Loyal radical

2010-11-16T19:33:00.003Z

Balance of being and doing
Rather than putting being and doing at two ends of a spectrum, I think there is a reflective kind of ‘doing’ that does not come from our drivenness, but arises out of a sense of purpose. The question is, “what motivates you”? If our motivation comes from a desire to prove ourselves we become slaves to our own and other people’s expectations. This makes us harsh critics of our own perceived performance and escalates stress when receiving feedback from others which we may hear in a negative light.
Motivation is what gets me out of bed in the morning. I want to achieve and succeed, but it is how we measure ourselves which determines whether that is energising or deflating. Reflecting on this as I write stirs me to think how I measure myself. Most of us are performance driven – we have absorbed the mantra that we only as good as our last performance. We do need to be accountable, but I need to remind myself that getting things ‘wrong’ is OK, provided we learn from the experience. Groff suggests this is linked to the balance of the soul’s going out (descent or separation) and returning(ascent and reintegration). The Prodigal Son is a classic example. So I learn again today, not to let others intimidate me, to use experiences as opportunities for growth and development and to check my motivation when I start to feel the pressure.
On the One Show last night Sister Wendy Beckett described what it means to live a happy life which they also picked up on in the Breakfast Show. (You can tell I’m living on my own at the moment!) Interesting that I was also meditating on Philippians 4 where Paul describes the people he is writing to as his joy and crown (crown in greek is stephanos from which we get the name Stephen) Crown can be the wreath of victory or the kingly crown or it can be the garland of celebration(joy). Sister Wendy suggested that the secret of her happiness came from her motivation to serve God. My thoughts keep coming back to motivation and service to others. Hospital Chaplaincy gives plenty of opportunity to serve other people.

2010-11-16T19:30:00.002Z

Journeymen
As my gift from the Soul Clinics group that I have been part of during my time in Nuneaton, I was given the book ‘Journeymen – A Spiritual Guide for Men’ by Kent Groff. I decided to start reading it last night. At the end of each chapter are some reflective exercises which I will use in the writing of this blog.

2010-11-03T21:11:00.002Z

Esau and his birthright
I have been contemplating today the story of Esau and his relationship with his brother Jacob. (Genesis 25) Esau is tricked into selling his birthright for a bowl of stew and bread. Jacob, the second born twin, has already been designated the child of promise, but he exploits his unfair advantage (a hungry brother) to get what has already been promised. One of the books I have brought with me was Post Christendom by Stuart Murray and I happened to be re-reading the part where he describes Christians in post Christendom being more wary about the perceived compromise of Christian truth through exposure to other Faiths than to the subtle erosion of values through complicity with secular society. The book is now 5 years old and I believe that perceptions have moved on, but it still makes the valid observation that subtle changes are harder to resist. Like the frog in the pan which is gradually brought to the boil, we don’t notice gradual change until it is too late. I found myself today agreeing with someone’s personal mission statement - to enjoy life and be happy. Nothing wrong with that, but the goal of personal satisfaction, although desirable, is not really my game plan. Like Jacob we are invited to live as people of promise, so we don’t have to earn other people’s approval by necessarily agreeing with what they say, particularly people we are keen to impress! We already have our inheritance guaranteed. It is not our earthly masters we need to worry about, (although we honour God by doing our work well) but our heavenly one.

New beginning

2010-10-26T19:19:00.003Z

I start my new job as chaplain at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital on 1st Nov 2010. Some people from my time at the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton have asked if I can keep in touch, so I thought the easiest way was to share my story on line. I will try and reflect on my experiences regularly as a sort of online Reflective Practice. If you want to post comments on my blog you are welcome to do so. My reflections will have to be of a general nature and not be specific to my work at the Hospital, but I hope to be able to put into context what it means to be a Christian Minister in a non-church setting.

Chronos and Kairos

2008-03-31T14:36:00.006Z

Don't normally refer to Greek in sermons, but I made an exception this Sunday. Tom Stuckey's book, commented on in my last blog, has a really helpful distinction between these two Greek words. Used it as the base for a chapel anniversary service here at Wirksworth on Sunday evening. You can see the power point presentation to go with the sermon based on Acts 10. If you want to download it click here.

