What do you imagine when you hear the term “minister” or “reverend?” Does a specific person come to mind? An outfit? An experience? I’m actually curious so please share if you’d like.

Every time I tell someone I’m a minister, I feel the need to quickly explain. The title “minister” comes with a lot of preconceived notions… I believe the term “minister” often calls to mind a leader in a christian denomination of some sort, and that person is likely acting within a church of some sort. While that might sit well for some who have had positive experiences with ministers, it can also bring up ideas and feelings of dogma and religious authority that can be triggering for others.