Unity in Diversity: Our Shared Ministries

Ponderings of the Spiritual Life Director

Ministry is no longer an act provided only by those who are ordained or called to serve. Ministry happens wherever individuals embrace the belief that their good works, their volunteerism, their acts, can help serve the mission and vision of their congregation.– UUA.org/What is Your Ministry?

Perhaps you have heard me mention the term “shared ministry” in a sermon or have noticed that we used it to title our next Town Hall meeting. In an exploration of how we unite in diversity, we should be curious about the different ways in which our personal ministries can contribute to the larger mission and vision of our church community and open us up to new and exciting possibilities! Shared ministry is a vital component to congregational life and is rooted in the Christian notion of the “priesthood of all believers”. In the First Letter of Peter, believers are charged to “Come to him, to that living stone….and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood.”

Together, we create the holy. Our 7th UU Principle calls us to respect the interdependent web of existence (our spiritual house) of which we are all a part. It calls us away from a rugged individualism and into beloved community, where we can realize human potential together. But first, we must identify our own callings, our individual ministries. So, we must ask ourselves these questions- and I ask that you do before Sunday so that you can come to our Town Hall meeting with a knowing of what it is you yearn to do in this world.

1. What am I good at?

2. What do I like to do?

3. What needs to be done?

In our small church community, there is much work to be done. Some of you will find that your work is in feeding, supporting, and sustaining the community. Meanwhile, some of you- fueled by the sustainers- will find your work outside of our walls as change-makers. Your successes will then inspire the sustainers to keep up their good work of supporting the community. And the circle continues… and together we grow and create the world as we want it to be.

I invite you to find your calling and share it with us. It is in our diversity that we are strong in our unity.