The church is at a kairos moment as it emerges from Christendom, facing highly vocal sceptics like Richard Dawkins, yet there is a hunger for meaning in a world full of superficiality. May God give us the wisdom and hope to use this moment.

On the edge of ??

2008-03-12T21:05:00.004Z

Tom Stuckey’s book On the Edge of Pentecost is a moving book with a blend of biography and theology which makes it accessible and prophetic. The book has inspired me particularly the last but one chapter, ‘Churches Old and New’. I believe this chapter is insightful and prophetic and needs to be studied and prayed through. Its implications for the future of the church are very significant. His insights resonate and challenge my own. Thanks Tom. However, I think the use of the word Pentecost in the title is off putting for the following reasons.
· It has problematic overtones for some because of the unhappy memories of being marginalised by over zealous charismatics from the 80s and 90s or what can sometimes be manipulative Pentecostalism.
· It has links with dramatic numerical growth. Tom confirms this on page 122 when he says we must plan for expansion! I think we have to be very careful making predictions of this kind. My understanding is that the church in the West still has a long way to fall before any movement in terms of numerical growth can happen. It has unhelpful images of an imperialistic church not a servant one.
· Pentecost which marked the birth of the church drew converts from the Jewish community. That is not to minimise the incredible transformative affect the Spirit had, but it was to a people who were expecting a Messiah, albeit not a crucified one.
I think the book could have been called, ‘On the Edge of Caesarea’ This would not be so easily identified with a particular happening, but I believe the account in Acts 10 is nearer to what Tom has identified as what the Spirit is saying to the church at the moment. Why?
· The church is called to cross-cultural mission just as Peter was asked to leave the security of the Jewish community.
· We are being called to a fresh focus on the home where mission takes place. Cornelius invited Peter into his home where the Spirit met with those gathered there.
· It was firmly God’s agenda (missio Dei) which was being served not the church. Look at the suspicion Peter received when he reported back to the Jerusalem church. We might find the same resistance today!
· God worked in unexpected places and with unexpected people. Caesarea was more Rome than Rome itself – what an unlikely place for God to have been at work. As a church we are confronted with opportunities which seem potentially fruitless, but that is where God chooses to bless. Like Tom’s experience in Cuba, I stand back and wonder at what God is doing in ‘Southern’ Christianity. Unexpected places is where we should look for God at work!
· It didn’t have a huge impact like Pentecost, but God was at work gently and quietly drawing people to himself. The hunger was driven by people meeting with God and then asking, 'what is happening here?' Tom calls it giving people the tools to interpret their experiences of the transcendent.
It may not have been as catchy a title, but I think it reflects the message better than the word Pentecost.
Thanks Tom for being so honest with us and giving us the tools to reflect on what God is doing.

Missional

2008-01-28T19:54:00.001Z

I think Steve Taylor's description of the word missional is very helpful in clarifying how the term is currently understood and how it varies from the word mission. I wonder how long it will be before Microsoft recognise the term in their spell checking! If you don't read Steve's blogs he can be found under the name emergent kiwi or see link below under 'Taylor Writes'
'M is for missional. Note the a and the l. Missional is different from mission. Mission has historically been, "I, over there." In other words, individuals sent to other countries. Missional is about, "we, here." In other words, the whole church sent to the context in which it is planted. Mission often had the odour of cultural imperialism, the belief in superiority. Missional has a humble questing belief that being sent to the towns and villages relies on our ability to be changed.'

