“In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.” ― Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin may not be the first person you would choose to quote in relation to any topic, but he was an active churchman and diligent researcher who often does not get the credit he deserves, especially from contemporary Christians.
From his extensive studies, Darwin observed two key processes that aided survival in changing times: collaboration and improvisation. Although we could apply both to our current situation of pandemic and social unrest, we find multiple examples in the history of the Christian faith to verify his conclusions.
First, collaboration (in the positive sense) means “the action of working with someone to produce or create something.” The greatest achievements in the history of the church have been the result of believers putting aside their differences and finding common cause. The monastic tradition is an early example, but we could also cite the building of schools, hospitals, and orphanages, as well as the birth of the modern missionary movement. These happened because of committed groups of people who responded to a common calling and came together to embody it. In the late modern era and today, the only reason that some denominations stay together is because of a common identity around service, education, healing, or missions. This does raise the question of whether a new wave of collaboration is needed. I think it is and we see it emerging in many different ways across denominational, racial, and social barriers.
Second, improvisation is “something that is created, spontaneously, without extensive preparation.” We could well argue that the accounts we read in the Book of Acts highlight spontaneous events that occurred under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. They were making it up as they went along.
I was part of a group at one point that sought to answer this question: ”How might we enable more seminary students to become social entrepreneurs?” Through interviews and observations, we discovered that improvisation was a common approach for those who were entrepreneurial in ministry and service. We even suggested that taking students to an improv comedy club might be an appropriate pedagogical exercise!
Part of being improvisational is the willingness to look foolish or to fail. Perhaps we need to give each other some grace and allow one another to fall flat on our faces sometimes, realizing this is the best way to find a path forward.
In turbulent times, let’s seek collaboration and encourage each other to improvise.
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