Day 19 Judges 14:10 - 1 Samuel 2:7
Day 20 1 Samuel 2:8 - 1 Samuel 15:14
Day 21 1 Samuel 15:15 - 1 Samuel 27:4
There are those who go on sabbatical with a clear determination to undertake some specific ‘study’ or research, there are those who want to write a book or again undertake some research for their intended literary masterpiece, others use it to explore aspects of theological thinking or styles of ministry the options are practically endless. Sometimes it's a question of grounding of maybe even seeking the heart of God once again.
I've always been clear in my mind what my calling was ‘too', of course over the passing years it has always bemused me that after training, (that period of time of study of formation and discernment, where such things were important and mattered, so much so that we were reminded constantly to “remember our calling”,) that no-one ever asks! – No wonder we were encouraged ‘remember your calling.’ Because by and large Circuits and churches, colleagues and members never really ask, or if they do they quickly forget and expectatations can become unfulfilled, disharmony and at times painful unhealthy experiences can and do follow.
I do believe as scripture attests, we are all called by God all those who believe (that's not everyone who goes to church nor everyone who says they're Christian) "are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people," whose earthly task is to "proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9).
The ministry of the laos (the whole people of God) must be the core of ministry within the church and the priority of the church through its ‘elders’ (read also deacons stewards leadership teams), must be the equipping of the laos for the ministry. The ‘elders’ are to be the 'equippers,' not necessarily the 'doers.' It seems to me that we (churches) often forget how the early church was organised, and fail to give due regard and credence to those called and chosen to serve the church in that capacity.
That said the structures and ministries of the church should enable the whole congregation to grow to be more and more like Jesus. All followers of Jesus have a contribution to make to God's mission in their location, without exception.
Without going into detail, the Greek word for “church,” is ekklesia, meaning a calling out of. So properly, people called out from the world and to God, the outcome being the Church i.e. the total body of believers s God calls out from the world and into His eternal kingdom.
We are all called, though if as I said churches, circuits, members and colleagues aren't too bothered as to their minister's calling what is the chance of them recognising or owning their own, and where does that leave the individuals and the churches?
Just thinking, maybe an opportunity to share these conversations across our churches and circuits would be beneficial as we, each of us own, acknowledge, celebrate, not our gifts but our unique individual callings.
Day 20 1 Samuel 2:8 - 1 Samuel 15:14
Day 21 1 Samuel 15:15 - 1 Samuel 27:4
There are those who go on sabbatical with a clear determination to undertake some specific ‘study’ or research, there are those who want to write a book or again undertake some research for their intended literary masterpiece, others use it to explore aspects of theological thinking or styles of ministry the options are practically endless. Sometimes it's a question of grounding of maybe even seeking the heart of God once again.
I've always been clear in my mind what my calling was ‘too', of course over the passing years it has always bemused me that after training, (that period of time of study of formation and discernment, where such things were important and mattered, so much so that we were reminded constantly to “remember our calling”,) that no-one ever asks! – No wonder we were encouraged ‘remember your calling.’ Because by and large Circuits and churches, colleagues and members never really ask, or if they do they quickly forget and expectatations can become unfulfilled, disharmony and at times painful unhealthy experiences can and do follow.
I do believe as scripture attests, we are all called by God all those who believe (that's not everyone who goes to church nor everyone who says they're Christian) "are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people," whose earthly task is to "proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9).
The ministry of the laos (the whole people of God) must be the core of ministry within the church and the priority of the church through its ‘elders’ (read also deacons stewards leadership teams), must be the equipping of the laos for the ministry. The ‘elders’ are to be the 'equippers,' not necessarily the 'doers.' It seems to me that we (churches) often forget how the early church was organised, and fail to give due regard and credence to those called and chosen to serve the church in that capacity.
That said the structures and ministries of the church should enable the whole congregation to grow to be more and more like Jesus. All followers of Jesus have a contribution to make to God's mission in their location, without exception.
Without going into detail, the Greek word for “church,” is ekklesia, meaning a calling out of. So properly, people called out from the world and to God, the outcome being the Church i.e. the total body of believers s God calls out from the world and into His eternal kingdom.
We are all called, though if as I said churches, circuits, members and colleagues aren't too bothered as to their minister's calling what is the chance of them recognising or owning their own, and where does that leave the individuals and the churches?
Just thinking, maybe an opportunity to share these conversations across our churches and circuits would be beneficial as we, each of us own, acknowledge, celebrate, not our gifts but our unique individual callings.
- Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all. - The pictures are all St Paul's (Church of England, yes still under the auspices of Canterbury) at Kandy.
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