News from the Regional Team  

Rev Paul Kerley

SEBA Regional Minister
 

February Reflections

Dear fellow Church Leader,
At the end of this month, we will gather for our annual Ministers and Church Leaders Conference. Many are attending, and I am confident it will be a valuable time - renewing us personally and strengthening us for the various ministries we engage in each day. It offers space to be restored, to sense our calling again and to feel re‑empowered for the work God gives us.

Since the middle of last year, John 21 has been an important passage for me. We know the scene well: the risen Jesus meeting tired disciples on the shoreline. Before asking anything of them, He meets their needs. It is breakfast before commissioning, grace before responsibility and presence before purpose.

Then Jesus asks Peter the question that goes deeper than role or performance: “Do you love me?”

Peter’s story is familiar to anyone who has carried pastoral responsibility. We know what it is to fall short, to feel pressure and to wonder whether our failures disqualify us. Jesus doesn’t revisit Peter’s denial; He goes straight to Peter’s heart. Three times He asks, “Do you love me?”

And each time, Jesus responds with a commission: “Feed my lambs… Take care of my sheep… Feed my sheep.”

For those of us juggling pastoral care, preaching, mission, governance, safeguarding, finances, church heating systems(!), buildings and the many unseen challenges of ministry, this is a vital reminder: ministry flows from love for Christ. It is not driven by anxiety or obligation, but by the love of the One who first loved us.

After restoring Peter, Jesus gives the simplest and most demanding call: “Follow me.” Not “manage everything perfectly.” Not “carry the whole church.” Simply: walk with me.

For all of us navigating the complexities of church life, this is liberating. Our primary calling is not to succeed but to love Jesus and walk closely with Him every day.

A prayer…
Lord Jesus, thank you for meeting us in our tiredness and our moments of failure. Renew our love for you, so our ministry flows from grace, not strain. Teach us to care for your people with tenderness and courage. And keep us close as we follow you into the work you have entrusted to us. Amen.