Lisa Gwock, Minister of Discipleship

As an Ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church, I am called to connect the church with the world, with the needy, neglected, and marginalized. My work since answering the call to ordained ministry has been serving in the local church, focused primarily on education and discipleship. With all the responsibilities associated with my position at the church, I have had little time to work in ministries related to social justice.  For some time, I have felt a call to spend dedicated time exploring issues related to social justice.  

After much prayer, and in consultation with Staff Parish and the Senior Pastor, I have decided to explore this call by requesting a leave of absence from my position as the Minister of Discipleship at Belmont UMC. I also requested that the Bishop appoint me to a yearlong sabbatical so I can study and immerse myself in ministries of social justice particularly in the Nashville area. The sabbatical study will be a balance of learning, experience, and reflection both theological and spiritual. It will begin on or around my sixth anniversary, June 15, 2011.

During my sabbatical, I have requested that my primary appointment be at Scarritt-Bennett Center as Deacon for Justice with my secondary appointment at Belmont UMC.  I will be available to share what I am learning during my sabbatical with small groups at their invitation. I will participate in worship and other programs and activities at the church only if invited; otherwise, my presence will be minimal.  I plan to spend most Sundays worshipping at various churches in the Nashville area, both United Methodist and other denominations, and learning about their relationship with justice ministries.  

This has not been an easy decision, but it is one I feel God has led me to make.   I have asked to take this yearlong leave of absence realizing that there is no guarantee that there will be a position that will fit both my calling and the church’s needs at the end of my sabbatical.  I do not know where this time of exploration will lead me in my sense of calling to ministry.  It could lead me to an entirely new focus in my calling or back into the local church where I can share my newly acquired knowledge and understanding of social justice ministry as I seek to connect the church to the world.    

It seems fitting that the sabbatical coincides with my fiftieth year. The hope is this Jubilee year will be a time of renewal and I will be reenergized to live out my call to serve God and the church in whatever form that may lead to after the sabbatical year immersion.