Lawler is director of the Walker Leadership Institute at Eden Seminary.
The “purple maze” — a term we use to describe areas where political and ideological perspectives are blurred, fragmented or polarized — presents a formidable challenge for social entrepreneurs and faith leaders. In a world that's becoming increasingly complex and divided, the ability to navigate this fog of uncertainty and conflict is crucial for leaders.
The purple maze is not entirely new. It represents the intersection of countless political and ideological perspectives, all clamoring for attention, representation and validation. An increasingly polarized society further complicates the landscape, often leaving individuals and communities feeling isolated or unheard.
In the face of these polarizations, social entrepreneurs and faith leaders bear the burden of bridging the gap, fostering understanding and promoting unity. These leaders are tasked with the monumental effort of understanding the nuanced perspectives within the purple maze and effectively communicating and leading within this ambiguous terrain.
As we approach the 2024 election season, the role of religious leadership in guiding congregations through this politically charged time becomes increasingly important. Recognizing this, the Walker Leadership Institute is assembling a national praxis cohort in partnership with Bridge Alliance. The theme of this cohort, “Facing the Storm: Religious Leadership in Purple Congregations in the 2024 Election Season,” underscores our commitment to equipping leaders for this challenge.
This praxis cohort is not only a response to the current societal condition but also a proactive measure to equip religious leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to face the storm. By gathering a diverse group of individuals, we aim to foster a learning environment that encourages dialogue, understanding, and mutual growth.
The purpose of this cohort is manifold. It seeks to provide participants with a deeper understanding of their congregations' political and ideological complexities. It also aims to cultivate effective communication strategies, foster unity within diversity, and promote constructive civic engagement. Above all, it seeks to prepare leaders to navigate the purple maze, turning it from a daunting challenge into a platform for growth and transformation.
As co-leaders of this initiative, we understand the importance of this task and the potential impact it can have on congregations nationwide. We believe in the power of collective learning and the transformative potential within the purple maze. We hope that, through this praxis cohort, we can equip religious leaders to face the storm of the 2024 election season with confidence, wisdom and grace.
The task of social entrepreneurs and faith leaders to navigate the purple maze is both challenging and vital. It requires discernment, courage and a commitment to unity in the face of division. As we prepare for the 2024 election season, we believe that initiatives like our national praxis cohort are essential in equipping leaders to face these challenges head-on. Ultimately, through these efforts, we hope to transform the purple maze from a daunting obstacle into a catalyst for unity, understanding and positive change. For more information email slawler@eden.edu.
U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) 