A nonanxious presence

Anxiety is woven into the fabric of daily life. Whether it's concern about international tensions, or worry about the next paycheck, or dread of the results from the doctor's tests, anxiety is never far from the door. So when, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus counsels his followers, "Do not be anxious," he lifts up a standard that is possible only with the help of his Spirit.

Author and church consultant Peter L. Steinke indicates, though, that in leadership situations, it is important that one put forth a "nonanxious presence." “The capacity to self-manage is sometimes referred to as being a ‘nonanxious presence.’.. The nonanxious presence is a description of how a person works to keep the center of control within oneself and as a way to affect relationships in a positive manner.” [Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times, The Alban Institute, 2006] Steinke was thinking specifically of the role of a leader in a situation of conflict in a Christian congregation. But it seems to me, something similar can be said in regard to our efforts to reach out to others who are not committed to Christian faith. Our witness is not to be aggressive, argumentative or over-bearing. Rather, it arises from that "peace which passes all understanding," namely, the non-anxiety that is based on our growing sense of wholeness in Christ.