Emmaus

This past week I began a new journey. On Tuesday, my colleague and co-pastor here at church and I, went to meet with the retired pastor who has agreed to serve as our mentor/guide, as we begin our ministry team relationship. I was able to secure a grant through our denomination to cover many of the related expenses of this, and it was with real excitement that we drove down to meet with her. She will serve as a spiritual director of sorts, helping us to pray and keep our eyes on Christ. She will ask us the right questions and prod us with the right comments, to ensure that we are doing ministry together in practical ways that make sense and are efficient. And she will challenge us to continue to push forward and move on, as we seek to follow God's will in this local congregation, in our denomination, and in our world.

The idea of mentor/guide is one that has always been deeply intriguing to me. Having someone who will commit to walk alongside you, reveal their understandings and experiences, and yet listen and repect your vision and interpretations, all the while doing so in a way designed to help you move further along, is a concept that fits so perfectly in our faith context. It's probably why Barnabas is my favorite character in the scriptures. The role he plays in the life and ministry of Paul is so crucial to Paul's own development. A mentor/guide must be confident, and yet humble enough to put the "other" first. A mentor hopes and prays that the one he/she mentors will do greater things, and be greater than the mentor themself. I have always hoped that as I grew older, I too could play the role of Barnabas to others. That continues to be my own personal prayer.

As the disciples walked the road to Emmaus in Luke 24 following Christ's death and resurrection, they were joined alongside by one who walked with them, and opened their eyes. As they walked, they saw Christ. I am truly thankful for this new companion/mentor/guide who has come alongside me (us), and will help to open my (our) eyes, and will walk with me (us). For as we walk, I know that I too, will see Christ.

Who walks alongside you?

Who can you walk alongside of?