Ephesians 4: 6-8, 11-16 (Good News Translation)
Each one of us has received a special gift in proportion to what Christ has given. As the scripture says: “When he went up to the very heights, he took many captives with him; he gave gifts to people.” It was he who “gave gifts to people”; he appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors and teachers. He did this to prepare all God’s people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ. And so, we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the Son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ’s full stature. Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful people, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent. Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head. Under his control all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So, when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love.
Reflection
“Nobody expects the Spanish inquisition,” shouts Michael Palin, resplendent in his nice red uniform, in one of Monty Python’s classic comedy sketches. In a similar way, few of us expect to discern a call to ordained ministry. Perhaps we shouldn’t be so surprised though. Paul tells the Ephesians that Jesus gives gifts to prepare all God’s people for service. Today, his list might include Elders and deacons, Ministers of the Word and Sacraments and Church Related Community Workers, Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers and Lay Pioneers as well as Locally Recognised Worship Leaders.
For me, discerning that call to ordained ministry took time, and meant listening to the Holy Spirit speaking through other people as much as hearing her whisper in my ear. I first tested that call at an inquirers’ conference in 2010 – while I discerned a call to preaching and worship leading, I discerned pastoral care wasn’t my calling. Instead, I returned to lay preaching. As demand for pulpit supply soared post-lockdown, my minister suggested inquiring again. I changed my prayer – instead of asking “God, please guide me”, I said, “Right God, I’m yours, do with me what you will”.
Bang. The next words I read were newly-revised descriptions for non-stipendiary ministry. The URC has provided opportunities to use the gifts given by God for service in various forms of non-stipendiary service without forcing a square peg into a round hole.
Testing that call with Minister and Congregation, Moderator and Synod, and the General Assembly’s Assessment Board was both affirming and terrifying. As the first of my four years begins, I await God continuing to shape my calling.
Nobody expects the Spanish inquisition, but perhaps we should all expect God’s diverse commission.
Prayer
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in endless praise.
Take my will and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.
Rejoice & Sing, #371, Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)