God is pretty awesome sometimes. One of my passions incorporated into my call is mission. However, one of the first words out of Rev. Carolyn's mouth was describing that the missions of their church were "relational" - meeting the basic needs of people such as hunger or a longing for a community, then building upon that to meet their needs spiritually as the church guides them in rebuilding their lives.
As she led me on into their sanctuary I met two young adults that were waiting for the youth to arrive for that Sunday night's youth program. At 2:00 on the Sunday afternoon, the church was a buzz with members, leaders, and staff running small groups. Then, Rev. Carolyn brought me up to a banner that hung on the wall. A red pin sat in the middle of it with the words "You Are Here" surrounded by a variety of handwritten notes. I couldn't tell at first what each said, but as I got close Rev. Carolyn began to read them aloud, carefully pointing to each one. They were testimonies - former alcoholics, drug addicts, and more who had come to find Christ and community within the doors of this church.
Talk about being the living Church of Christ. I carefully read each one and saw the ways lives had been transformed. Rev. Carolyn continued to share peoples' stories of transformation as we entered the place where they did their food pantry. As she described their local mission work further, she said something I still find so profound.
"For many of these people we are their family. We are the ones who must help take care of them and support them."
I'm not going to lie and tell you that I almost wept right there standing in the middle of the room. If I've ever had a more profound moment of witnessing within a church all that I hope to one day see in the churches I serve as an Elder - THIS was it. A faith community that took care of its members and those beyond the walls. If I had to put what are my passions regarding my call into physical form, I was standing in the middle of it. Small groups - honing in on technology to create a satellite version of your church to people with disabilities downtown - relational mission programs - being the hands and feet of Christ.
Then Rev. Carolyn and I went into her office and discussed one passion that might be dearest to my heart - women leadership within the church. We discussed the unique gifts that women bring to ordained ministry. What ways we can support each other - and SO much more. My heart was soaring, my soul was uplifted, and I still wanted to weep. I held them back though because I wasn't sure how Rev. Carolyn would react if the young woman in front of her just burst into uncontrollable tears. Tears of joy of course.
I was inspired as I left Mosaic that day. Not only regarding my paper, but regarding my own ministry call. This is what church looks like - taking care of each other by meeting both basic needs of people, building those relationships, and adding to them spiritually. It is about being intentional in your mission work. It is about being a community of faith - a family of faith.
This Church Mouse still wants to weep.
