I started this course with a desire to be able to support the vicar in providing worship in my church, but I was very clear that I did not want to be a Reader. I feel this session has been designed to ask all of us to think about this in more depth. I admit, I hadn't given it much thought, it was just a gut reaction. At the root I think it is because I am the only practicising Christian in my immediate family, including my husband, children, siblings and in-laws. My Uncle and his family are devote Roman Catholics, and I have always envied how much this enriched their family-life. Indeed it seems, some would say, I shouldn't even be considered for Readership because I am the only Christian. I can see how it would make service as a Reader more difficult, due to the commitment and time it would involve. As yet, I haven't change my mind, but the reflection has been very useful.
There were several common themes in the videos and testaments from licensed Readers:
- a sense of being called to do more, particularly in their own community;
- encouragement/signposting by others;
- a desire to understand, deepen, and share their own faith;
- the variety of ministry;
- how rewarding and enriching it could be;
- how others feel able to approach them.
The videos are worth watching. I really got a sense of how privaleged they felt in their roles.
Revd Shelton (1st video) talks about Readers being rooted in their communities, and speaking (metaphorically as well as literally) in the local dialect. Does that mean that individuals with a strong sense of calling, but who have had to move around a lot, would be rejected for Readership training? It takes time to become rooted in a community.
I know I am being called to do more, but, as it stands today, I feel like I am in the wrong place. Whether this is a call to Readership, I am still not sure. The idea terrifies me.
A good description of how reader ministry sits with you. I found it also interesting to watch and nice to see how the people who are readers know it is right for them.
Hi Amanda
It seems session 8 Reader Ministry has really got us all thinking. It's made me take stock and try and work out exactly what path I want to follow but I think thats the idea behind this first module.
When we first started i was fairly sure I wanted to be a reader now I'm not so sure. What I do know is I feel committed to this course I feel a bond between us all and can't wait to see what God has in store for each one of us over the next 2 years.
Something I didn't expect was the bishops vote on blessing same sex marriage having such a effect on my church and me personally. it's been a real game changer for me and is something that needs a lot of prayer and listening to God.
looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.
Chris
Hi Amanda, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on this module - whilst it is focused on the role of Reader, it makes one think about calling and vocation more broadly, maybe because it is focusing on a specific role and asking the question - is it the one for you. I found the Reader ministry explored attached document really helpful about having a serious look at all possibilities (discernment) - see my Session 8 post as it is something I've been thinking about.
My opinion is that I don't think 'local dialect' is key to getting accepted - it is something one develops in a community over time. Knowing becoming a Reader is a calling from God, your vocation, and able to demonstrate your faith, spirituality, potential to lead pastorally and comfortable preaching and teaching. What do others think?
No need to be terrified... sit with the idea for as long as it takes. Eventually it will resolve into either "this nudging feeling just won't go away" or "I'm comfortable that other things are my direction, I will get on with those"
The comments aboutr rooted make sense to me, but I'm sure they were never meant as a firm criterion. Readers are different (57 varieties?), with different kinds of gifts and different kinds of engagement from each other and from ordained ministers.