Here is the final installment of my end of PoD report. Thanks for reading....
Calling – the result of my discernment
In December 2009, following my sermon at the 10am service at Tea Tree Gully Uniting, and the feedback received, I felt in my spirit that ‘this is what I am called to do’, as a vocation. That is, I felt called to ordained ministry. I shared this with a few trusted people who were very affirming and not at all surprised* by this news! (*Which was a surprise to me!)
This sense of call has not left me since that time. The Ministries in the Uniting Church course really helped to confirm this for me, by both confirming what I did not feel called to, and what I did feel called to. In particular I listened to the panel of deacons, hearing about their diaconal ministry. It helped me develop a greater appreciation for this area of ministry but confirmed for me that this is not where I feel my call is focussed.
I have applied to be a candidate for minister of the Word.
Conclusion
Now, at the end of 19 months of discernment, I am amazed at how much has changed in my life, particularly with respect to my own perception of my strengths and my self confidence. I am in a very different ‘place’ to where I was when I began. I am now in a place where my nervousness in relation to worship leading and preaching has dramatically reduced and my confidence, enjoyment and passion have greatly increased. There has been unsolicited affirmation from a broad range of people during my PoD. Through this time I have been blessed with many wonderful opportunities which have really challenged me and I have grown in faith and in understanding of who I am in Christ, and what He is calling me to. I am passionate about pursuing a call to ministry in the Word and keen to learn and soak up as much as I can wherever and whenever I can to help me achieve this goal.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
End of PoD #5
My time of exile
After resigning from the position of Events Manager in the Presbytery and Synod Office, I gained employment working as an Event Coordinator for Novita Children’s Services. I remained in that role for 11 months, from September 2008 to August 2009. During this time I gained really helpful experience working in the charity sector, learning about sponsorship, marketing, event management professional practice and working in a secular workplace.
‘Exile’ may seem a strong word, but while I was at Novita, I was very keenly aware of my separation from the Uniting Church. Even though I was still involved in worship ministry at my local congregation, I experienced a profound sense of loss and grief, particularly from the gatherings of the wider church (Presbytery and Synod meetings, KCO and SAYCO).
I realised that I had come to love God’s people so much that I didn’t want to be separated from them. A number of factors caused me to consider leaving my employment at Novita, one of them being a lack of passion, meaning that I wasn’t willing to work in the stressful environment I was in at the time. I started looking back at the Uniting Church to see what opportunities might be available and applied for the Administration Assistant role at Uniting College. I was so willing to return to the Uniting Church community, and for a season, to find a role with reduced stress, that I applied, even though it would mean a significant drop in salary and therefore financial sacrifice for my family. Later, when looking back at this time, I journalled how much I love the people of the Uniting Church and how much I had missed them, and that I felt a strong sense of call to serve the wider church.
Last month, the Moderator Elect invited me to be his worship coordinator for the October Presbytery and Synod meetings during his term as Moderator. When he asked me, I felt again an overwhelming sense that this is what I am called to do.
Understanding of Ministry and Mission in the Uniting Church in Australia.
Having worked in the Presbytery and Synod office for over 7 years I felt that I already had a good understanding of the mission and ministry of the Uniting Church. My goal then was to develop a deeper understanding of this area. I did this through the course Ministries in the Uniting Church in Australia, which I did in Semester One this year and through participation in Professional Ethics in Ministry Settings. Ministries in the Uniting Church in particular was a helpful way to understand the different ministries, lay and ordained, and I had lots of opportunity to reflect on which areas I felt called to.
Coming soon... the last installment: Part #6 (Calling – the result of my discernment)
After resigning from the position of Events Manager in the Presbytery and Synod Office, I gained employment working as an Event Coordinator for Novita Children’s Services. I remained in that role for 11 months, from September 2008 to August 2009. During this time I gained really helpful experience working in the charity sector, learning about sponsorship, marketing, event management professional practice and working in a secular workplace.
‘Exile’ may seem a strong word, but while I was at Novita, I was very keenly aware of my separation from the Uniting Church. Even though I was still involved in worship ministry at my local congregation, I experienced a profound sense of loss and grief, particularly from the gatherings of the wider church (Presbytery and Synod meetings, KCO and SAYCO).
I realised that I had come to love God’s people so much that I didn’t want to be separated from them. A number of factors caused me to consider leaving my employment at Novita, one of them being a lack of passion, meaning that I wasn’t willing to work in the stressful environment I was in at the time. I started looking back at the Uniting Church to see what opportunities might be available and applied for the Administration Assistant role at Uniting College. I was so willing to return to the Uniting Church community, and for a season, to find a role with reduced stress, that I applied, even though it would mean a significant drop in salary and therefore financial sacrifice for my family. Later, when looking back at this time, I journalled how much I love the people of the Uniting Church and how much I had missed them, and that I felt a strong sense of call to serve the wider church.
