Progress

The research work continues - a long haul, but learning loads about John Wesley. He was an interesting character and had a significant impact on those around him.
The ministerial training element has focused on leadership tools and introductory theology.
All helpful - but not a lot of discovery. Interestingly, in my termly review the majority of my learning has come from the activities I have been involved in in my Circuit job this term: Church sale, meeting planning, circuit re-organisation, property matters and supporting a number of people in a number of tasks related to ministry.
Further changes next year when I will have a new dissertation supervisor as Debbie Herring moves on to pastures new - I'll miss Debbie, but look forward to working with Ian again.

Masters

Now started working on my dissertation - good tutorial today with Debbie (who I will miss when she leaves). I will have the opportunity to visit Wesley College to do some of the research, and that means I can mix a visit to Mum & Dad at the same time. I will be able to do the dissertation over the whole year - which will be a reasonable pace. Debbie has already introduced a couple of helpful extras - Gadamer and Wittgenstein (2 famous philosophers). It is really good to cover more new ground.

formation

Training as a student minister is underway. I am now working with several new people, and it is good to both get to know them, and see how my old colleagues are getting on in their new colleges. We have new tutors this term, and this gives some excellent alternative perspectives. I am enjoying the new perspectives, and looking forward to the coming year. I am "sitting in" on the level 2 sessions again, and we are looking at pastoral care this term. The sessions and information are quite challenging, with different perspectives on pastoral theology.
The challenge for me over the past couple of weeks has been several references to the only real way to learn is through crisis points. This really does not connect with me - not that you cant learn in this way. Its more to do with the dismising of slow and steady - so it was great to finally hear about an alternate theory that does recognise this form of learning.

Back in the groove...

The time is coming for me to think about going back to college. My study this year will consist of doing my dissertation. The working title has been accepted - I will spend alot of time researching John Wesley's writings and reading up on modern leadership.
I will also have one day a week at UTU in sheffield for my Formation - joining a group with a few other student ministers as we move towards developiung a greater understanding of our callings - It will be good to get to know some new people, and see some a few of my old colleagues, but most are studying at other places.

Dissertation

Now that I have finished my 4 assessed modules (which I understand qualifies me for a Postgraduate Diploma - heh-heh-heh!) I now move onto my dissertation.
I hope to be looking at John Wesley's leadership and theology, and how that might be helpful to today's Methodist presbyter (not Minister because I have to narrow the focus). This should mean some interesting exploration of Wesley's original writings.
I hope to do some case studies of current practice, so I will be seeking some volunteer presbyters to help.

Training

I will now train for 2 years part-time at Urban Theology Unit.
This means that I will carry on working for the Sheffield (West) Circuit.
In order to fit everything in I may have to alter my hours a bit at work, and consider using the time I currently spend in my home Circuit preaching in a placement in another circuit.
Still to work all that out with Christine at UTU.
I will team up with the people who are already training on a part-time basis some of whom I already know. i will miss my friends and fellow travellers as they are all going somewhere else, but will look forward to hearing about their journey's.

Yes!

The Methodist church has accepted me as a student minister. This will mean further training which will be confirmed at the end of this month. Sounds as though I can carry on working but may need to consider how many hours I work.
The acceptance is a real affirmation that this is God's will. I still have plenty to learn and I am looking forward to what that will mean.

Pressure Cooker

The national committee (connexion) was a major experience. The nervous tension was significant. The 24 hours seemed like at least 48. The questions were answered - some with significant amounts of waffle! I hope that the discerning eye and ear were active because I felt that at times I was making it very complicated!
The people are all very friendly, however the whole process goes on with very little feedback. I will hear on Thursday what the response is, and will post the results - praise God for all his patient grace and understanding.

Connexional Committee

The Connexional (National) Committee is the final stage in the assessment of my calling to the ministry. This takes place next week near St Albans. All my colleagues and me are preparing our 5 minute presentations, and reflecting on the latest news.
It will be quite an atmosphere with all the tension of the candidates. I just hope and pray that I will continue to be me, and if it is God's call then I will start the next phase of my Christian service. I don't feel nervous now - but that is normal for me. I will be nervous during the process, and God doing his best to get the grey cells to listen and remember.
The process is very exciting, yet at the same time very wearing - I can see why people remember this year whether successful or not.

District Committee update

The District Committee agreed unanimously to support my candidating. The day was good and I was supported tremendously by my Minister and the District Candidate Secretary. The group were thorough, but very gracious, and it was nice to meet a couple of old friends as well.
I now have the Connexional (National) Committee to look forward to at the end of April.
God is Good

District Committee

We had a useful session with our colleagues from York St John this week. The numbers have dwindled from their group but there are 7 of us going forward. The session helped to challenge us across the different areas of compentency the church is looking to establish. What was very encouraging was that everyone had a very positive experience and this helped to build up confidence. It was good to have the different dynamic of the York group with us.
Tomorrow sees the District day for most of us - I am the only one for the Leeds district and will have to answer questions in 3 sessions during the morning. I am accompanied by Andrew, my minister, who has been very supportive. I am just going to be me - and hope that I can focus on
my story - and where is God in it! It is so easy to go off track.

Circuit support

The Circuit Meeting was very positive. They voted unanimously to support me. It was very affirming and humbling - a great evening for me. Thank you so much God for all the ways in which you show your love and care.

Hectic week

The pace hots up this week as I have the Circuit Meeting tonight. I am going to reflect on how my call has developed during my time on Foundation Training. I have also been frantically finishing off and submitting my last assignment.
The retreat really helped again. I was able to think about Blind Bartimaeus and how the words "What do you want me to do for you" kept repeating.
A very positive experience and demonstrates the value of regular retreats.
After all the excitment we are having a few days away from it all next week on the Red Sea. I'll be looking forward to the rest!!

New boy

Looking forward to starting work next week. I have already had some contact with some of the Circuit team and have some new "kit" waiting for me. It is going to be great getting to know the new people in the Circuit.

Forms

Nearly got all the forms completed. I still have my final assessed service this Sunday so if you can I would appreciate your prayers for the forms to be completed on time. The service is all-age worship at Wrenthorpe - my home church. What was that about prophet and home town!!

Assignments

Both assignments due for this month. Work underway and progressing reasonably. I've found my learning about the Jesus of History quite revealing. It is interesting that I have already found that I have had to emphasise the humanity of Jesus in my preaching and teaching.