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April-June, 2017

A Non-Traditional Ministry

by Rev. Larry Glenz, O.M.C.

It is true. I am an Ordained Ministerial Counselor (O.M.C.) from Pathways of Light since 2008. But what best defines my ministry?

My ministry seems to be a tapestry of people, places, and organizations that have weaved in and out of my life over these many years. Whoever or whatever showed up in my past was meant to be there as a lesson in learning ACIM-style forgiveness. Whatever or whoever shows up in my future will be there as the perfect forgiveness opportunity. But it is in the present moment – now - that I most need to stay connected to my Source.

My ministry requires that I let God put me wherever I can be of greatest service. I realize that I don’t have to search for it. I can be patient, knowing it will come. My next adventure as one of God’s teachers will reveal itself if I just stay aware of Holy Spirit’s presence and ask for His guidance.

As a volunteer assistant lacrosse coach to the Lynbrook Owls, I am in my 45th consecutive season with the same varsity team. My interaction with the kids is different from my years as the head coach. I can focus on the well-being of the players more and less upon the goal of winning. I try to keep them smiling. The difference in that focus changes the experience.

I serve as a local bartender on the Monday day shift. I get a regular crowd of retirees, usually golfers, who have strong opinions on politics, religion, race, and sexual orientation. It is a wonderful exercise in forgiveness to let go of my own views and judgments. It is a perfect opportunity to let go and laugh. Remembering the innocence of my brothers takes the awareness that “I do not know what anything is for.” I am reminded to ask myself, “Would I rather be right or happy?” If Holy Spirit wants me to contribute to the conversation, He will give me the words.

I do quite a bit of public speaking to high school and college students on the topic of heroin abuse awareness. I often talk separately to the parents. Having lost a beautiful son to the disease of drug addiction, I have a story that somehow touches the heart of those that hear it. I do not promote myself as a speaker or author but I always respond to any invitation to speak. I am comfortable speaking to either a large group of 1000 students or one on one with an individual family member who is suffering from having an addicted loved one.

Even my new obsession with the game of golf has become part of my ministry. After poking a little fun at golfers for the past 65 years of my life, I have now “caught the bug” and practice or play golf mostly every day for the past 10 months. I have renewed several old friendships and started valuable new ones all from my rides in a golf cart. A “golf cart ministry” seems to be right up my alley these days. What a pleasant way to do God’s work! Who would have figured?

I never thought I really wanted to be a minister. But I am one certainly and have gained the confidence that this is Holy Spirit’s plan. Perhaps this is a non-traditional way of being a minister. But I like it and I am grateful for it. It has helped me to heal while I follow Spirit’s plan to help others.

© 2017, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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