Last month, the Moderator Elect invited me to be his worship coordinator for the October Presbytery and Synod meetings during his term as Moderator. When he asked me, I felt again an overwhelming sense that this is what I am called to do.
Understanding of Ministry and Mission in the Uniting Church in Australia.
Having worked in the Presbytery and Synod office for over 7 years I felt that I already had a good understanding of the mission and ministry of the Uniting Church. My goal then was to develop a deeper understanding of this area. I did this through the course Ministries in the Uniting Church in Australia, which I did in Semester One this year and through participation in Professional Ethics in Ministry Settings. Ministries in the Uniting Church in particular was a helpful way to understand the different ministries, lay and ordained, and I had lots of opportunity to reflect on which areas I felt called to.
Coming soon... the last installment: Part #6 (Calling – the result of my discernment)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
End of PoD #4
Thank you to all who have given me encouragement in sharing my PoD report. Here is Part #4:
Mentor and Personal Spirituality
At the beginning of my PoD, I considered carefully who would be the most helpful mentor for me and settled on Mark because I needed someone who was willing to ask me some tough questions, and to name any areas of concern. I have met regularly with him during my PoD and have found our meetings enjoyable and challenging. It has felt quite self-indulgent to be able to meet with someone and to be able to talk about myself for over an hour! Mark has asked some really helpful and tough questions, as I had hoped; challenging my understanding of my faith, my motivations for considering ministry, what ‘presses my buttons’ and why, how I feel about myself, my self esteem, my need for affirmation, and how much I believe that Jesus loves me. I’m really grateful to Mark for giving me his time, honesty and encouragement.
I participated in the Winter Retreat in 2009 and the Discernment Retreat in 2010. They were both really special times, learning more about and experiencing quiet times of prayer and reflection.
During my PoD I have journalled any relevant ‘lightbulb’ moments, highlights and challenges. These journal entries have been entered into a variety of resources including handwritten notes and my iPhone, depending on where I was at the time. For the purpose of the portfolio, they have been compiled in to a journal book.
I have taken advantage of the long daily commute from Tea Tree Gully to Brooklyn Park (up to an hour each way) to spend time with God as often as I can. Time is spent in prayer, listening to pod casts of a variety of Christian speakers, or listening to worship music. This regular time with God has helped me come closer to Him and be more aware of His purpose and guidance in my life.
Part #5 (My time of exile) coming soon...
Mentor and Personal Spirituality
At the beginning of my PoD, I considered carefully who would be the most helpful mentor for me and settled on Mark because I needed someone who was willing to ask me some tough questions, and to name any areas of concern. I have met regularly with him during my PoD and have found our meetings enjoyable and challenging. It has felt quite self-indulgent to be able to meet with someone and to be able to talk about myself for over an hour! Mark has asked some really helpful and tough questions, as I had hoped; challenging my understanding of my faith, my motivations for considering ministry, what ‘presses my buttons’ and why, how I feel about myself, my self esteem, my need for affirmation, and how much I believe that Jesus loves me. I’m really grateful to Mark for giving me his time, honesty and encouragement.
I participated in the Winter Retreat in 2009 and the Discernment Retreat in 2010. They were both really special times, learning more about and experiencing quiet times of prayer and reflection.
During my PoD I have journalled any relevant ‘lightbulb’ moments, highlights and challenges. These journal entries have been entered into a variety of resources including handwritten notes and my iPhone, depending on where I was at the time. For the purpose of the portfolio, they have been compiled in to a journal book.
I have taken advantage of the long daily commute from Tea Tree Gully to Brooklyn Park (up to an hour each way) to spend time with God as often as I can. Time is spent in prayer, listening to pod casts of a variety of Christian speakers, or listening to worship music. This regular time with God has helped me come closer to Him and be more aware of His purpose and guidance in my life.
Part #5 (My time of exile) coming soon...
Saturday, September 25, 2010
End of PoD #3
Here's installment 3 of my PoD report...
Study
My goal for study during my Period of Discernment was to “gain a greater understanding of the Bible and what God wants me to learn about Jesus and what his message means for our world.” I can confidently say that I have done so through a combination of topics and sermon preparation.
I studied Listening and Speaking from the Heart by audit in May 2009 and found this to be a really engaging and helpful course to further develop my understanding and interest in pastoral care, having done a Pastoral Pathways course in 2008.
Through Semester One, this year, I studied The Living Water of Worship – Worship in the Uniting Church. This course was very relevant and helpful to my current ministry.
I also participated in the C-Change conference. I’m really grateful for this opportunity. I learned so much through the sessions, the bible studies and by soaking up what I could from the wisdom and experience of the ministers and pastors who were participating.
