Rev Andrew Gardner
Dunblane St Blane’s w Lecropt
Ministry is a tough vocation and as your ministry develops you will find seasons of joy and times of challenge. It is true that the work is never done. When I was training for the ministry, a fellow student told me that my ministry would be what I made of it. I believe this still holds true in my service of Christ.
When I read the statement by Carey Nieuwhof I can relate to feelings ‘feeling guilty’ and to the pressures that people place upon my ministry. From someone who has made many mistakes in ministry, how have I moved beyond these feelings and retained a positive perspective?
- Find a supervisor to share your burdens with. I have made full use of Ascend opportunities for supervision, particularly in my role as an Interim Minister. When I have shared something with my supervisor, I begin to view my situation with a new perspective.
- ii) Nurture meaningful friendships that bring laughter to your heart. I have found good companions in ministry who have walked with me. We have laughed together and wept together. Every few weeks I meet with clergy friends who exercise different styles of ministry. The only thing on the agenda is good coffee, a cooked breakfast and fellowship. The quiet mutual support of your colleagues can be a godsend.
iii) If there is no job description, there are certainly two important principles that have been useful to me. Let your people know that you love them. You are their pastor. Your people will see that you have set important priorities in your ministry. Next, spend time preparing to lead worship; read the commentaries and any online resources that you have. Don’t leave preparation until the last minute.
iv) We are called to servant leadership following the example of Christ. Ministry gives windows into people’s lives. Such privileged vistas should keep us humble. After I left school, I worked on a building site and I have never forgotten the experience.
v) We need to develop a flexible approach to our ministry. There are times in our ministries when we may need to drop something in order to pick up something else.
vi) Develop a hobby that has nothing to do with ministry and be kind to yourself!
Rev Chris Hay
Arbroath Church of Scotland
I’m writing a reply to this challenge in a week when this year’s group of ministry candidates are beginning to open the pages of books on systematic theology, pastoral care and Old Testament exegesis for classes both in person and online and probably wondering what they have got themselves into! This accurate description of the role to which they feel called is hardly an encouragement!
But that’s not the whole picture – thank goodness! Yes, because there’s no actual job description – which means that the joke about working one day a week is mentioned at least one day in a week – or more seriously that those who have no active part in the leadership or the day to day life of the church don’t understand the variety and complexity of the role, there will always be unrealistic expectations (and in 2024 I don’t think that’s the only profession where that’s an issue). And, yes, there is so much to do, in the sense that there are so many people to reach, so many different hats to wear and be an authority about, that often the list seems endless, and we feel like we’ll never get there. But or should I say BUT there’s more much more…
First, there are the words of Jesus, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” Though appointed by a congregation following an application and interview process with a nominating committee, we respond to God’s call. It is in response to his guiding and purpose that we find ourselves in our roles and he is our ultimate line manager. A line manager who has promised, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Sometimes it’s not easy to remember that – but it’s true and makes a big difference to how challenges can be endured.
Second, in the words of Martin Copenhaver – There are so many occasions when there is a sense of “being an invited guest to special places where wondrous things happen.” A funeral arrangement, a conversation at a toddler group, an opportunity to pray with someone in a warm spaces gathering, a school visit to the church building. We are not there because of a particular skill set, or because of any deeper faith but simply because we have accepted God’s call and see his presence at work. I was fortunate enough to read This Odd and Wondrous Calling by Lillian Daniel and Martin B Copenhaver during my discernment process and return to it regularly – it’s full of examples like these.
Challenge 2: From the Desiderata – Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence…. Be at peace with God…and keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.