It was just a month until I would start seminary, and I was heading off to a candidacy retreat with members of my synod and other candidates for ministry. The retreat was being held at the same place my entrance interview took place. Pulling up to the grounds after a few months away was interesting because I saw the whole place with fresh eyes. The trees were vivid green in the late summer sunshine, and the nervousness I had felt on my first visit to the retreat center was gone.

The friendly staff and beautiful art greeted me once again, and I quickly joined the group of candidates for a weekend of spiritual refreshment and learning. A speaker from the Kansas Leadership Center ran workshops for us, which had great information about how to encourage leadership in those around you.

During my weekend I reconnected with one of the candidates whom I had met during my interview back in April. She shared about her experiences in her congregation and teaching confirmation to a group of young boys. As we talked, I realized I had the perfect comic book devotional and workbook back at my house. It sounded like something that would connect with the boys in her group. So, I called my husband and asked him to bring it when he picked me up.

Reflecting on this now, I realized this experience was a sign to my husband and I about how we can work together in ministry to those around us.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12: 6-8