2007-10-04T17:05:00.000Z

A challenging question

2007-05-10T20:17:00.000Z

Sharing my story with a homegroup from Newbury Methodist last night gave me a chance to reflect aloud on some of my recent journeyings. A member of the group asked me how I perceived Newbury Methodist after an eighteen year absence. I found it a hard question because this wasn’t a casual enquiry to which I could give a bland or trivial response, but a heartfelt concern about what they might do/have done differently. I sense the questioner was herself dissatisfied or saddened by the perceived failure to attract or keep younger people in the church.
I was challenged by the question because in my ten months here I have remained uncommitted to the life of the church, partly through being away at Cliff some of the time, but also because coming from the centre of things in another church it is hard to get involved without being totally involved. Sitting on the edge of things is not normally my style, but it seemed right for the moment in order to help me reassess things and to be honest I needed a break!
So how do I see things? Like many others who sit on the fringe I don’t know half of what is going on. Only attending Sunday worship is not the best platform to get an overview of the effectiveness of a church’s mission and purpose. Judging on Sunday morning worship alone, I have to say that nothing much has changed. Yes Andy (the minister in pastoral charge) is very informal in his style and connects with the congregation, particularly when baptisms bring in those unused to church proceedings. The monthly ‘informal’ service, which happens an hour earlier than usual, is surprisingly well attended, but the pattern is pretty predictable and the inflexibility of the building does not encourage participation.
When you welcome a new member into your family the whole dynamics of family life have to change. The family still functions, but some things have to be done differently. Maybe my perception that things have not changed much in Newbury is due to the lack of new members joining the church family and making their presence felt (or being allowed to make their presence felt). My experience in Marlborough and Pewsey was that new people see things with fresh eyes and bring new vision and energy (as I also did when I came) but with that the pain and joy of adjustment for the whole family.
There are some big challenges for all in the church. Its future lies in how we respond to them.
The person who asked me the question was asking for my opinion. She ended up challenging me as well as herself – what are we (including I) going to do about it?

Faith at Work

2007-05-03T08:25:00.001Z

Reflections on seminar in Sheffield on 26/4/07 Led by David Clark
Question: How can we as church leaders encourage congregations to see their ‘work’ life as a integral part of their Christian discipleship. How can we learn from the experience of people at work in order to enrich our understanding of God as creator? For examples given by David see here
Definition of work as those experiences which derive from our engagement ‘in the world’, ie apart from congregational life.
Positive benefits from engaging with the world of work

Discipleship as 24/7

Consciously looking for where God is already at work in the world

Earthing our church-based Christianity in the ‘real’ world

Releasing Christians to engage as part of the Kingdom community

To actively witness to the way our faith informs our practice which leads to new ways of doing/thinking about something. Praxis leading to Poiesis:

Role of Christian Leader as Community Educator

Equipping the laity to think/interpret theologically

To release scripture as a living tool to help in that interpretive process

To see the work of the Holy Spirit as the interpreter of life’s experience ( I know a ‘man’ who can!)

For an exercise looking at the theology of the laity see here

Questions I am working on
How do I see myself as an ordained person?
Why do I have feelings of regret about the experienced of perceived loss of connection with the world of work?
In what ways are ministers also participants in the ‘workplace’?

Professional Talker

2007-04-28T16:29:00.000Z

In preparation for an assignment on traditional and contemporary forms of Spiritual Direction I have been reading Rowan Williams’ Silence and Honey Cakes. While doing so I came across this interesting reflection which links to my last post. He describes the reticence of some of the desert fathers like Macarius to be ordained. Rowan wonders if some of their ambivalence is to do with the licence that the ordained person has to talk. Desert teachers were wary about theoretical discussions and over confidence on theological questions. Rowan comments on the danger of using speech to play power games and to communicate half baked truths. He suggests we need to develop a ruthless eye for hidden weakness by X-ray examination of our words both written and spoken to see if there are any hairline cracks in their structures.(p.68) With reference to John 6:60 he goes on to write of Jesus speaking in the context of a relationship in which truth can be uncovered for us. He talks of a language full of surprises and suggests that the Christian community based on the teaching of Jesus ought to be a place where it is hard to make ‘easy speeches’.
This is a humbling lesson in a world where we are called to be ambassadors of the truth but words are cheap and easy to disseminate.
Williams writes that our Christian speaking arises out of ‘fleeing’, running from what makes us feel smug and in control, what gratifies our longing for approval and respect. He suggests that truthful and creative words do not come easily. (p.76) He says that we need to put in some hard work into monitoring our talk. Language is not an evil, but the way we so often use it means that a lot is lost when we start talking.
Perhaps more circumspection is needed?

