Does God Take us on a Mystery Tour? @minidvr
BY @minidvr
– NOVEMBER 10, 2012POSTED IN: DIGIDISCIPLE
http://twelvebaskets.co.uk/view/images/moon-mystery
Sometimes we get insights from scripture, sometimes someone else points us towards a scripture passage, which has come to them while they were thinking of you, or perhaps interacting with you in some context or other. The Bible can be inspirational in many contexts and not necessarily directly to you, but may inspire someone eles, who is sharing your journey in the Christian faith.
Recently, someone sent me a PM on Facebook, prompted by my writing something about new developments in the Lay Ministry role I have in my parish!
They quoted: Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
I’m not sure what I had written to inspire that particular quote, but it just seemed to chime in with the theory that I hold that God is taking me on a Mystery Tour, releasing on bit of information on the way, while I struggle to discern what he might be saying or pointing me towards. A timeline roughly being:
2008
I came back to Christianity in 2008, God seems keen to keep me on my toes!
Firstly, he pointed me towards a particular place, church and community. OK, deal!
Next, he pointed me towards confirmation as an Anglican. Ok, Deal!
2009
Next, he pointed me God only knew where, but it, after a few months of mystery, turned out to be a possible vocation to some form of ministry in my home parish. OK, Deal!
2010 – 2011
Next, he pointed me towards discerning the vocation as towards Ordained Ministry. OK, Deal.
Next, he took me on a wonderful journey of discernment, of growth, academic stutdy, prayer, spirituality and interaction with some wonderful people. OK, Deal.
2012
Next, the journey became painful, he sent me to BAP. OK, Deal? Not a done deal after all? Recommeneded for Ministry in the Church of England, but not Ordained Ministry. OK, Deal, of sorts.
Next, well, wait out and see for about 6 months. Use this to work through the implications of the ‘Not’ and get over the baggage. OK, Deal!
Next, October 2012 - Meeting to discuss a possible way forward with Vicar – Vision shared..
His vision for future ministry to be developed as Parish Missioner? What on earth is that? Well, here goes:
Stage 1: To continue existing role(s) which will be formally authorised in early 2013.
Stage 2: To widen Parish Mission and Ministry via our website and the use of social media to meet an identified need as we move forward towards future pastoral re-organisation with a neighbouring benefice.
Stage 3 : To attend formal training as an Authorised Worship Leader under diocesan auspices from September 2013.
Stage 4: to be developed once the first three are achieved.
What to do next?
- Ÿ How to develop our website to integrate with social media to increase our outreach in a way that they are seamless interactive – to work with our Web Master on this.
- Ÿ Look at drafting a simple, short, concise parish mission statement.
- Ÿ A job description and working agreement – appropriate to the role as it develops.
- Ÿ Book training as appropriate.
I know that God has a sense of humour, but the mystery tour isn’t over yet. The headlines of the proposed role while appearing clear cut, have lots of stuff to be worked out prayerfully and with others over the next few months.
The challenge is there. And it’s really exciting. Get used to being on a mystery tour. Take nothing for granted, expect the unexpected and hope for the the best.
To me this mystery tour reminds me of Proverbs 1-2:7
2 for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to those who are simple,[
knowledge and discretion to the young—
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.[b]7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools[c] despise wisdom and instruction.
One of the things about a mystery tour is to be open to excitement, often scary things, but open hearted and committed to where God might be taking me – and the journey looks to continue on track for more mystery in the future. All I can say, is bring it on.
This post originally appeared on the #digidisciple project on the #bigbible site on 10 Nov 2012.
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