During lunch with a leader in our congregation this week it was brought to my attention that there was a concern that I would be overshadowed by the Senior Pastor. (Stop Laughing). It wasn't saying anything bad about either of us it was more an acknowledgement that I am a very small soft spoken young lady and the senior pastor is a very tall man with a strong voice. And they do have validity in their concern. I do feel rather small when standing next to him and rather quiet when singing during service next to him. (He sings very loud; Wesley would be proud).
Still, regardless of the difference in physical size and vocal strength, I do not feel small working next to him. I imagine it would be hard to make me feel small. Fiona has this book about a cute baby dragon that keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger because no one in the family will believe that dragons are real...I always like to think of myself as the dragon. The smaller I am expected to be, the bigger I grow. It is obviously written by a feminist.
Upon arriving in a new ministry setting, I am used to being asked if I am a member of the youth group, being patted on the head and told I am cute, and hearing the most common remark that I am young enough to be their child or their grandchild. Maybe it should, but none of this offends me. I am 'cute' and little...and young enough to be their daughter or granddaughter. When I begin ministry at a new congregation it makes sense that they wouldn't know what to expect from me. That they would be wondering if, like a dragon, little cute young ministers exist.
So in the midst of this I am thinking perhaps I should make a warning sign (with pink glitter of course): "Beware of the Little Minister. She has Ninja skills."
In the Japanese culture, Ninjas are covert agents specializing in unorthodox arts of war. They are masters of disguise. I love the idea of all of us being Ninjas of Ministry. Surprising people with our gifts and graces. Who would ever think that this little girl who could be your granddaughter might just end up being the one who inspires you to grow in your faith with a sermon? Or sit beside you and hold your hand during a time of sadness? Or facilitate the change that will bring vitality and health to the Body of Christ?
The Holy Spirit works through all of us in mysterious ways. For some of us that means living as ministers in disguise. But regardless of our acknowledgment of the Spirit's ability to work in ninja ways, ignoring the possibilities of the unexpected only make the power of the unexpectedness get bigger and bigger. So, I guess what I am saying is that, no, although I worry about many things in my ministry, being overshadowed by anyone has never crossed my mind. In the Body of Christ there is a place for everyone, there is enough work to go around, there is a passion in all of us waiting to be lit...
