I remember an experience serving the homeless. I helped prepare the meal and looked after details so that our group was ready to serve the homeless who qualified for a meal. The center that provided resources to help the homeless required all their clients to attend a pre-meal worship service. It was critical for the center to first nourish the spirit and soul and then nourish the body. Those coming to the center were not allowed to take food out to others, even if they claimed a family member was ill. Attendance at the worship service and at the table was required to receive the meal.

It was also significant for me to learn that the center never referred to the homeless as homeless. They were all clients. It helped me to see homeless people as neighbors and members of the community. I needed to understand that homeless people were everyday people, yet needy people who were destitute, helpless, and hopeless.

For the first time in my life in serving people who needed assistance, I was required to eat with the people receiving the assistance. So often, as the minister, the one who gives, I was given time to eat prior to contact with the clients; and then I stood behind the counter and served people. I'll admit, it felt safe behind the counter. Serving from behind the counter was not allowed at the center where I volunteered. Serving at this particular center meant eating with the clients, sharing a meal, sharing conversation, and sharing life's daily trials and tribulations. Having those who served food eat with the clients seems a little gesture, but it helped everyone feel "normal."

I was challenged to step out of my comfort zone and just be present. I didn't have to do this as a way to seek approval from others, nor did I have to just go through the motions. To engage in everyday sorts of conversations with the clients helped me see them as equals — just as God sees us. We are loved by God, created by God, accepted by God right where we are. Isn't this what discipleship is about? Our egos are not involved in pure discipleship and in building these genuine relationships. The journey is shared, not compared. As Christians, we are often caught up in thinking that serving others means giving from one side of the counter. The challenge is in allowing ourselves to experience the present from the same side of the counter — and at the same table.

Soozung Sa is a former staff member of the General Board of Discipleship.