Clergy Retreat was a very timely processing space for me. I was at the point of finishing my first year of a curacy as a Deacon-in-training, learning Anglican ways of worship and exploring fresh expressions of faith community at the Cathedral. Being on the cusp of the second year of curacy as a Pioneer Deacon Minister-in-training with a majority focus on fresh expression of faith community, I felt very thankful to pause, reflect and clarify vision for this new season of ministry ahead.
People at our table noted that God had had his hand in organising where people sat as it felt as if the people beside us had exactly the faith encouragement that our hearts were needing for what we were each facing in life and ministry. It was so fun to hear the variety of thoughts, perspectives and humour in the room as leaders listened intently and laughed easily. I’m seeing Bishop Steve’s phrases of “being family” and “being in this mission together” coming to life. It refreshes me every time we gather! This culture-care was enhanced by noticing that what was spoken was lived.
The ease of engagement amongst the Bishop’s ministry team as they each moved between playing their professional part and participating in honest discussion brought a sense of security and wholeness as we watched those who lead us holding authority together with respect, confidence and humility.
The speaker, Richard Black, brought content that is so important for how we function and work out our identity and calling as ordained leaders. I found it very valuable in helping me critique who I am and the part God is inviting me to play in his mission as I head into a new season of ministry with a changing societal landscape in front of me. I particularly resonated with the discussion around the challenges of leadership and found the acknowledgement of these factors reassuring.
I found fresh hope in the affirmation that we must critique and grow through these individually and in community in order to be human ministers coming fully alive in Christ and continuing to have capacity to offer our part as a blessing to others.
Bishop’s Steve’s Bible study from Philippians 1:1-11 really encouraged me with its focus on fuelling our joy in Christ. The practice of noticing daily where God is at work echoes what I have been hearing from those dear souls who have been about God’s work faithfully for many decades. “Steadily, steadily, ask God what he has for you to do each day, and do that,” was what one wise Cathedral lady told me recently.
Deep caring relationships in Christ, standing together and sharing God’s grace while intentionally holding the mindset that God is at work and will complete what he has started is so important. These words of Bishop Steve give strength for the adventures God calls us to.
If you’re anything like me, you might look into each week ahead with hope that God will use you to play a small part in bringing salvation in its many facets to the people he puts in front of you. And then you face all the realities of your own fears or immaturities, the needs of your family, the tasks of a house or workplace, the administration of ministry, and the random spiritual whacks that are thrown your way. And you find yourself deeply requiring both God’s nearness and the nearness of people who see and hear you. And you realise it’s God who works far beyond your own frailty and limitations, both in you and in the lives of those in front of you. How much joy can the presence of friends and an active Almighty God bring!
Thank you to all who had a part in providing us with a space to come together. May our vision be refreshed for this road ahead!
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We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Clergy Retreat was a very timely processing space for me. I was at the point of finishing my first year of a curacy as a Deacon-in-training, learning Anglican ways of worship and exploring fresh expressions of faith community at the Cathedral. Being on the cusp of the second year of curacy as a Pioneer Deacon Minister-in-training with a majority focus on fresh expression of faith community, I felt very thankful to pause, reflect and clarify vision for this new season of ministry ahead.
People at our table noted that God had had his hand in organising where people sat as it felt as if the people beside us had exactly the faith encouragement that our hearts were needing for what we were each facing in life and ministry. It was so fun to hear the variety of thoughts, perspectives and humour in the room as leaders listened intently and laughed easily. I’m seeing Bishop Steve’s phrases of “being family” and “being in this mission together” coming to life. It refreshes me every time we gather! This culture-care was enhanced by noticing that what was spoken was lived.
The ease of engagement amongst the Bishop’s ministry team as they each moved between playing their professional part and participating in honest discussion brought a sense of security and wholeness as we watched those who lead us holding authority together with respect, confidence and humility.
The speaker, Richard Black, brought content that is so important for how we function and work out our identity and calling as ordained leaders. I found it very valuable in helping me critique who I am and the part God is inviting me to play in his mission as I head into a new season of ministry with a changing societal landscape in front of me. I particularly resonated with the discussion around the challenges of leadership and found the acknowledgement of these factors reassuring.
I found fresh hope in the affirmation that we must critique and grow through these individually and in community in order to be human ministers coming fully alive in Christ and continuing to have capacity to offer our part as a blessing to others.
Bishop’s Steve’s Bible study from Philippians 1:1-11 really encouraged me with its focus on fuelling our joy in Christ. The practice of noticing daily where God is at work echoes what I have been hearing from those dear souls who have been about God’s work faithfully for many decades. “Steadily, steadily, ask God what he has for you to do each day, and do that,” was what one wise Cathedral lady told me recently.
Deep caring relationships in Christ, standing together and sharing God’s grace while intentionally holding the mindset that God is at work and will complete what he has started is so important. These words of Bishop Steve give strength for the adventures God calls us to.
If you’re anything like me, you might look into each week ahead with hope that God will use you to play a small part in bringing salvation in its many facets to the people he puts in front of you. And then you face all the realities of your own fears or immaturities, the needs of your family, the tasks of a house or workplace, the administration of ministry, and the random spiritual whacks that are thrown your way. And you find yourself deeply requiring both God’s nearness and the nearness of people who see and hear you. And you realise it’s God who works far beyond your own frailty and limitations, both in you and in the lives of those in front of you. How much joy can the presence of friends and an active Almighty God bring!
Thank you to all who had a part in providing us with a space to come together. May our vision be refreshed for this road ahead!
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
