By Michael Welford

At first sight it is crazy to think of a church our size employing a full time minister.  For example any minister with energy and commitment would be able to visit the entire congregation (about 30 households) every 3 weeks if she managed two visits most days.  In practice most households would not need a visit as often as that probably reducing the demand to 15.  Not a huge commitment in pastoral work.  However, there is a huge potential demand for pastoral work.  After all we have contact with some 300+ people every week and I know that many of them are lonely, have personal problems, suffer illness and bereavement.  Perhaps we need to think of them when we are looking ahead.

Of course it would be very hard to imagine one minister dealing with such a huge challenge. She would need to get together a group of helpers and develop their skills.  In fact with such a small number of church members to call on she would probably have to involve those of good will from our users.  Another possible outcome - the Union Chapel  Community Pastoral Care Group.  Though I hope we can find a better name for it.

Leading worship is clearly important.  As I listened to Brian Haymes and appreciated the deeply challenging yet accessible nature of his message it made me realise again what a difference it can make.  There aren’t many people so gifted.  But of course it is not the only way of communicating in a challenging and accessible way.  We have often spoken of groups that involve those inside and outside the church.  The Iona community itself has its roots in just such groups.  Leadership?  Vision?  Yes, and commitment from both minister and congregation.  It wouldn’t work without us.  We need to be cautious about what we ask for – we might get it.

Community action is another theme that turns up.  It is dangerous.  Not long ago I asked if the church wanted me to invite any of the rough sleepers hanging around in Withington to the Sunday lunch.  Everyone seemed happy and I am sure would have made them welcome.  But I never did it.  I realised that we could not cope with them turning up again the next day.  If we want to follow out any such idea it will need a deal of commitment and training and, yes, the involvement of those outside the worshipping community who are actually here during the week.

I believe that if we see our future as a fairly traditional church in which the minister’s time is spent within the boundaries of the congregation we shall not achieve our declared purpose as followers of Jesus.  Our job in the next few months is to work out where Jesus would be spending his time and effort and to see if we can’t move a little further in that direction. 

Please remind me of what I have written when I need it.  Thank you.

                                                                                                            Michael Welford