Christy McKerney shares the story of a woman who was called to a different form of ministry.  Deborah Little-Wyman had a busy career as a communications professional when a street person diverted her attention:  “I was stopped at a stoplight, and I think I was dictating into a tape recorder and making notes on my lap … and I just happened to look over on the steps of an apartment building beside the car. And there was this woman there who I’m sure I described at the time as a bag lady with her bags around her. I had this instant desire -- it just happened so quickly – just a whole-hearted desire to have a life in which I could go and sit down next to that lady and stay with her until she got whatever she felt she needed.” 

Her call unfolded – with resistance from Little-Wyman – over the next six years.  Eventually, she attended seminary and was ordained.  But, rather than seeking a position with a congregation, Little-Wyman gravitated toward a ministry with and among homeless folks.  God nudged her to “take the church to the streets.” 

There was no romantic notion at work, just a call from God.  In fact, Little-Wyman was hesitant and somewhat afraid to follow through.  Sometimes, though, God doesn’t take “no” for an answer.  From a communion service celebrated on Easter Sunday 1996 at Boston Common – which Little-Wyman assumed was a one-time occurrence – sprang Eccleisa Ministries and Common Cathedral.  Worship is held there each Sunday.  

Little-Wyman’s personal ministry expanded to the point that she travels the country to offer guidance and insight to those wishing to establish street ministries.  She senses that her purpose is “to help people in traditional churches make connections with people who are living outside, who are the people in my tradition, and in a lot of others, we’re called to draw close to in order to know God.” 

The example of Rev. Dr. Deborah Little-Wyman caused me to reflect on how we in the church sometimes try to keep Jesus right there with us – in the church.  Others can come and join us, if they want, if they conform, if they see things our way. 

All the while I have this feeling that Jesus is standing at the door, holding it open, pointing the other way as he looks back over his shoulder at us while we practice our learned behaviors or pose in our Sunday best, and saying  “If you’re looking for me, I’ll be out there.”