It has been such a warm, very warm day. So that when Revd Eric says he has remembered those who will be given certificates, and have a service of dedication tomorrow, are meeting for a final session looking at leadership, we find ourselves sitting outside the church. With about twenty minutes notice he has asked me to give a short seminar . What a delightful way to end the day, sitting under a canopy of stars. Eric has been nurturing people in the idea that everyone in the church has a ministry to offer. These people have come forward to be worship leaders, preachers, class leaders etc. So I take the opportunity to share with them this important responsibility they have taken on. I feel as if I am really getting to know them now. The conversation is relaxed, informal and I feel animated by the occasion. But have I been understood? I have deliberately chosen to give space for questions not just a talk. This elicits questions that show both an understanding of what I sort to communicate, but a real questioning of what I said. So we further unpicked ideas and ways of doing things. How to exercise pastoral care, how to love and forgive those you don't like, to hold to your integrity, what it means to exercise leadership by serving. I lost all track of time but it must have been an hour and a half. Of course we ended with prayer.
God our creator
of black skies
with bright twinkling stars
may your light shine
in these peoples lives.
Jesus our Saviour
who comes for all
work in their lives
so all may know this truth.
Holy Spirit our guide
gift to these people
Love to sustain them
in responsibilty
and Joy in being faithful.
And all the people said 'Amen'
Mark Goodhand
9th May 2015 Asebu Ghana
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