On reflection, I love study. I am eager to learn and soak everything up like a sponge. The biggest challenge for me was finding the time, and prioritising the little time I have to complete assignments. This is an area that I need to continue to work on. I am keen to continue studying and to work at a higher level.
part 4 (Mentor and Personal Spirituality) coming soon
Study
My goal for study during my Period of Discernment was to “gain a greater understanding of the Bible and what God wants me to learn about Jesus and what his message means for our world.” I can confidently say that I have done so through a combination of topics and sermon preparation.
I studied Listening and Speaking from the Heart by audit in May 2009 and found this to be a really engaging and helpful course to further develop my understanding and interest in pastoral care, having done a Pastoral Pathways course in 2008.
Through Semester One, this year, I studied The Living Water of Worship – Worship in the Uniting Church. This course was very relevant and helpful to my current ministry.
I also participated in the C-Change conference. I’m really grateful for this opportunity. I learned so much through the sessions, the bible studies and by soaking up what I could from the wisdom and experience of the ministers and pastors who were participating.
On reflection, I love study. I am eager to learn and soak everything up like a sponge. The biggest challenge for me was finding the time, and prioritising the little time I have to complete assignments. This is an area that I need to continue to work on. I am keen to continue studying and to work at a higher level.
part 4 (Mentor and Personal Spirituality) coming soon
Friday, September 24, 2010
End of PoD #2
It seems a bit strange... blogging while the rest of my family is sick with swine flu. But there's not a lot I can do, other than keeping my distance. So here's part 2...
Major influences in discernment and growth areas
Ministry experience
In addition to my ongoing regular commitment of leading worship once or twice a quarter at the 10am service at my congregation, my minister, Phil invited me to start preaching as part of my PoD. From terrified beginnings, I have come to love preaching and have been overwhelmed by the affirmations I have received along the way.
I was also invited to preach at Seacombe Uniting in June this year and Kersbrook Uniting in July. These were wonderful experiences where I worked with the local worship leaders to prepare the services in two very different churches.
Up to the time of writing this report I have preached 15 times.
In October 2009, I had the privilege to lead worship for the women’s Emmaus Walk at Nunyara - a 4 day, short-term faith community. This was a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed preparing the songs, teaching them to the team at training days prior to the Walk, then leading some very special times of worship.
My Minister, Phil also suggested that I lead a Bible study for a term. This is my current ministry focus. My small group, the Houghton Hillbillies, has been very generous in allowing me to lead them. I have really enjoyed this experience. Studying God’s Word together on a weekly basis, asking deep faith questions, sharing our pastoral needs and praying together for each other and others we know, are all regular practices for our group.
Another new experience, which I am about to embark on, is leading in the sacrament of Communion. The presbytery has licensed me, and the youth coordinator in my congregation, to preside over Communion, while we have no minister in placement. We have just been trained, and I am really looking forward to leading in this sacrament.
part 3 coming soon....
Major influences in discernment and growth areas
Ministry experience
In addition to my ongoing regular commitment of leading worship once or twice a quarter at the 10am service at my congregation, my minister, Phil invited me to start preaching as part of my PoD. From terrified beginnings, I have come to love preaching and have been overwhelmed by the affirmations I have received along the way.
I was also invited to preach at Seacombe Uniting in June this year and Kersbrook Uniting in July. These were wonderful experiences where I worked with the local worship leaders to prepare the services in two very different churches.
Up to the time of writing this report I have preached 15 times.
In October 2009, I had the privilege to lead worship for the women’s Emmaus Walk at Nunyara - a 4 day, short-term faith community. This was a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed preparing the songs, teaching them to the team at training days prior to the Walk, then leading some very special times of worship.
My Minister, Phil also suggested that I lead a Bible study for a term. This is my current ministry focus. My small group, the Houghton Hillbillies, has been very generous in allowing me to lead them. I have really enjoyed this experience. Studying God’s Word together on a weekly basis, asking deep faith questions, sharing our pastoral needs and praying together for each other and others we know, are all regular practices for our group.
Another new experience, which I am about to embark on, is leading in the sacrament of Communion. The presbytery has licensed me, and the youth coordinator in my congregation, to preside over Communion, while we have no minister in placement. We have just been trained, and I am really looking forward to leading in this sacrament.
part 3 coming soon....
Thursday, September 23, 2010
End of PoD
Well, I've been slack in the blogging department. Apologies!
I've just come to the end of my PoD (Period of Discernment).
So, I thought I'd share my report. It accompanies a much bigger quite detailed portfolio (2 ring binders full of stuff from the last 19 months).
Here is installment 1 of my report.....
Who am I?
