Leading in the Age of Collapse
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18)
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This week, as I prepare to speak to a group on Leading in the Age of Collapse, I find myself grappling with the weight of the times we are living in. On January 6, we in the US remembered the trauma of certifying electoral results four years ago. The president led an insurrection against the nation. Now, that same president and his new administration are again set to take power. For many of us, this doesn’t feel like the beginning of something new. It feels like we are witnessing the fraying edges of something old.
Historians and sociologists remind us that civilizations rise and fall. They are born in bursts of creativity and vision—building cities, art, and systems of governance—and they decline in cycles of greed, inequality, and infighting. Science teaches us that everything moves toward entropy, from order to disorder, and societies are no exception.
It’s tempting to look at this reality and feel only despair. But perhaps the more important question is not whether we are in decline but how do we choose to lead in this moment? Will we be people who give in to cynicism and fear, or will we be people who plant seeds for a better future—even if we never see the harvest?
The prophet Micah’s words echo across time: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). This is not a call to fix the world overnight. It’s a call to live with integrity in the face of uncertainty, to resist apathy and greed, and to keep showing up for one another.
We cannot stop the forces of history, but we can shape the character of our response. The ruins of past civilizations remind us not only of what was lost but also of the values that endured—values of courage, compassion, and care for the vulnerable. What we build now may not last forever, but it can leave a legacy of hope and resilience for those who come after us.
So, as we stand at this crossroads, let us ask ourselves: How will we lead? Will we be builders, healers, and truth-tellers? Will we be people who tend the earth, care for the poor, and refuse to turn a blind eye to injustice?
We may not be able to stop the tides of history, but we can face them with courage. And in doing so, we may find that even in the midst of collapse, something new is already being born.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
How does it feel to think of our time as part of the larger cycle of rise and decline
What values do you want to guide your decisions in the coming months and years
How can you plant seeds for a better future, even in the face of uncertainty?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Vision and Courage
God of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,
We stand at the edge of change,
Feeling the weight of the moment and the pull of history.
Remind us that You are present,
Even in times of unraveling.
Give us vision to see what is possible,
Courage to act with justice,
And faith to trust that goodness will endure.
May we be people of hope—
Planting seeds we may never see grow,
Loving boldly in a time of fear,
And choosing to walk humbly with You.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Naming Your Values
Today, take time to reflect on the values that guide you.
Find a quiet space and write down the values you most want to embody—justice, compassion, integrity, generosity, hope. Choose one and consider how you can live it out in small, concrete ways each day.
Next, reflect on how these values shape the legacy you want to leave behind. Write a letter to your future self—or to a child, grandchild, or young person in your life—describing the world you hope to build. What do you want them to know about who you were and what you stood for?
Let this practice ground you in purpose and remind you that even in uncertain times, your choices matter. May they ripple outward, shaping a more just and loving world.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
January 9, 2025, 12pm ET - What Does the TikTok Ban Mean for Churches, Faith Leaders, and Digital Ministry? Register here.
January 12, 2025, 3-4:30pm ET - Join me for a FREE conversation on “Progressive Islam – Universal Values vs. the Politics of Human Rights – What’s the Difference Between a Progressive Muslim and Other Muslims?” with Ani Zonneveld. Register here.
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
February 11, 2025 - Diana Butler Bass and I will be geeking out together in an online event about the state of the world (post-inauguration). We are still putting the details together. For now, mark your calendars.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.
August 11, 2025, 2pm ET - Dr. Andrew Root and I will be hosting a 6 part series on Spirituality in the Secular Age based on his research. The dates are August 11, 18, September 8, 15, and October 6, 13. Mark your calendars! More on this soon.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Mark your calendars for now. More info is coming.
Recently, I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.