The Ministry of Wayfinding

It's been a month since I've been re-licensed in the Church of the Brethren.

And all I can say is that it is different this time around.

For the first 12 years that I was licensed, it just felt like something I had to do since I was in pastoral ministry. Yet this time around, there's a sense of heightened accountability that I didn't have during the previous years. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I had some wilderness time away to better clarify that call. Maybe it's because I now have a family who shares that affirmation. One thing is for sure though, I have the affirmation of my ministry today in a way that I didn't prior. I'm involved in Outdoor Ministry/Education in ways that expand beyond just my local context.

This licensing is a reminder that I am called to be 'coyote' to the church. Though many may not understand what that means entirely it has been the best way I know to relate to the church. There has also been a few (so called mystical) moments that have occurred in the span of me being re-licensed. And language that once inflated the ego now somehow is helping me gain a better sense of just what 'coyote' ministry to the CoB will be. At my licensing service, one of my supporters shared how coyote also has come to mean one who is a 'wayfinder' for others.

Maybe that's a better description of my calling to the church.
A wayfinder.

P.S. As part of my sense of accountability, I plan to blog more frequently as well. I find that this medium has helped me piece together my best thoughts/ideas/vision for integrating nature connection and spirituality so I hope to be more regular in that regard. In the meantime, get outside and connect!