I've been reflecting on this session a great deal, maybe that's the intention 😀
I believe it is because with the focus on a particular role (Reader) within the church, it has prompted me to think more about calling and vocation and apply it to this particular role - is it right for me? is this my vocation or not? Using it some ways to confirm what I thought my calling is.
What is encouraging listening to those who were readers is that you hear consistent themes about their vocation - passion, enthusiasm, about service to others, getting encouragement via others (i.e. from God).
Yes I'm sure God is calling me, but do do what? Taking a serious look at all of the possibilities (Discernment) has proven to be a powerful ally for me this time - asking a few questions of myself as go through this (and I'd recommend the attached paper from this session on Reader Ministry Explored).
Asking questions like:
- What do I feel God drawing me towards,
- What seems the most life giving to me and those around me,
- How to best use the particular gifts I've been given (made me think about Claire's post on her gifts),
- What needs do I perceive the church has?
- What do get enjoy doing & get most energy from (important as I ger older and need energy boosts!)
- What do people most often ask me about?
At the same time, I've grappled with those other distractions and thoughts that get in my way when trying to think about my vocation that we all get I suspect - is what I'm doing purely self serving, is it a need to be needed or in control and I'm sure you have others as well.
none of us are perfect, and in fact whatever our vocation that imperfection is probably what makes us perfect for whatever we do!
so, how does this link back to Readership as a vocation for me? I don't think it is my calling at the moment, I have others more powerful, but will they lead onto Readership at some point...well that's a good question.
Hi Phillip
I find your posts always deeply reflective and thought-provoking.
I agree about the video clips from the other readers and was also impacted by their passion and enthusiasm for their role. Interestingly this session feels like it has ignited something further within me (maybe the spark of the call catching in to flame a bit more?)
I really identified with aspects of their roles as things that I have been involved in over the years.
Particularly the link to being deeply rooted in the community with an understanding of local dialect and opening up the scriptures informally and formally. This is how we live and I feel God wants me to pursue this further.
Are you able to idenitfy how you feel it may not be your calling at the moment? I don't dispute what you are saying as God's timing is so important.
Tracey
I have really enjoyed reading what you have put. Very reflective on what you think.
from Alicia
Hi Philip, yes I'm with you on all of this. This session has been very thought provoking and I too have thought more deeply about my calling and vocation and what and where I am meant to be. Just when you think you've got it sussed, God says...and there's another thing! I found the testimonies from the Readers, and their passion for what they do, very powerful. I have some difficult issues to face..... or possibly walk away from, but would that just be turning my back on what God really wants me to do? I continue to pray and explore...