WHITEHALL — On Wednesday evening, May 14, the Accidentally on Purpose Women’s Ministry had its second meeting at Big John’s Pizza in Whitehall.
Twelve women from the Muskegon County area, as well as the farther reaches of Grand Haven and Rothbury, attended the first meeting, which occurred May 7. For the second meeting, four women met to participate in discussion and fellowship over pizza.
This decrease in attendance did not bother Accidentally on Purpose’s founder, Theresa Goerbig, who believes whoever attends each week is meant to be there.
This is a running theme of Accidentally on Purpose - even down to the ministry’s name; the belief that divine intervention is the cause of all of life’s happenings, good or bad. 'Everything happens for a reason' is the prevailing thought, and this ministry seeks to embrace that spontaneity.
While a topic of conversation is chosen for each week, and fill-in-the-blank questionnaires are utilized to inspire discussion, the meetings follow a loose schedule. Goerbig describes the process as “winging it,” but a fellow attendee posited that they’re “not winging it, the Holy Spirit is leading.”
A ministry group like this has been on Goerbig’s mind for two years, as she was dissatisfied with co-ed ministries where attendees were given only three minutes to share their questions and thoughts with the group. She was inspired to create a safe space, unaffiliated with any specific church, where women can come together and discuss topics important and pertinent to them.
Goerbig is no stranger to uninhibited ministry, having shared her testimony with strangers and congregations alike. She describes herself as a problem solver, careful listener, and someone who would feel comfortable checking in on a stranger in need, having spent many years working and ministering with society’s least fortunate and forgotten.
Though the founder of this group, Goerbig emphasizes that she doesn't consider herself the “leader." She would rather simly open the meetings, with discussion guiding the path.
While exploring venues to host the ministry, Goerbig came to collaborate with Big John’s Pizza, whose owners - Neal and Amy Martell - also place great emphasis on their faith. Big John’s doesn’t expect attendees to eat food, the group pays no fee to meet in the dining space, and they are happy to offer their restaurant as a community venue for fellowship.
Accidentally on Purpose Women’s Ministry is “come as you are.” Grab a slice of pizza, if you’re so inclined, bring a notebook and be ready to participate in an engaging conversation about faith and womanhood.
