Church Collection Envelopes, Gift Aid and Charity Envelopes

 Ordination

I remember as though it was yesterday, my fellow ordinands and I assembling nervously in the undercroft of the cathedral.

The bishop, dean, senior clergy and vergers arrived and we moved, to glorious music in procession up the stairs and into the chancel.

I couldn’t believe it but sitting there on the front row of pews was an old friend and colleague of mine, who had travelled all the way from America to support me.

Stopping briefly to shake his hand as I passed, I glanced around and saw many more faces that I knew.

Whilst singing, my family smiled in my direction. I knew they were so proud of me and felt a rush of gratitude for all of their support.

We ordinands gathered around the altar, to be introduced to the congregation and my name was announced first.

My thought that I was therefore the most important was soon dashed when I realised the names were being called out in alphabetical order.

It wasn’t long before I was kneeling before the bishop, about to be ordained.

It was at that moment that I thought of my mother in heaven, who had so influenced me when I was young and inspired my calling.

The challenges ahead

I was fortunate enough to serve in a parish where I had lived and worshipped in myself prior to my ordination.

Many parishioners therefore knew of my background and had shared with me my journey to ordained ministry. They were not only supportive but appreciated and celebrated my role.

Despite this head start, there were still many challenges that lay ahead and I took all the advice I could.

A wise old priest once told me: “Listen, and listen again before you open your mouth. Be yourself and speak common sense.”

The first I found hard because I liked talking too much but in time, I felt that I became a much better listener.

As for speaking common sense, the first thing I had to do was forget the language of theological college.

Instead I needed to adapt a friendly, encouraging and understandable language to communicate effectively in services.

Resistance

Another element of the parish to contend with were the church wardens, the all powerful church laity.

Most of these people, I believe, would’ve truly liked to have seen church growth and improved finances, but only if the status quo of church traditions, duties and services remained as well.

I was very aware of the need for change in the parish but I knew there would be a lot of resistance. It was important to tread carefully.

As with most jobs, it was also important to recognise that you can’t solve each and every problem and it’s important instead to consider your priorities.

In my case I elected to lead worship rather than buildings, services rather than finance, pastoral care rather than synod, the occasional offices rather than church, deanery or diocese meetings and so on.

I soon discovered that co-operation was the single most important factor in affecting both the harmony and advancement of the parish.