question. 

  • Secondly, being asked the right question.

We will soon receive ‘The Annual Report to Vestry, 2024’. Here, in our Diocese of British Columbia, “Vestry” means “the whole parish.” In the diocese where I was ordained, “Vestry” referred to what we know as “Parish Council.” 

The Annual Report has been created by a group of volunteers and three paid staff: Rector, Administrator, and Music Director. 

What are the questions we should be asking? In writing my report, I recognized three essential questions:
•    “What?”
•    “So What?”
•    “Now What?”

I thought back to ‘the interview process’ in my third parish. Possibly one of the most thorough interviews of my career! One of the questions I was asked related to ‘why there was an emphasis on the “Oak Tree” in the parking lot that must never be cut down.’ (A topic for a future date!)

•    “What?”
The 'what' is to consider the identity of the question. Who am I addressing? What is the situation I am addressing? With an Annual Report, we might review what happened, discerning the facts, and reflecting upon them.

•    “So What?”
The “so what” is the opportunity to interpret what happened, the ‘what is the real situation’? This is reflection time: reflecting within and then reflecting on the situation at hand. (Here, we may ask the ‘touchy-feely’ questions, questions that evoke our emotions.) We analyze the situation, taking time to examine.

•    “Now What?”
The “now what?’ is to move into “action mode.” For every situation, we need to see solutions. For every question there is an answer already formulated, perhaps as a suggestion, or possibility.

As we prepare for our Annual Vestry Meeting here at St. John’s, Duncan, we need to be prepared to ask questions. 

In my experience, usually when the “Chair” asks, “Are there any questions?” the responding silence is deafening. Hopefully, the reason for the deafening silence is not ‘even if I ask a question, nothing will change’; or ‘will I be even heard?’ 

Let’s be prepared to ask questions. 

Blessings for this week,
Archdeacon Brian+