Firstly, I’d like to say a thank you on behalf of myself and Antonia, to all those were able to attend the ordination service on 27^th June, and to all those who watched either at the Boniface Centre or to those who watched at home. Antonia and I feel very blessed by the support, love and prayers from everyone.   I have also had such a wonderful reception on moving to Crediton with Steve, we already feel part of the community here in Crediton.

In thinking about this article, I thought how this new chapter of my life has been led by the Holy Spirit. When I started my discernment process, I was expecting to retain my work as a barrister and be ordained as a self-supporting minister. However, as the discernment process progressed it was clear that my calling was to full-time stipendiary ministry. This wasn’t an overnight revelation, akin to Saul’s ‘conversation’ on the Damascus Road, but a slow burn.

The process wasn’t without its hiccups and testing, but I never once felt alone nor questioned the doors which were opening.  I had the full support of family of course, but I also knew that the doors which opened were being held ajar by the Lord.

During my discernment process a priest said to me that they believed ‘the church’ called people, it wasn’t God directly. I wasn’t sure I could agree with that statement in its entirety; I felt and still do that the phrase ‘the church’ needed qualification.  I do not feel called to ordained ministry by the institution that is the Church of England, to be honest there are times when one might think the opposite with the issues and divisions that exist. However, if we think of ‘the church’ as the people who make up the ‘Church of Christ’, then I can certainly align my theology on Call to that concept.

I know how important it was to have the affirmation and support of those around me in the various congregations in which I found myself ministering during my discernment and ordinand years.   This relationship clearly demonstrated to me the importance of those around me in giving me the confidence to walk through those doors which were being held ajar.   If it had not been for those conversations about a possible sense of calling to a specific ministry I expect would still be sitting in the pews on a Sunday. Sometimes it needs other’s to give us the nudge as well as God.

We aren’t all called to ordained ministry, for others their skills and talents are best placed and used elsewhere. It is a truism that we all have a calling in life, no matter what that may look like or how that might be expressed.

What I will say is don’t be afraid of exploring other callings if they present themselves. For years I felt my calling was primarily as a family law barrister. It became apparent that wasn’t what God wanted me to do with the rest of my life.   We go through seasons in our lives and I would urge you to be open to ‘seasonal change’, to opportunities, to experience and explore other callings.   Whether they be something which is quiet and personal to you outside of the church community or whether they be a new role within.   Be open to those conversations about how your skills and gifts might help others.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10

 With every blessing, Jeremy