It’s an interesting feeling but, then again, it’s been an
interesting time.
I blogged in December that change was afoot for me in 2014. From 1 January, I reduced my paid hours as
co-leader of Church from Scratch by 50%.
Back then I said:
“ One thing is clear
already – we need to halt the process of centralizing (ideas/decisions/power)
on stipended ministers and take greater steps to encourage, equip and draw upon
the skills of all. That is hard to
achieve unless leaders reduce their paid hours. Our church also needs to reduce
its spending and ministers' stipends are the largest budget item. “
So how have the first 3 months of the new way been? Well I would describe the experience as
wholesome, feeling right, fulfilling, timely and (mostly) fun.
Church from Scratch remains my spiritual home and Southend
the community in which I am rooted. The past three months have brought into
sharp focus for me that the choices I face daily about how to use more limited
time lie often between ‘doing’ and ‘equipping / encouraging others to do’.
Paul, writing to the Ephesians, speaks of
this: “ Others have a gift for caring
for God’s people as a shepherd does his sheep, leading and teaching them in the
ways of God…that God’s people will be equipped to do better work for him,
building up the Church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength and
maturity. “ A pastor who does too much
robs others of the opportunity to learn.
I am deeply grateful to colleagues and friends who have
continued to check that all is well - which it is. This was the right change to
make.
The other side of my time is now mostly working with
Paul, Jean and Sarah from Ten Spires community interest company. Ten Spires assists Christian churches and
charities to make better use of their buildings for mission and to bless the
communities they serve. This creative and fun team supports urban churches as they
choose new ways to share the good news of Christ, as well as managing major
development programmes, usually without significant financial cost to the
churches. Most of our clients are
Anglican, although we have hopes that we may find some others
as the year unfolds.
I am also working with two church leadership teams to help
them explore new ways forward for their work.
From Easter Monday I will be taking sabbatical leave from
CFS (but not Ten Spires) until early July. Again, it’s a strange feeling for an
activist. I am looking forward to it
very much and hope that the few things I have arranged will help structure the
time without my falling back on tinkering with work. Just to be clear, I would welcome ‘coffee and cake’ moments
with friends during that time!
I thank God for all these experiences and especially for my
friends, for your prayers and encouragements.
