Thoughts on Ministry (December 11th, Advent 3, Ministry Sunday)
On Advent III we are asked to think about the call to ordained ministry, and you will hear/see the letter circulated by the Bishop.
This year our Sunday readings show why today is observed as Ministry Sunday, with the ministry of John the Baptist being set up as a model for ordained ministry. In today’s Gospel from John 1:19-28 John would accept only the title of a ‘voice’ preparing the way for Jesus.
I have been really encouraged that as well as students from St Michaels, there are others in our congregation seriously considering a call to ordained ministry. Please pray especially for any who may be known to you. I wrote last year about the opportunities that there are around Wales (and elsewhere of course, but we have a special duty to mention the needs of the church here) for faithful ministries of the word. We know this is so much a part of God’s plan – God sends out sowers with the seed of the Gospel.
They are called to be co-workers with everyone in the churches where they will serve, and supported by the church at every level in their ministries. Sometimes it is easy to become fearful that people who are offering themselves may not always have this support, particularly in upholding all the values of the Gospel offered freely to all, but always summoning people to a life of repentance, faith & holiness. There is great pressure on the church to lose its Gospel distinctives and identity. I guess the current ‘debate’ on the nature of marriage is very much on my mind, and I trust that whatever takes place at national level (Scotland currently leading this debate) the church will remain firm in its commitment that marriage is about the life-long union of a man and a woman. The thought that good ministries would be lost to the church if there was compromise on this issue by a state or (in the case of the Church in Wales) former state church just doesn’t bear thinking about.
We are seeking in St Mark’s to have a renewed emphasis on discipleship at all levels of the church. I have asked the PCC to consider taking as our aim the simple definition ‘growing disciples’. The task for all of us is to serve Christ where we are, and for most of us that is in our everyday work and lives in society. A recent congregational questionnaire highlighted the many ways in which church members have links through a whole range of activities outside the church. As a church we need to be better at equipping people to serve Christ in these situations. Please tell us how we can do this – what questions are we not addressing which might help you to live as a Christian Monday-Saturday?
Just to return to ‘ministries of the word’ before closing. A year ago we had a ‘young preachers’ series. It would be really great if some younger folk who have gifts in this area, but know they are not called to ordained ministry, might consider training as Readers, who would then be authorised to preach in this and other parishes. People who could do this early in life could have a long ministry, rather than waiting until later. If you’re not sure, but people think you have a gift, try joining our ‘School of Biblical Preaching’!
Whoever we are, wherever we are, let each of us, like John, be a ‘voice’ (and life) for Jesus!
Bob Capper – Rev’d of St. Mark’s Church
