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.