First a note to say that I am in holidays for a couple
of weeks and so will not be producing a blog those weeks.
On June 11 the sermon did not take place because time was
needed for the commissioning of a new Lay Preacher in the Uniting Church.
That new Lay Preacher is me, the one who brings you this blog
most times.
I have been preparing for this for some time. To begin with there were
classes in the Living our Faith series on eight weekends in: New Testament, Old
Testament, Theology and one focussing on Jesus Christ. Within these courses
there was opportunity to develop and practise the skills needed in leading
worship. Readings were provided, as were assessment items to allow students to
tease out their understanding of each course. In addition I needed to attend
classes which examined the foundation and values of the Uniting Church.
I should say immediately that these courses were open
to anyone seeking personal development, not just people considering the
ministry of Lay Preacher.
But for those who had it in mind that they could serve
God and the church as a Lay Preacher, other things needed to be considered. The Church Council of the
Congregation to which the person belonged needed to prayerfully consider
whether that person was suitable in the role and make a recommendation to that
effect, Also, the minister leading the church to which the prospective Lay
Preacher belonged, needed to write a recommendation too. Then a committee from
Presbytery interviewed the person (twice).
But as well, the members of the church had to make a
recommendation. This was done through assessments made by selected people
during three services at the prospective Lay Preacher’s church and two services
at other churches.
This is a very thorough process and it could be thought that
it would take someone committed to be commissioned to undertake such a journey.
However this wasn't how it happened for me. I joined the first
weekend without any idea of what was before me and certainly without any idea
of becoming a Lay Preacher. Of course I knew many people present had that
intention and while I was by no means certain that I had any such calling I
completed the course work fully to allow whatever option God put before me to
eventuate.
Initially, I was more concerned with attending the weekends
to untangle and sort out much of my own thinking and to search for a belief
where my mind was as comfortable as my heart. The version of Christian
belief I had received in Sunday School and later didn't sit well with my other
education and I often felt I was expected to leave my brain at the door when I
attended services.
The Living our Faith classes provided the place where I could
go that was able to do just that. Within the first two sets of weekends I knew
I had found the place I needed to be. But still was I one to be any sort of
leader?
The indication that Lay Preacher would seem to be a
calling came with the completion of the assessments and the services I needed
to lead as part of the course. I am not suggesting that I was wonderful at any if this but
I felt I was in a place I belonged and I understood what it was that needed to
be done, and how, with advice, I could
develop my ability to do what a Lay Preacher needs to be able to do.
But the most strong indication I had of a calling was
that I could see how I could help others to find that place of contentment
that I had found through completing the course. Others might not be able to
attend the course but I could pass in my learning and my new understanding of
the Bible and our Faith to them in church services, bible studies and general discussions. And so, as each new step
of the journey unfolded before me I became
more sure that Lay Preaching was a place I could serve God and his
people.
And so, in June 11 the church confirmed that calling with my
commissioning and celebrated it after the service with a lovely morning tea.
Can I say that this has been a life giving experience. I know
that it is not possible for everyone to attend this course or any other, even
for self development. But may I urge anyone reading this, to commit yourself
to some reading, or audio or video series to focus your heart and mind and to
provide a springboard from which you may fly into a faith life greater than you
have now.
Margaret Johnston.
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