Listen carefully..... Reflections of a duty minister

One of the joys of ministry is the diverse and rich range of conversations one has during a week.

Over the last seven days I’ve spoken to someone just back from visiting Pakistan, and another person who hasn’t stepped outside her home in months.

I’ve talked with an elderly lady in preparation for her husband’s funeral, and a young mum preparing for her daughter’s baptism, both conversations evidencing the complexity of human relationships.

I’ve been part of a meeting considering the future of a church which meets in a listed building and is struggling to fund the maintenance, and in another heard of a new fellowship forming around a kitchen table.

I’ve visited a lady in hospital showing great courage in the face of a scary diagnosis, and a gentleman whose fortitude in the light of major disability is amazing.

Today I’m going around the shops local to one of our churches, taking the church’s offer to pray for the concerns of shopkeepers and customers, and later will be meeting with people considering their vocation, the call of God on their lives.

Reflecting on each of these conversation, and more besides, I’m grateful for opportunities to speak God’s love, and hear it, to see God’s presence and show it.

And I'm reminded I need to listen carefully.....

Rev Nick