I am grateful for faith finding me. If it were not for faith and my soul's transformation, I would have continued on my path of being an upwardly mobile "buppie." [In the 80's this is what a Black Urban Professional was called.] Yes, life as a capitalist would have been easier, but something happened. My heart expanded and I made a commitment to make the world a better place. My ministry could be easier. I could be focused on life in the "bubble." In other words, I could live a cloistered ministry in the parish. Pastoral ministry can take all your time and energy. There are sermons to channel from God each week. There are the struggles of members of the congregation. There is bible study and church committees, and fundraising concerns. Life in the pulpit can be all encompassing.
God decided to move me -- with vigor -- outside the walls of the church. My mission is to equip the saints for ministry outside the walls. It is not easy. I am confronted daily with dicey subjects and uncomfortable places to stand. However, I know without a doubt, this is where God has sent me. This is what God has called me to do. In, "such a time as this." www.conferenceofchurches.org
I am...
- Rev. Shelley D. Best
- Hartford, Connecticut, United States
- Advocate, Preacher, Teacher... Reverend Shelley D. Best is a Connecticut Yankee, human rights activist, liberation theologian and social entrepreneur with over 20 years experience working in the nonprofit and business sector with a mission to help organizations and communities develop strategic alliances for sustainable change. As an innovative community development consultant and practitioner, Rev. Best earned a national reputation through her launch of FaithWorks Community Development Leadership Institute, which expanded the capacity of 40 nonprofit organizations across the US.