My name is Linda Driver, I am married to Paul, and we have 2 sons, Matthew (18 years old) and Jeremy (15 years old). I am in my forties and have progressed through a few career changes from music performance and teaching, to stay-at-home Mum, to administration, to event coordination (in the church and in the charity sector) and now back to administration. I have also been significantly involved in volunteering, through producing major music festivals and a radio program on 5UV, involvement in kindergarten committees, running playgroups, stage managing and coordinating events, and training and mentoring others in this area.
I was brought up in the Catholic faith, and as a young adult found my way to forgiveness and a genuine living faith in God through church events and a small group linked to the Uniting Church. When my children were young, I became actively involved in ministry in my local congregation (Tea Tree Gully Uniting Church), when I could see a need for a program for pre-school children. I began a “Sunday school program” for 3 and 4 year olds, which was very meaningful for the children and their parents. After a few years my focus changed to worship ministry, starting with music, then leading worship. My passion for worship ministry grew and for 3 years (2007-2009) I was the Worship Elder. In the last year of this role, I became very unsettled for a number of reasons and felt it was time to hand the role onto someone else. I continue to be involved in worship ministry in other ways.
Who am I to ask such a question?
After a few people in my life asked if I had ever considered a call to ministry, and following a great deal of stalling and denial, I began a Period of Discernment (PoD) in February 2009. I chose to do this over a long time period (2 years) to give myself time to discern amongst the busy-ness of my life, which included fulltime employment in a stressful role, involvement in lay ministry as an Elder and family commitments.
I planned for this to be a time to take seriously the suggestions that I consider full time ministry. It was at a point when I was going through a change in employers and was re-evaluating my role in ministry within my local congregation and the wider church. I was flattered by suggestions from others that I had potential for ordained ministry but didn’t really believe it myself. Filled with self-doubt, I thought they were being nice, to encourage me, and found it hard to see myself in such a role. Like Moses (Exodus 3:11) and David (2 Samuel 7:18), I asked, “Who am I?” I did not see myself as ‘worthy’.
However, I was unsettled enough that I thought it was worth spending time discerning if there might be something in what they were saying. I wondered if my skills and passion for leadership and coordination and my passion for worship could be applied to ordained ministry or to a different ‘lay’ role in the church. By the end of my PoD, I hoped to have a clearer idea of which path of ministry God was calling me into as a Christian leader.
part 2 coming soon....
I've just come to the end of my PoD (Period of Discernment).
So, I thought I'd share my report. It accompanies a much bigger quite detailed portfolio (2 ring binders full of stuff from the last 19 months).
Here is installment 1 of my report.....
Who am I?
My name is Linda Driver, I am married to Paul, and we have 2 sons, Matthew (18 years old) and Jeremy (15 years old). I am in my forties and have progressed through a few career changes from music performance and teaching, to stay-at-home Mum, to administration, to event coordination (in the church and in the charity sector) and now back to administration. I have also been significantly involved in volunteering, through producing major music festivals and a radio program on 5UV, involvement in kindergarten committees, running playgroups, stage managing and coordinating events, and training and mentoring others in this area.
I was brought up in the Catholic faith, and as a young adult found my way to forgiveness and a genuine living faith in God through church events and a small group linked to the Uniting Church. When my children were young, I became actively involved in ministry in my local congregation (Tea Tree Gully Uniting Church), when I could see a need for a program for pre-school children. I began a “Sunday school program” for 3 and 4 year olds, which was very meaningful for the children and their parents. After a few years my focus changed to worship ministry, starting with music, then leading worship. My passion for worship ministry grew and for 3 years (2007-2009) I was the Worship Elder. In the last year of this role, I became very unsettled for a number of reasons and felt it was time to hand the role onto someone else. I continue to be involved in worship ministry in other ways.
Who am I to ask such a question?
After a few people in my life asked if I had ever considered a call to ministry, and following a great deal of stalling and denial, I began a Period of Discernment (PoD) in February 2009. I chose to do this over a long time period (2 years) to give myself time to discern amongst the busy-ness of my life, which included fulltime employment in a stressful role, involvement in lay ministry as an Elder and family commitments.
I planned for this to be a time to take seriously the suggestions that I consider full time ministry. It was at a point when I was going through a change in employers and was re-evaluating my role in ministry within my local congregation and the wider church. I was flattered by suggestions from others that I had potential for ordained ministry but didn’t really believe it myself. Filled with self-doubt, I thought they were being nice, to encourage me, and found it hard to see myself in such a role. Like Moses (Exodus 3:11) and David (2 Samuel 7:18), I asked, “Who am I?” I did not see myself as ‘worthy’.
However, I was unsettled enough that I thought it was worth spending time discerning if there might be something in what they were saying. I wondered if my skills and passion for leadership and coordination and my passion for worship could be applied to ordained ministry or to a different ‘lay’ role in the church. By the end of my PoD, I hoped to have a clearer idea of which path of ministry God was calling me into as a Christian leader.
part 2 coming soon....
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