A short look at accompaniment

Recent events in my life have led me to ponder accompaniment and its place in theological discourse. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America defines accompaniment as, “walking together in solidarity that practices interdependence and mutuality.” In Luke 15:1-7, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sleep, which brings to light a brilliant story of accompaniment. The proverbial exegesis for this text is concerned with the sheep that is lost. The shepherd is concerned for the lost sheep and leaves the ninety-nine other sheep to seek the one that is lost. This is not an incorrect reading, in fact, this exegesis gives comfort to those who feel lost and alone. An alternative exegesis for this text could examine the other ninety-nine. They are incomplete without the one sheep that has left the flock. It is not because one more will make the flock and even hundred, or because the shepherd will lose money because he lost some of his goods. It is important that this sheep is among the flock because the flock needs the gifts and the very presence of the lost sheep. Every sheep is important and every sheep is irreplaceable.

A ministry of presence is often the term used to describe the main work of the pastor at the bedside of the dying, the main work of the pastor called because three children have just died in a car accident, the main work of the pastor who has nothing left to say. Accompaniment is similar to the ministry of presence, but accompaniment is being there all along. Accompaniment provides a hand to hold through the smaller trials of life, through the everyday working and sleeping…. Accompaniment is standing in solidarity with those who are on the margins of society, those who are right in the middle of conflict, those who live comfortable lives, those who don’t think they need help, the healthy, the sick. The act of accompaniment is being with people no matter their circumstance. Accompaniment is walking the road of the broken hearted, the healed, the lonely, the thriving--To use a trite expression, walking in someone else’s shoes.

This mutual journey begins with little expectation. This adventure begins with no plans and there in the mystery a sojourn begins. Throughout this journey one gives voice to the other, one creates a holding place for the other to stay and rest, one walks with the other through mutual understandings, disagreements, difficulties, and bliss. Accompaniment can be combined with liberation theology to say that God is with the least, the last and the lost, but it doesn't have to. Accompaniment can stand on its own in the trauma and triumph. Accompaniment theology is a place of great strength, great learning, and marvelous growth for both.

-LB