I just had the most simple of conversations with a church member. It was your run of the mill, “How are you doing?” “I’m doing well, thanks for calling” kind of conversation.

Ninety seconds later, I’m sitting here thinking of this simple phone call as sacred space. This particular phone conversation was really about cancer. I was checking in to see how chemotherapy is going.

I often find myself in awe of this call of mine. I do not believe I’m very good at the pastoral care required. My sister, a chaplain for children dying with cancer, is the best at it! I will never live up to that. I shouldn’t feel the need to.

But, I am allowed to enter into people’s lives in ways that are not afforded to just anyone. It is truly sacred space.

We’ve had a lot of cancer in our church recently and because of that most hideous of diseases, I have grown to better know people who had previously only been a “smile and nod” kind of relationship. Sacred space.

Better writers than I have put to words what this sacred space can mean for both the pastor and the church member. I do not presume to be shedding light on anything new. I only want to acknowledge my undeserved gift of grace that God gives to me in allowing me to know people on a deeper level than I ever would were it not for this strange title, “pastor.” Sacred space.