Liminality

Seminary is great for learning theological jargon. Some of the words give us power to describe importatnt parts of the human experience before God.

One word I've often used since seminary is "liminal." Liminal means "in betwixt and in between." It means not being in one category or exactly in another. Moses was a liminal figure--he was neither fully Hebrew nor fully Egyptian. He lived at the borders between one culture and another. Even his name was both Hebrew and Egyptian. In an often overlooked detail, the Bible tells us that Moses's tent was set up on the edge of the Hebrew camp.

I've often felt me self on the edge of the camp, neither one place nor another. I'm neither a Yankee nor a true Southerner. I grew up in Pentecostalism yet I'm spending my life as a committed and enthusiastic United Methodist. Much of the fruitfulness of ministry comes from liminality, because we speak as both a member of a community and yet as one who comes from outside.

I'm in a time of tremendous liminality. I've learned that I'm about to be the pastor of a new community, Millbrook First UMC. And yet, I'm still going to work everyday and doing ministry at Montgomery First UMC. I've been dreaming for the future of ministry at one place for four years and I've put all my heart and soul into making those dreams a reality. Now my dreams have moved eight miles north to a place I've yet to visit and a people I've yet to meet.

My conversations are all about transition--gratitude for a people who have loved me, believed in me, welcomed and nurtured my children, and compelled me to grow into the person I've become. The grace I'm receiving right now is beyond description. My cup overflows.

And yet, my work at my current church is all about preparing the way for those who will follow me. It's about remembering and expressing gratitude. Much of it will center on looking backwards. I'm grieving the loss of my connection to my clergy and staff colleagues even as we work together each day.

There is a fruitfulness that comes from times like these, and I'm looking forward to seeing what it will be. Part of it will be naming and telling the story of the great things God has done in the life I have shared with the good people I've been blessed to serve. Part of it is found in the foundation that will be laid for future ministry.

I'm an impatient person. Once I know where I will be and what I am doing, I want to get there and do it. I suppose that's part of the reason that when I figured out I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Shawna I married her a month later. Though I'm restless right now, I'm also grateful. I'm grateful for anticipation, and for remembrance. I'm grateful for a people who have loved me and received my love, and I'm grateful for a people who I will love and who will love me.

For my Montgomery friends--I'll be just a few miles away. It will be strange to go from being your pastor to being friends in a different way. So I'm also grateful for this time to appreciate you and enjoy being your pastor for just a little while longer.