In the Catholic Church if you desire to serve God or give your life to full-time ministry for the Lord, they make you a nun or a monk. The difference between the two is the “garb.” The variety of outfits for nuns has a wide range. Some nuns look like they can fly; others wear a brown Franciscan dress that will remind you of the movie. Garb for monks simply makes you think that they need an air conditioned room.

In the Protestant tradition, they do not offer you a garb per se. Instead, they tag you in a variety of ways from Neo-Pentecostal to liberal to fundamental. These are categories that may change depending on who is interpreting you. You might become something different if the powers that be find yet another category to put you in. A good and kind leader looked at me and said these words: “You have a ministry that is out-of- the box.” I really don’t know who made the “box,” but I am sure he or she must be miserable! How can one be confined and stationary when he or she is dealing with something as profound as sanctity?

Sanctity is not an outward expression of faith; on the contrary, it is very much inward and very much ongoing throughout your life.

What you were yesterday might not be what you are today. You can wear a certain garb, but it does not tell who you truly are. The Holy Spirit, when in the mode of sanctifying, will stop at nothing to prepare you for eternity. At times you seem all together; at other times you look like a truck ran over you three times.

What garb are you wearing? Has someone tagged you and boxed you into a corner? As a United Methodist Evangelist, I find a variety of expressions of faith. I have encountered adult, seminary graduates who believe they have been called to protect the “box” from any moving theology. “Fit in the box,” they say to humble and gentle pastors who make their call holy and serve with zest.

I would not do well wearing a brown robe, tied at my waist by a piece of white rope. It is just not me. I would feel out of place at the airport, but at least I would belong to an acceptable group of people who want to pursue sanctity. No instead, I wear Jesus’ robe of righteousness, and my faith is demonstrated by my actions. Wrong or right, I am visible and exposed theologically. I have been called to bring worship and revival to where I am invited.

This approach seems to be producing many results. Hundreds of Methodist pastors are pursuing sanctity where they live without any “garb.” Over 150 United Methodists travel to Brazil every year to experience revival in their lives. Several thousand contribute to keep this ministry moving forward and finance a large feeding and medical program in a poor neighborhood in Brazil.

No, I do not need a “garb.” I have a ministry which is “out-of-the-box.” Jesus had the same. I am in good company. How about you?

Rick Bonfim