Why "ruined"?

Welcome to this blog site!  Ruined Ministries is in its fledgling stages and as we begin, we want to invite you on this journey.

Let me tell you about myself.   My name is Sharon McLaughlin and I have been in ministry for over 25 years.  I have held several roles including lay leadership, Youth Pastor, Music Pastor and Associate Pastor. It is my privilege to be associated with the Assemblies of God and it is to them that I am accountable.  I hold the job description of Servant. Odd wording?  Not really, see I don't think Pastor is a title, I think, indeed, it is a job description of servanthood.  I am passionate about the lost and those whom the world has tossed aside.  My heart beat is to see lives restored to life and more life. 

So, why have I named my ministry, Ruined Ministries?  Several years ago, in preparation for a missions trip with my youth group, I had asked God for a specific word or theme for our trip.  During my prayer and devotions, He led me to Isaiah 6. and specifically, vs. 5-7.  I was excited and realized that the theme was Ruined.  I thought I understood what He was going to do - He was going to ruin my kids for anything of the world and call them only unto Himself.  The word "ruined" means to be "undone to the place of never going back to your original condition."  YES!  That's what I wanted to happen to my kids. HOWEVER, what took place on that trip ruined ME.  I can't look at "ministry" the same way.  Status Quo is OVER.  I lived as a homeless person for a mere 40 hours and it opened my eyes to see the people we look past - those who while ignored by the world are precious to God!  My heart was broken.  It was ruined.  I will never be the same.  Ruined Ministries' goal is to bring that same spiritual ruining to anyone who is willing to allow God to have His way.

That passage in Isaiah is the perfect example of ruined and restored.  From that trip and this passage of scripture, Ruined Ministries was born.  I have spoken to women's groups, youth groups, and Bible Studies of all sizes. If this is something you are seeking for your group or your church, please contact me!  I will be happy to help in any way I can!