Those of you who are regular readers of the Lake Union Herald, or those of you who have read my boyhood stories in My Daddy Told Me So, know that I consider my family to be very special. We're a large family, and when we get together for family reunion every May, there can be as many as 155 of us.

My parents grounded all seven of us in our faith. It was the driving force in our lives, and church was the center around which everything else revolved. Church wasn't just an eleven o'clock appointment. Not only were we at church from Friday night to often times late into Saturday night with worship, and programs for youth, and musical concerts, we took church with us through the week.

As our family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and everyone began to spread out over the nation, we cherished special times when we would gather at the church again for Thanksgiving services and family reunions.

Today, we’re one more generation away from those fond and humble beginnings, and what we once knew and loved are only memories. Our family, though large, is still active and close, thanks to technology. We have our own website, and members of the family login to dialog and share what's on their hearts. Recently, I've been part of a discussion initiated by some of the younger members of our family, many of whom have only heard stories about our heritage in the little church on the hill in Germantown, Ohio.

The discussions have centered around church, the worship service, the Sabbath school programming, attendance and participation. Questions have been raised about some of our traditions and forms, and their value and meaning.

Many, while strong in faith, are not so strong in loyalty to custom or tradition, and question the legitimacy of things I find familiar and comfortable. Young and old alike are weighing in on the discussion. It has been challenging, exhilarating and inspiring. It's even stretched me to my own benefit.

It has included telling stories of how things used to be and how some things came to be. We've had opportunity to share those things that have had deep meaning and significance in our spiritual walk.

It has included the imagination to explore the possibilities of "what if." Along with the imaginations is a spirit of creativity and excitement about the possibilities. We have found our discussions to be very helpful and engaging, to the point that the family has asked that we come together at our next family reunion to have a series of talks from "Uncle Walt" from a biblical perspective about the issues raised. I am looking forward to it.

For the first time, I see evidence of a desire among this generation to make a commitment to forge new territory, as my parents did when they established the Dale Wright Memorial Church as a tribute to my oldest brother. It has spiritually revitalized our family, and we are eagerly anticipating the outcome.

It occurred to me that we would do justice to our members of the Lake Union family to provide an opportunity to experience what the Wright family has experienced. Well, I am wondering: Can we, as a very diverse Union family, have an honest, just, non-judgmental and calm discussion? Can we risk examining ourselves, while being open to listening to others? Do we dare allow expression to questions precipitated by a fresh, honest look at Scripture? I think the answer to all of the above questions is, "Yes."

Here’s what I would like to know from you: Would you be willing to join me in this conversation? Would you be willing to share your faith and those experiences that have helped you in your walk with Jesus? Would you be willing to listen, I mean really listen to the point of understanding, to others' experience and ideas?

What I am not looking for is a debate, or taking sides. I am not looking for hysterical, accusative screeching at one another or pulling away in defense of some cherished notion. I am not inviting our Union family, old and young, to a gripe session, but rather to a loving family forum.

If you would be willing to do that, we will present a full and open discussion of your thoughts in the Lake Union Herald, with a plan to process those things we should address and incorporate into the dynamic life of the church.

I am reminded of how the Seventh-day Adventist Church got its beginning. It was not a political process as many institutions are accustomed to today, but rather, it was a synergistic process of believers coming together under the direction of the Holy Spirit to pray over and affirm those things that were clearly in harmony with Scripture. I believe we can rediscover that process and it will help us move into the next phase of our preparation for the Lord’s return. Will you join me?

Walter L. Wright is the president of the Lake Union Conference.