Ministry of Disarming Spaces
As an outdoor ministry and recreation professional, I’m trying to figure out how to better articulate the ‘value’ of what we can help contribute to the ministry sphere or to organizations. Building upon my ‘teams’ reflection about being deeply impacted by the division, violence, and hostility of my parents’ divorce, I believe it has influenced me to become someone who feels particularly safe in and hopeful for environments that disarm people.
Because I grew up witnessing verbal and physical altercations between family members, I can’t help but think it made me better at identifying or facilitating environments that seem to quickly de-escalate tension and help people let down their guards. For me those places were typically found in nature or play based settings. I loved being in spaces like hiking trails or collaborative team-based arenas that seemed effective at helping people lower walls and move towards connection, camaraderie, and unity. Something that would have been beautiful to see more of between my mom and dad in their marriage.
My outdoor ministry training and development helped me better articulate how experiences in nature and play can help individuals (including adults) into a child-like posture effectively and quickly. Don’t people feel disarmed when they are tossing a ball to another on a grass field together? Or sharing a giddy moment on a rollercoaster drop that makes everyone scream in fearful delight… I think most people would feel disarmed around child-like laughter no matter the age right? Quote research on outdoor recreation benefits
I’m not saying you can throw anybody into a local playground, baseball field, or hiking trail and assume they will immediately feel disarmed. However, I do feel like there is some kind of impact when surrounded by towering mountains that might help us feel ‘small’ around each other. Or engaging in activities that encourage appropriate yet close human contact (e.g. high fives) that can chip away at the walls we construct between us and strangers. I should probably include food but I think many others can spell out the power of meals better than I could. Nonetheless, I believe such disarming spaces can create prime conditions for authentic human connection when not abused, whether people decide to build upon these relational opportunities or not.
Thus, I believe such a ministry of disarming spaces could only be supported or integrated well at a church like Citizens LA, where I am so grateful how the community is being formed as ‘disarming’ people. I love the core values for Citizens Church and especially the ‘people first’ value that centers on humble curiosity. I regularly hear Pastor Jason preach something along the lines of how statements draw lines while questions draw people in.
As a church that strives to become a people who are more accepting, hospitable, and missional, I am so grateful to be part of this LA-based community personally and professionally. In the small or significant ways that I am called to help steward the ministry, I hope I can continue to become someone that embodies the hospitality, grace, and love that Christ displays for anyone He meets along his journey. And I will always yearn for the outdoor, play-based, or missional spaces that I believe can help disarm our hearts into a more open, collaborative, and loving posture.
