Ministers are privileged to see many things as we look out over the congregation during worship. As we observe, we may note differences from what we have come to expect. We see a lot, but at the same time, there is a lot that we cannot see and cannot imagine. It’s the unseen and unexpected that is the stuff of ministry.
These surprises are sometimes found in the secrets people carry—when someone says, “I have never told this to anyone.” The minister must be prepared to welcome what comes next—not to deny, doubt, diminish, or fear what is going to be said. Some secrets are kept until the person cannot carry them anymore. Others are kept until the secret-bearer finally has found someone he or she thinks will be able to hear the secret.
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