Something Practical To Do

Chat to your Incumbent about ordination

I was lucky enough to watch our vicar Ian being interviewed on the subject of ordination last Thursday by the communications team of the Derby diocese. They also wanted to interview me about my role as Church Warden It's a long story why they chose us hopefully I can share it with you one day. It was fascinating to hear Ians story i just thought i'd share a few things he said.

It's OK to have doubts

Ian went through the whole process of applying for ordination only to get cold feet at the last minute and withdrew his application something he says is not uncommon amongst many of our clergy. He gave a few reasons why he stepped away first he said he just didn't feel worthy then he said he didn't think he was clever enough for all the study to come, but the main reason he gave was the fact that he perceived all vicars were white and very middle class and he saw himself as very working class. he did go to great lengths to say that just isn't the case.

You can run but you can not hide

Ian was like Jonah trying to run away from God, he tried for two years to ignore the call to ordination but no matter how hard he tried that call just wouldn't go away. Finally after over two years he knew he had to apply again but he wasn't looking forward to having the conversation with his wife Sarah as they had now got a young family. He remembers washing the pots thinking about when might be the best time broach the subject when Sarah came up to him and said " I know we don't talk about this anymore but if you don't reapply for ordination I think you will regret it for the rest of your life" that was all the conformation Ian needed to hear. It seems God always gets his man or woman in the end.

Theres so much more Ian spoke about when I get to know when the interview is on the diocesan website i'll let you know so you can watch it in full.

Chris