The Ministry of a Sherpa

In the Himalaya Mountains of Asia, on the border between Nepal and Tibet, stands a rugged peak named Mount Everest. Everest, which is also called 'Chomolungma' (which means “Mother of the Universe” in Tibetan), is the highest mountain on earth, measuring 29,028 feet above sea level.  As might be expected, the status of “world’s tallest mountain” has attracted many thrill seekers over the years, each bent on putting their footprint on Everest’s peak. To date, over 3,000 people have attempted to scale Everest; over 200 died trying, and due to the harsh terrain many of their corpses remain on the mountain.

The first person to scale the peak of Everest was Sir Edmund Hillary, who climbed the southeast ridge of Everest in 1953 with the aid of a native climber named Tenzing Norgay. Climbers range from experienced mountaineers to relative novices who count on paid guides such as Norgay to get them to the top. Climbers are also a significant source of tourist revenue for Nepal, whose government requires all prospective climbers to obtain an expensive permit costing up to $25,000 (USD) per person.

Tenzing Norgay belonged to an ethnic group of Himalayans known as the Sherpa. Sherpa such as Norgay are often employed as porters or guides for mountaineering expeditions throughout the Himalayas, with some Sherpa having scaled Everest on multiple occasions. Prior to 1950, when Nepal opened its borders to tourism, the Sherpa were mostly yak herders and traders. However, they are highly regarded as elite mountaineers and experts in their local terrain, as well as having good physical endurance and resilience to high altitude conditions. The Sherpa are ideal guides because they know the terrain, having lived at the foot of the mountain for generations.

Many pastors and missionaries face mountains of one sort or another in their ministry. Rather than ‘Everest,’ these mountains are known by the names ‘conflict,’ ‘expectations,’ ‘boundaries,’ ‘burnout,’ and a host of others. Some of these ministry-mountains look intimidating, even insurmountable, and the servants of the Lord need someone to guide them in their climb. The counseling staff of Alongside are not only professional counselors; each of our counselors also has years of experience in practical ministry, meaning that they understand what it takes to ‘climb the mountains’ that face many pastors and missionaries today. Since 1996, our counselors have used their skills and their experience to minister to over 1,000 Christian leaders. Our service to the Church of Jesus Christ is to come alongside those who are tired from the climb, giving them the encouragement and refreshment that they need to continue their journey, and sharing with them some helpful directions for their future climbing.

Sometimes all any of us need to ascend our mountain is a Sherpa to guide us …

Mike Van Kampen, M.Div.