Ministry is Everywhere
The next person I met up with was my friend, Elisa. I have known Elisa for over a decade, and she is one of the most selfless and spiritual people I know. In fact, she is one of the key people in my life that influenced my decision to follow Christ. (That is a story for another day.) Elisa constantly bleeds spirituality.
We decided to go hiking, because outdoors is where she is meant to be. I can probably count on one hand how many conversations I have had with her indoors! Knowing Elisa and how personal and confidential our conversations can be, I decided to pull a key quote out from our time together, rather than a full Q&A session.
"Ministry is Everywhere."
There is a truth beyond church walls and into intentional community with one another. It weaves in and out of each relationship and throughout life itself.
For me, this is a difficult concept to grasp, by pure definition, primarily because I do not know exactly what I believe God is, and how this God weaves in and out of my life. Long story short, I was damaged in the end of my time working in ministry several years ago, and I have found so much more honesty and vulnerability outside of it. (As a whole. There are plenty of gems within it, too!)
So, the way I interpret this quote is I stretch the definition of "ministry" into that authentic vulnerability I mentioned, in a general sense. I do my best to practice meaningful and encouraging conversation, and be someone others can lean on. I could not care less about what God (or science) one believes in. Am I being good to this person? Am I listening? Are we taking the time to intentionally create conversation and community with one another? To me, this is real ministry. It may not be Biblical, but it is something I strongly believe in and strive to get better at every day.
I want to thank Elisa for the conversation and willingness to participate and trust my presentation of her and our time together would be in good light. Elisa, you have been one of my closest friends over the years, despite you being nearly impossible to track down! Haha. Thank you for listening and always looking for that intentional conversation and community. Until next time!