I suspect I speak for many of us in saying that I don’t like change. 

I find it scary, at times confusing, and feel much happier when existing in the cosy little world I have formed for myself, surrounded by my friends and family, secure in my vocation and hobbies.

Time and time again throughout the Bible, however, God calls on people to uproot and go where He sends them:

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. - Genesis 12. 1 (ESV)

Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city… - Jonah 1. 1 (ESV)

And {Jesus} said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. - St Matthew 4. 19 (ESV)

This week is my last week in post as Pioneer and Parish Administrator in Stanway. 

Over the last two-and-a-bit years I have found this role to be a fulfilment of my vocation, and have truly enjoyed working as part of the burgeoning Pioneer Ministry. Over this time we have seen the Team grow from just Tony and me, through to our team of eight staff and many other volunteers. We have seen the advent of new services, new forms of mission, new ways of doing things, while at the same time remaining true to our initial calling and vocation (found in St Matthew 28. 19 - Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…)

One of the passages of Scripture that captured the heart of Wendy, Tony and me soon after Wendy arrived can be found in the book of the Prophet Isaiah: 

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? - Isaiah 43. 19 (ESV). This passage has remained with us.

In just over three weeks time I will be getting married. In a funny sort of way, it was this passage of Scripture (Isaiah 43) that drew Jackie and me together. It has been a constant source of strength as we have worked through the challenges that any new couple face - indeed it is being read during the wedding service. 

In under two months I will begin my training for a Bachelor of Divinity degree from the University of Glasgow, and my ministerial formational training with the Scottish United Reformed and Congregational College. A few months later, in the new year, Jackie and I will be going from our country and our kindred to live in Glasgow - trusting and praying that it is indeed the land God is showing us.

In all of these things, I/we faced a choice. I could either remain with what I knew, what was safe, and where I felt comfortable; or I could put my trust in God, trusting that He is doing a new thing. However scary this is at the moment (and will continue to be), I know that obedience to God is the only way we can grow as disciples and friends of Jesus Christ.

As I prepare to take my leave of you, I would invite you to consider whether God is calling you also to leave something behind, or to take something up: whether He is asking you to put down the comfortable and take up the risky or challenging. Who knows where He will call you next?…

Let us pray:

God of infinite grace and wisdom,
we thank You that we do not know the full path we are called to tread
but that You reveal our route in small steps.
We thank You for all that has happened in the Pioneering Ministry in Stanway over the last two years, and for all that looks set to happen in the future.
As we consider how You may be calling us going forward,
we pray that You would cast aside our fears and make us wholly dependent on You,
that we may follow obediently and serve faithfully all our days.
This prayer we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

On a personal note, may I thank all those (they know who they are) who have supported me in my role in these last two years. Your help has been greatly appreciated and your company will be sorely missed.