MINISTRY OF HANGING OUT

Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.”
John 21:12

A lot of people ask me what I do in Honduras, to which I respond with my spiel about my ministries and usually top off with, “and a lot of ministry of hanging out”. I then get that “what the heck does that even mean?” look. So, as a response to that look, I decided I was going to put this page up to explain, and to put up some pictures of fun ministry of hanging out moments.

**Note: I use “we” because there are a few others who are totally active in this ministry with me, here in Honduras, and now in other parts of the world

MINISTRY OF HANGING OUT (Click this for a previous blog entry about hanging out moments)
“Nothing planned, nothing organized, nothing stressful – but simply being brought into the presence of God by those around you. THAT is community. THAT is the ministry of hanging out”

Now, if you reflect on the Bible verse mentioned above in context you can get a cool idea of what hanging out is all about. The reading describes one of the times the Lord reveals Himself to His disciples after He is risen. The disciples are out fishing and they haven’t caught anything, and Jesus tells them to cast out the net on the other side of the boat. They then have way more fish than they can handle. Then, “When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” (v9-10) Then He tells them to come eat breakfast.

These verses speak hanging out to me. Here is why –

I don’t know about you, but when I read these verses my Filipino culture starts to take control of my thinking. I mean, we are totally all about food. You come to a Filipino person’s house you are gonna end up eating without a doubt. I read this verse and I think to myself, wow, the Lord was really just trying to hang out and barbecue some fish with his disciples. He’s not telling them to cook their fish and be on their way, or telling them to take their fish homes, He’s like, “Hey come on, bring your fish over, we’re gonna cook! Let’s eat breakfast!” and He’s even got the fire pit ready to go!

WHY HANG OUT?

I’m sure you can think of moments in your life when you didn’t feel like doing anything or being involved with anything or anyone…and all of a sudden a friend shows up or calls out of nowhere and is like, “Hey! Let’s hang out!” and that seemingly changes everything? Hanging out has changed people’s lives. I speak from experience. As broken people, it is difficult for us to lift ourselves up when we are down, to get on our knees and pray, or to attend a prayer meeting or mass even when we are being invited. But when God arrives at your doorstep in the form of a misionary of love, aka a brother or sister in Christ, whether you realize it or not, you are being brought into God’s presence, and He is speaking to you through them.

HOW ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO DO THIS?
When we hang out, it’s an anything goes kind of thing. No planning, no stressing out, and most importantly – no time checking. This isn’t a “I’m going to give you 30 minutes of my time” kind of hanging out. This is more of a “let’s meet up at 3 until whatever” kind of hanging out. Granted, if someone’s gotta go, they’ve gotta go, but we’ve really learned to let the Spirit lead and tell us whether to stay or go. Walking out on people while they’re pouring out their hearts usually isn’t a good vibe when hanging out.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO THIS?
Well….LOVE(Remember, GOD is LOVE). That’s basically it. If you’re a missionary of love, and a minister of hanging out, that’s really all you need.

WHERE CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THIS MINISTRY?
Honduras has given me a lot of hanging out moments in people’s living rooms drinking coffee, in Casa Guadalupe’s soccer court and library, Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger King, the local pulperias, and kitchen counter tops for jam sessions. You can be a part of this ministry anywhere, with anyone, and at anytime. Be open to the Holy Spirit, who He brings you to, when He does it, and whever He chooses to. Just try it.

AWESOME HANGING OUT MOMENTS