October 2008

We could be a great deal better in our congregations at supporting one another in our daily work. While we rightly see the importance of ministry within the gathered communities of our parishes and benefices, in our worship, in groups and other organisations, yet we do not stress anywhere near enough the vital part that ministry plays in our places and areas of work.

Of course work, in one way or another, either paid or voluntary, plays a huge part in our lives, yet how much do we support one another in the issues that can be around that work? Do we know what work others in our congregations are involved in? Do we or they have any opportunities to talk about work, or any aspects of it, with other Christians? Is our area of work or interest referred to at all in the prayers, sermons, teaching of our congregation? Do we see our daily work as part of God's opportunity for us to live out our faith and serve him in his world?

All too often, we can give the impression that being "called" by God means being ordained, or maybe a teacher or doctor! God calls each of us, and he calls each of us to live out our faith in Him in every aspect of our lives, including, crucially, our work.

There can be all manner of issues that arise in connection with our work and faith. For most of us, far more than used to be the case, there are questions of work/life balance. There can be ethical questions, issues of relationships, trust, confidentiality, honesty, integrity - anything and everything. There can be questions that others ask of us if they know that we are Christian, questions about other faiths, environment, world poverty, pain, suffering, death, meaning of life. Nothing is ruled out of court.

Are we supported in this area of our discipleship? Would we like to be able to talk about things more with others? If there is a desire or need to have more opportunity for support, then speak to others in your own congregation or within your benefice, including, of course, your own parish priest.

Many of our congregations are greatly blessed by the presence of self-supporting (NSM) clergy, those who are Ministers in Secular Employment (MSE), and Readers, all of whom are in an excellent position to encourage and lead exactly the kind of support that is needed.

When you come to your Harvest Thanksgiving this year, make sure that you include thanks to God for your own work, perhaps in many different areas and in different ways, and also thanks for the work of all those around you. Giving thanks may also lead to more support!