Taylor talks (and writes)

2007-04-23T12:27:00.000Z

I found the post on Steve Taylor’s website on 18th April very helpful today. It reminded me of a remark that Martin Atkins made at the beginning of the MEC 1 lecture last October. When being thanked for coming to give the lecture he dismissed the thanks saying that to do so was cathartic for him. At the time I didn’t understand what he meant by that remark, but thinking about it now in the light of Taylor’s blog I think I see what he means - you can only take in if you are also giving out.
I have struggled with this year out of ministry, because I have not found an outlet (other than writing assignments!) for all that I am learning through it. I have preached once in 10 months, through my own choice, because I needed to stand back in order to evaluate. I have also been thinking that preaching is a non-productive environment in which to communicate. It is so easy for those who listen to disengage – a habit that I have found myself falling into during my 10 months of pew-sitting . Perhaps what we need is not no preaching, but better preaching. Having written that, the physical setting and the personality (including spirituality) of the speaker is as significant as what is spoken. The reality of that came home to me afresh in a service I attended in Newbury yesterday.
There is a good article about preaching by Johnny Baker you can read it here

The cactus shows signs of ‘New Life’

2007-04-02T11:48:00.000Z

As you can see the cactus I planted in Olive Drane’s lecture during the Emerging Church intensive teaching week has two new baby leaves. This means the single leaf is now three! It also means that it must have developed roots. Not that I have seen them, but I know they must be there (by faith?) in order to sustain new life. What an Easter message! Thanks Olive

Dissipative Structures

2007-04-02T10:44:00.000Z

I have been re-reading Margaret Wheatley’s book – Leadership and the New Science which has affirmed my thinking in the last post about authentic community. Dissipative structures is a phrased used on page 20 of the book. It was coined by Prigogine to describe the new structures that arise out of an experience of loss (dissipation). He suggests that new structures (order) can develop after experiencing loss of some nature. Wheatley writes, ‘..dissipative structures demonstrate that disorder can be a source of new order, and that growth appears from disequilibrium, not balance.’
This fits well with the idea of death and resurrection – new life from out of the old. In dissipative structures anything that disturbs the system plays a crucial role in helping it self-organise into a new form of order. (page 21)Thus things that act as a catalyst for that loss should be encouraged rather than avoided, for it is out of a profound sense of loss that the new can emerge.
Organisations that are locked into linear thinking have equated order with control. Wheatley suggests this leads to a hierarchical model of leadership. Wheatley encourages the search for order not control. She says that when this happens order will be found in unexpected places.
The Chippenham circuit is experience loss in the shape of all three ministers leaving in August 2008 – the superintendent minister bring forward her departure by 2 years. Let’s pray that the experience is a catalyst for loss and helps to shape new order.

Authentic community

2007-02-07T13:40:00.000Z

I am currently on my 4th and last intensive teaching week at Cliff. It is the Leadership Renewal and Mission module 2 focussing on Renewal: Spirituality and Discipleship. I have just returned from two lectures given by Phil Meadows the last one being Wesleyan Approaches to Discipleship. If only we could rediscover authentic community within the life of the ministry. The bureaucracy and appraisals mentioned in my last post would be unnecessary if we were true community with each other. Accountability to one another was key to early Methodist practice. Where have we gone wrong in the practice of mutual accountability and the striving for holistic discipleship?

I believe in circuits

2007-02-06T19:21:00.000Z

I believe in circuits, despite what follows! Change is already happening as we manage decline and are forced to amalgamate smaller circuits which become unviable. However, I suggest the Spirit is prompting us to be more creative in our response to decline. We have a God given opportunity to make some changes that will help develop real circuit teams. I want to affirm David Clark's message about becoming a truly servant church with the leadership empowering the laity to be the mission leaders in the kingdom community However, I believe there are some practical things we can do to help facilitate a healthier environment in which churches can flourish. This is not new thinking and in this simplistic form raises more issues than it addresses. Some of the changes are:-

A dedicated (without pastoral charge of a congregation) superintendent(bishop by another name!) and paid administrator (Chief Executive if you want to use the language of business). This would mean getting rid of Districts creating about 5 big circuits in the place of each District. The superintendent and administrator would work together and be senior managers(I don't like the word 'managers', but it is a convenient term that people understand) of the circuit. Appraisal of the staff team, lay and ordained needs to be overseen by the senior managers to give accountability to the circuit.

