News from the Regional Team  

Revd Paul Kerley

SEBA Regional Minister
 

A New Chapter Together: Minister and church in step with God

There are moments in ministry that feel like thresholds to those of us who are ministers. Two of those moments are Ordinations and Inductions (in SEBA there will have been around 4 Ordinations and 12 Inductions this summer / autumn). Of course these are not just ceremonial events; they are sacred invitations. God is doing something in the life of the local calling church and in the heart of the minister-to-be. God is bringing both together in a unique marriage.

Of course, as a minister we are not stepping into a role, we are stepping into a relationship - a covenant if you like. A shared journey of faith, hope and love. We certainly bring sermons, leadership, vision and more to our churches - but even more importantly we bring a heart shaped by grace. We bring our ears to listen, hands to serve and a spirit willing to walk with others through their joys and sorrows and their times of clarity and confusion.

There may be excitement. There may be uncertainty. There may be the quiet ache of transition - for us ministers, our family and the congregation. But the Spirit who called us is already present. He goes before us, preparing hearts, weaving stories and building trust.

Like the Apostle Paul speaking to the Philippian church, we can say:

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel…”  Philippians 1:3–5

This partnership will not be built overnight. It will grow through prayer, listening and grace, and it will be sustained by the One who is the true Shepherd.

Maybe our daily prayer as a minister of the Gospel (and of course all Christians are ministers of the Gospel whether we are set apart and trained as ministers or otherwise) could be…

• Lord, shape my heart to reflect Yours.
• Help me lead with humility and listen with love.
• May I never forget that this ministry is not mine, but Yours - and I am simply a co-worker in Your field.
• Help me to love you Lord as I should - and then feed Your lambs and sheep.

Let this be our daily rhythm: love Christ, feed His people and trust the Holy Spirit to do the rest.