Impact0819

Lay Ministry Learning
In September 2018, at the
tender age of 51 years, I
enrolled on a lay ministry
course to learn more about
God and the Bible and
discern how I can best serve him
in the future. The course is run by
St Peter’s College, a part of the
Sheffield Diocese of the Church of
England.
The course is affiliated with
the University of Durham and
effectively forms a part of the first
year of their theology degree.
The first year is split into three
parts and commences with an
Introduction to the Bible. The
second term studies Mission
and Ministry and the final term
concludes with Church Doctrine
and History.
I have always enjoyed learning
and quickly became fascinated
by many of the different Bible
passages studied and the views
of the teachers and biblical
scholars.
The process of theological
study has made me think deeply
and prayerfully about what I am
learning and what I truly believe.
I have very much enjoyed
studying mission and evangelism,
which surprised me. I have
always been slightly intimidated
by the word evangelism which for
me carries with it much baggage.
I have learned that mission is
initiated by God in a revelation
of love and divine invitation to
make central in our lives a loving
relationship with Him.
We can all take part in
the mission of God through
discerning what God is doing
around us and to then responding
with whatever we have to offer.
Today, in 2019, mission is very
much about sharing God’s love,
responding to human need,
transforming unjust structures in
society, the pursuit of peace and
reconciliation, and looking after
our planet.
I have learned that God has
been in dialogue with humanity
since the beginning of time and
that all mission is rooted in God
as a fountain of sending love.
Twenty-first century Britain
has increased in its complexity
with the explosion of technology,
mass migration and increased
diversity in a multi-faith society
with many Muslims, Hindus,
Buddhists and traditional African
religions bringing welcome
diversity and enrichment.
For me personally, I like the
idea of mission as dialogue with
people of other faiths and of
none as it points to a journey of
genuine and deep encounter.
Both parties give and receive
in a two-way exchange of gifts of
value. Where there are authentic
relationships characterised by
respect and love, there can be a
sharing of our deepest treasures,
and we all can learn and grow.
David Reynolds
Trainee Lay Minister
St Chad’s Church, Linden Avenue, Woodseats
Church Office: Linden Avenue, Sheffi eld S8 0GA
Tel: (0114) 274 5086
Page 18
email: office@stchads.org
website: www.stchads.org