I am aware that my critique of the present system below is not true for all circuits, but I know enough to conclude that my reflections are not unique. The suggestions that I have made above go only a little way towards answering some of the issues below, but I wanted to offer something positive towards our future.

Tendency towards congregationalism in a post-denominational environment
Denominational loyalty is no longer the most significant factor in choosing a place to associate so people from many backgrounds worship at Methodist churches. Whilst this is to be celebrated, it often results in little or no understanding of the Methodist system. The circuit is therefore seen by many non-Methodists as a hindrance rather than a support.

Competition for resources – protective mentality
Ministers are increasingly tied to their sections in order to enhance continuity and aid pastoral care and support. This parochialism weakens circuit identity and makes churches possessive about the resources they have. The generosity of spirit which is behind the circuit system, where the strong help the weak and the weak help the strong is lost. Churches only want the circuit when they need additional resources, and the two-way process breaks down. Ministers are sometimes torn between releasing people from responsibilities in the local church to serve the circuit and not putting them forward in order to protect the work they are most closely involved in.

Crisis over ministerial self-identity
Rather than the collegiality of the ministry there is reticence to admit weakness among circuit staff. Sharing strengths can also make other ministers feel inadequate. The result is a weak bond between the leaders of the circuit further eroding its effectiveness. The lack of accountability to the circuit for ministerial self appraisal gives little leverage to improve the effectiveness of circuit staff.

Disillusionment with structures
The circuit is often seen as a further drain on resources. Members can see the added bureaucracy as exacerbating the shortage of resources. This can lead to low morale amongst circuit staff and people staying in office long after they have requested to stand down or their 6 year period is ended out of a sense of loyalty and sometimes a need to be needed.

Dysfunction of lay/ordained teams
Sometimes capable lay people are put off because of the incompetence of other officers on a circuit team or the perceived reluctance of that team to accept change. Through lack of training and self-awareness circuit officers can sometimes be very protective of their powerbase disabling the gifts and expertise of others.

50% watershed

2007-02-05T15:50:00.000Z

Martyn Atkins, principal at Cliff and president designate of the Methodist conference gave an inspiring overview of Historic Models of Church and Leadership. While reflecting on the way the bottom has and is dropping out of denominational structures he talked about the dissatisfaction experienced by many Methodist ministers. He put forward the view that maintaining the circuits as they are currently configured with their emphasis on personal chaplaincy to its members, was disaffecting many ministers. He suggested that when 50% of ministers stood up to their disbelief in this system of organising church it would set in process an unstoppable chain of events. Superintendents would be unable to chide ministers back to their roles as half of them would be among those who believe the system has to change. The recently published book of statistics about what ministers think about things like itinerancy and connected issues would suggest that we are not so far from realising this 50% level of disaffected ministers. If you take those statistics along with those who have already voted with their feet the situation is one that cannot be ignored.

Reflections on emerging church week

2007-01-31T16:02:00.000Z

Of all the input during the MEC2 (Emerging Church 2) week the contribution of Stuart Murray rates as my most informative. His reflective style and radical thinking makes him stimulating to listen to. Just look at this quote from his book Post Christendom

‘This does not mean churches without leaders, or that trained and accredited women and men should not be deployed in strategic roles within and among congregations. But it means determined and sustained action to erode clericalism, redefine church leadership, empower the whole people of God for ministry and recalibrate churches as missionary communities.’

I find that a great challenge. It takes me back to my calling to be first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ. My leadership calling has to be worked out in the light of being a follower. I am stirred by the call to servant leadership and have been inspired by David Clark's book Breaking the Mould of Christendom.

The contribution from the Dranes was also stimulating. As part of the recognition that some things take a long time to come to birth, Olive invited us to plant a leaf from a cactus. We are guaranteed success provided we follow the simple nurturing instructions! Says more about the durability of the cactus than the skill of the one tending it. You can watch it grow on my blog!

Cliff College

2007-01-25T21:42:00.000Z

Just finishing the intensive teaching week for the Emerging Church module. Had input from George Lings, The Dranes, Stuart Murray, Michael Moynagh as well as the resident Cliff tutors. Much food for thought. Need a bit of time to digest it all. Will post a bit about the high and low lights of the week when I get back.