Carolyn Brock holds an example of a religious symbol. photo by Tammy Lindle

International Team Studies Temple as Life-Giving Symbol

Temple Team International (TTI) formed to explore, challenge, question, and further the idea of the “Temple as Life-Giving Symbol.”

Throughout a recent weekend in Independence, Missouri, the twenty-seven members representing fourteen countries not only discussed, but experienced the Temple as symbol through worship and workshops. Members of the Temple Strategy Team also came.

When the TTI members left, they carried the challenge to serve as ambassadors and share in their homes.
In preparation for the event, they joined in small-group discussion via the Internet. They explored discipleship and grace, while discerning further what “Temple as Life-Giving Symbol” means within each person’s culture.

The dialogue helped build trust and understanding for the event in Independence. “I appreciated the opportunity to mix with other members of the team and get to know them better,” one member said. “It gave me a new appreciation for the ministry given in so many other places and the diversity that is needed.”
Key moments focused on the inner journey of shalom. Members symbolically walked the inner path of peace through the Worshiper’s Path, and they shared in reconciliation through a Native American healing-tears ritual. Finally, closing worship prepared members for the outward path of sharing peace with others. Team members also joined in the Daily Prayer for Peace.

In addition, they explored why symbols are important to one’s spiritual life and faith journey. Facilitator Carolyn Brock said people yearn to connect, understand, and express themselves with the divine. One way we do this is through symbols.

They point us to what matters most, but they cannot be greater than the truth to which they point. The Temple, as symbol, points us to the divine. It helps us connect through ideas we can understand while trying to wrap our minds and hearts around a God so vast we never will understand fully.

Also at the event, Don Compier, dean of Community of Christ Seminary, discussed the cross. Though it’s the most-recognized symbol of Christianity, it holds different meanings to Christians around the globe. Team members brought crosses with special meaning and shared those significant symbols.

The Temple is among many symbols our church finds rich in meaning, though that meaning may vary from person to person while pointing to the foundation of God. As one TTI member said, the Temple “has many meanings that are actualized at different times.”

Members said that in many of their cultures, the Temple carries an intensely important message of “peace in the midst of struggle in the world.” Another member said, “the Temple as symbol is the peace of Jesus Christ.”

Two core areas of peace building discussed were reconciliation and healing to help congregations and individuals.

Leaders noted that the Temple’s symbolism removes the limitations of beams and brick. It allows the meaning behind the building to breathe and flow throughout the church around the globe. This symbol can help us connect with God in different ways.

Temple Team International is one ministry evolving as the church discerns the promptings of the Holy Spirit for our faith community.

—Kelsey Welch reporting