It's been some time since I last blogged and a lot has happened, especially in relation to my call to ministry. Here is what I shared with my congregation (Tea Tree Gully Uniting) this morning.
You may be aware that over the last two years I have been spending time discerning whether God has a specific call on my life. I committed to a Period of Discernment, during which I met regularly with a mentor, did some study through the Uniting College, began preaching, tried ministries outside of this congregation, and journalled my experiences. Through this process I discerned a call to ministry…. A call to ordained ministry as a Minister (of the Word).
Before (our Minister) Phil Marshall left, we met several times and he helped and supported me in starting the application process. I also met with church council to talk about my sense of call. This began a new journey as I had to write my testimony (1000’s of words), including my spiritual development from childhood, select referees, have extensive medical and psychological testing, and then, finally meet with the ministers selection panel at the beginning of November.
This meeting with selection panel was an intense experience. It was held over 2 days, staying overnight at The Monastery in Glen Osmond. There were 2 hour-long interviews, personal presentations plus two different scenarios where I had the opportunity to show how I work in a team and my leadership style. The panel of 6 then met to decide whether the church is convinced that I am called to ministry and whether I am a suitable candidate.
Fortunately I didn’t have to wait very long. I received a phone call that afternoon to say that the panel decided unanimously to accept my application to candidate as a Minister.
This whole experience has been amazing. I have grown so much in faith, in understanding of who I am in Christ, and in self confidence.
I am now officially a Candidate, which means that the Church is committed to my preparation for ordained ministry. To begin,…I will need to study – I will enrol in a Bachelor of Ministry at Uniting College in the New Year. I will also need to participate in spiritual formation days run at the College, and eventually, will need to go into a student placement in a congregation. But this is not likely to happen for at least 18 months or more.
With Paul, I have more decisions to make…. How much study will I take on? Will I continue working the same hours?
So, another new journey begins. I hope you will share that journey with me, and would very much appreciate your prayers for myself and for my family.
