I actually did this interview a month ago, but forgot to upload it, oops. I really enjoyed my time with Leslie from Northeast. I have wanted to talk ministry with her for awhile and I finally got that chance at the beginning of this month. I really wanted her to answer five questions: (1) How does a ministry take their pulse on outreach?, (2) In terms of leadership, formal or informal, how does an individual find balance between what they feel "called" to do, what they enjoy doing, and what seems to be the most pressing need of the ministry?, (3) What were her views on women's role in the church, particularly of men's authority over women?, (4) What were her thoughts about close guy/girl, platonic, friendships?, (5) What are a few rare, but extremely important qualities of a great friend?.
(1) Leslie told me she struggles with the balance between being inward-focused as a community and making outreach a priority. She said she did know outreach has to be a lifestyle deal where everyone in the community is living in such a way that they take the opportunities God gives them to minister to those outside the church in whatever way he wants, that includes MAKING time to do just that. She also said that God often works much slower than we try to. We try to rush this deal especially when we get discouraged and feel stressed to make something out of situations and relationships God may not be working in. It starts and continues with going to God to ask him who he wants us to minister too and creating a relationship with him that we can extend to others.
(2) Leslie told me the story of Kurt really wanting to do youth ministry at the church they were at before, but never getting the chance. However, one of the first things Ronnie asked him when they discussed starting Northeast was if he wanted to do children's ministry. ..and oh man what a great job he has done. So basically she answered wait on God and he will put you in the right place, but be faithful with whatever he gives you along the way.
(3) She told me she has had to take selfish ambition completely out of the picture. Additionally, she has had to respect the positions of leadership within the church and whatever God leads them to decide on any issue including women speaking in the church even though she enjoys public speaking and if she ever got the chance would love to speak. She ended with saying that women can do a lot in the kingdom, especially when it comes to the important things like teaching the word, discipling, and the like so why fight over a few specifics?
(4) She thought this was an interesting question and admittedly told me she had two close guy friends in college, but liked both of them beyond friendship. It's a tricky situation for sure.
3 comments:
What happened to question 5? I definitely second her on the waiting on God and he'll put you in the kind of leadership role you are looking for when you are ready. As the man in Jesus' parable said, "'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'"
how is your survey research class going? my professor is talking about people doing studies of swingers clubs.
Uh oh, one of the questions is blank. Did she run out of time, or did you lose her answer sheet?
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