It only took a couple of interviews before I refined my questions and fell into a workable pattern:
After introductions and my host telling me a bit about their community and ministry, I dive in with
what I have determined to be ‘the big question.’
What is Holy Spirit up to in this place?
Typically, the person {or people} across from me names the ministries that the congregation is
either currently engaged in or is moving towards.
What is Holy Spirit up to in this place?
I have already told you about the day I posed the question to an overwhelmed people; even in
the middle of their profound anxiety, they could name Spirit disrupting and challenging them
towards a goal they cannot see but know is awaiting them.
What is Holy Spirit up to in this place?
How might you respond if you feel like you are dying on the vine? If you are utterly befuddled by
the world and the culture? Might you be so bold as to declare, ‘I think Holy Spirit has taken a
vacation.’
As often as not, the folks along my path have indulged my odd visit with dutiful kindness.
Perhaps a bit cautious with my presence and my motives. Yet, willing to chat.
But today, my colleague discarded their mask. What followed was honest and tender. It was
pure privilege to hold their truth with them.
What is Holy Spirit up to in this place?
Binding us together in love!
Pastor Leah
