Moving story

One of the slight peculiarities of the Methodist Church is that unlike most other churches, as ministers we serve for a fixed time in one place. This is usually for 5 years. That can be extended, or on some occasions ministers move early. But generally, we serve for 5 years. And the 5-year term ends around the middle to the end of July.

Therefore, next time you see a removal van over the next few weeks it could be moving the belongings of a Methodist minister (and family) to their next appointment.

I’m in a slightly odd position in that I’ve bucked the system. In my first appointment, I was stationed (that’s the term we use) as a Probationer (trainee minister) to Swindon for 5 years. Having been a probationer for 2 years I was ordained. Coming up to the time of considering a move (a year in advance) I felt God wanted me to stay on longer in Swindon. With the consent of my churches in Swindon I asked to stay for an extra 3 years. This request was accepted.

During that extra 3 years I was asked by senior church leaders if I would consider moving to Chippenham to fill a post that had become vacant. This I did. But I moved during February not the usual late July / early August. Not keeping to system? Outrageous!

Why am I telling you all this? It is because in the last few weeks I’ve seen posts from Methodist colleagues on various social media sites, saying how they are attending the final service in one of their chapels or attending a leaving party. Or mentioning problems with removal companies. Or sharing their excitement about moving. Or sharing their regrets at leaving. Or their nervousness at what lies ahead.

I see these posts and I wonder what the future holds for me? On one level, the Methodist system means I am here in Chippenham until July 2019. But it’s not as simple as that. I am still off on sick leave. I hope to return to work in January 2018. But of course, I don’t know whether I will be well enough. I think I will be well enough (and I hope I will be.) But I don’t know. If I’m not, what then?

If I’m honest there is also a pang of jealousy. Ordinarily I’d be fine. I love the appointment I’m in. It feels the right place to be. But then seeing friends and colleagues posting about what is happening to them makes me wonder whether I’ll ever do that again. In particular, I wonder whether I will be stationed as a Superintendent.

I need to explain. The Methodist Church in Britain doesn’t have bishops. We are not particularly hierarchical. But we have Superintendents and Chairs of District. In lay person’s terms, a Superintendent is a minister who supervises a Circuit (a collection of churches) and the ministers. He or she is responsible for the Circuit.

I didn’t go into ministry wanting to be a Superintendent but I have realised I would be able to serve as one if that’s what God and the Church wanted. (Inevitably being a Superintendent means a lot of administration and church business and I am not fazed by that.) You offer to be a Superintendent and I would have done so and would have been pleased if accepted. But is that a possibility in future? Only God knows.

Then again only God knows what is going to happen in terms of ministry. Will I be fit enough to resume in January? Does God have other plans for me?

I’ve blogged before that a Bible verse I hold on to is Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

That’s all I can do at this stage. Hold on to that promise.

But God, I wouldn’t mind you letting me in on your plan if that is ok?