Liberal* Minstry

*And by liberal... I do not mean radical left wingism* But I thought it might catch your eye.

I was trying to get a word that grasped the breadth of the matter. Synonyms for liberal actually include lavish and generous (I know right? How on earth did liberals get so far from their own definition? Everyone can do their own thing... except Christians. "Oh wait... you can't talk about God... and you can't talk to him either") AHEM. *Sorry*

Politics aside. I titled my post in such a way because I am learning that the diameter of ministry practically stretches from east to west. Monday I attended a meeting entitled "Task Force on Ministry to the Poor in our Neighborhood" You think the title's a mouthful? You should have been at the meeting! Anyway, the main speaker was a lady from Open Doors which kind of reminds me of Guiding Light (even though I really don't know the details of Guiding Light). Open Doors targets the homeless and disenfranchised so to speak. They have clothing, financial counseling, a place for healthcare, housing and other referral services. You've probably all met similar minstries.

But what struck me was when the lady speaking said "When I was in seminary, I never thought I'd be a landlord" Here she is managing about nine small houses worrying about plumbing and other random housekeeping things. A lot of us are headed toward seminary... but that is only the tip of our adventures. There is such a rich and varied life ahead of us. Prepare to be amazed!

Today we closed on the estate for C., JoVeta's friend who died last year. On the way, she said... this is ministry too. As far as it seems from ministry, it is also a part of my ministry. I've told a couple people that one of my goals is to be the best neighbor possible. I also want to be the best friend, the best mother (even if I don't get married) and the best nurse that I can be. I am pretty sure that I am not going to be a pastor, but I want to be a minister to as many people as possible. Neighborhoods are great places to make relationships, because you're around the same people. See someone regularly? Try and make a trusting relationship with them... and sometime check on their soul state. Throw out some of Ren's questions... or your own to get them talking. Everyone likes to talk about themsevles. Then plant the gospel in whatever way you can - even if it's just. I believe in Jesus Christ who died and rose again so that I could be saved. :)

As a result of that meeting, I now appear to be spearheading the "Bench Ministry"* We have locked gates around the church because otherwise everyone would come in and use the bathroom... so to be more friendly there are benches right outside the gates in the front of the church. LOTS of people lounge out there. The easiest way to minister to them is to go out and talk to them! But as we can't even get the deacons to pray with members in hospice (too scary!), JoVeta didn't even want to bring up the suggestion. However, I thought it was a great idea, and we both realized that I'm more gungho about this idea because I'm "young" and used to charging into relationships (haha). I also have a good knowledge of mental illness and won't be too alarmed by people exhibiting strange behavior. I'll know when to get out. Of course, I'm not dumb enough to do this on my own, nor would JoVeta let me, but who am I to get to join me when there are no other people my age?

The unsuspecting ADOLESCENT of course. I am currently stalking and ready to pounce... (uh you might have spent too much time in Africa Katie). My plan is to do a crash prep course on what to expect, what to say, what to do, what NOT to do... and then spend a couple of afternoons with some senior high out on the benches. Sounds like fun right? I'm PUMPED... ew did I just say that? I serverely dislike that word. I'M EXCITINATED!

*Note - we joked seriously on how this is not a ministry to the benches. We figured the benches would be very bored by our message. End note.