tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17609930218711081952024-03-13T04:55:25.262+00:00Ministry SisterMinistry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-74880323639807304082010-09-18T23:09:00.011+01:002010-09-19T10:41:31.395+01:00Church PlantingI spent this weekend at a little conference centre and hotel somewhere in Berkshire (when I say somewhere, I really mean it. It was so remote I couldn't get a phone signal in my hotel room and am only sending this post thanks to the hotel's wifi).<div><br /></div><div>The weekend conference was all about church planting, a subject that has been on my heart for a long while but it has also been something that I haven't really had the confidence to really think about let alone do.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, having studied theology (and comprehensively failed to finished my MA), I realise that the gospel mission is still on my heart and, who knows, maybe God will forgive my tardiness and use me. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a great opportunity to meet people who have been planting churches for a while and who are working with others who are currently planting churches. I learned a lot. So much, in fact, I'm a quite likely to forget it all before I leave here later today so wanted to make a few notes here for future reference and as a note for others who are also interested in church planting.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mother Church</b></div><div>It is important for each new church plant to have a mother church to support and nurture it. That said, the mother church takes no active part in the decisions of the church plant.</div><div><br /></div><div>A church plant must have a mother church for the following reasons:</div><div><ol><li>Co-operation v competition - the mother church should work co-operatively with the church plant and not in competition.</li><li>Support with people resources - when needed, the mother church can offer support when there are not enough people to help with ministry.</li><li>Shared activities and outreach endeavours</li><li>Financial accountability</li><li>Healthier DNA for the church plant - church plants are the result of a break away, will carry those tensions with them</li><li>Quick recovery for mother church</li><li>Positive future fr additional church plants</li></ol><div><b>Basic Strategy to Prepare Your Church for Church Planting</b></div></div><div><ol><li>Emphasis on church health</li><li>Preach sermons on church planting</li><li>Make evangelism the first business of the church</li><li>Create a sense of urgency for reaching those who don't know Christ. Share relevant demographics to emphasise need.</li><li>Expose leaders to church planting (have boarding read, "Rekindling A Lost Passion".</li><li>Spend a significant time with key leaders who have broad influence. Attend a Seeds or Metro Impact event</li></ol></div><div><b>Steps to Planting a Church</b></div><div><ul><li>Find a target eg young families, single moms, former adventists, refugees, needy, immigrants, blue collar workers etc.</li><li>Location - a great place to start is your neighbourhood particularly for the unchurched who are unlikely to travel long distances for church</li><li>Know the demographics - check resources such as local authority borough profile or<a href="http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=1078"> ONS website</a>.</li></ul></div><div><b>Set up a Core Group to work on Church Plant Strategy</b></div><div>There are 4 qualities for core group members. They are:</div><div><ol><li>Shared passion/vision</li><li>Individuals who put mission first</li><li>Individuals who are a magnet to others</li><li>Individuals who match the demographic to be reached - the most important quality of all 4 qualities. If you don't match your target group, you won't reach them and you'll struggle to be effective.</li></ol></div><div><b>Church Plant Should have an Incubation Period</b></div><div><ol><li>The incubation period should last for 6-9 months.</li><li>Meet in someone's home once a week. Note, there should be no Sabbath meeting <i>UNTIL</i> the incubation is completed</li><li>Create a community by getting to know one another</li><li>Pray and fast together</li><li>Study the book of Acts and read Rekindling A Lost Passion</li><li>Write out:</li></ol><ul><li>core values - for example, excellence, unconditional acceptance, belonging before believing etc</li><li>strategic evangelistic plan (based on your target demographic) - during the incubation period plan an evangelistic meeting that will take place within the first year of the plant. What are the methods that will be most effective in the community you are targeting. Plan for it. How? When? Who?</li><li>ministry assignments - Evangelistic, administration, worship, children, social etc. Be sure to create a clear job description for all assignments.</li></ul><div><b>Coach</b></div><div>The church plant must have a coach and they should have the following qualities:</div><div><ul><li>Proven soul-winner</li><li>Excellent listener</li><li>Empowering (will not take over church plant)</li><li>Familiar with technique of coaching and self-discovery</li><li>Willing to commit (but is a voluntary role)</li></ul><div><b>Useful Church Planting Resources</b></div></div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rekindling-Lost-Passion-Recreating-Planting/dp/B0013600PK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1284851356&sr=8-2">Rekindling a Lost Passion</a></li><li><a href="http://www.ncd-international.org/">Natural Church Development</a></li><li>Metro Impact</li><li>Why I'm Passionate about Church Planting</li><li><a href="http://www.texasadventist.org/Ministries/ChurchPlanting/ChurchPlantingResources/tabid/132/Default.aspx#seminars">Texas SDA Conference Resources</a></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-50043898287311924822010-09-10T17:18:00.003+01:002010-09-10T17:32:32.371+01:00Pauline Laville Bindra, 8th Dan, BD, MAToday we buried a friend and classmate, <a href="http://blog.blitzsport.com/2010/09/01/pauline-laville-bindras-funeral-date-and-tribute/">Pauline Laville Bindra, 8th Dan, BD, MA</a>.<div><br /></div><div>She was a beautiful woman, a great inspiration, a inspiring classmate, a wonderful example, a great mother, and loving wife and a <a href="http://blog.blitzsport.com/2010/07/30/in-loving-memory-of-pauline-laville-bindra/">world-class karate expert</a> who gave it all up to serve her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pauline was given beautiful resting place in the grounds of her family home where she will remain close to her husband and her children.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pauline, I never told you just how much you meant to me when you were here with us so I am writing this tribute to you to say thank you for being all that you were.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today I had a vision of heaven. I had a vision of seeing you in the earth made new when Christ will return and raise you with an incorruptible body. Until then my friend, rest in Christ Jesus.</div><div><br /></div>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-75437071587154456742010-08-28T21:29:00.005+01:002010-08-28T21:52:41.671+01:00Je Suis en France<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcsHnPm5LBtmQPCZ38z6TFd3_guWOCn6R1SqWlRXjIS2AswnoiUo2LOKxWQn0MSUB6Z122qKGClL6teQuQiI1MoCt1R3HIAzsWegTZBn5q0xj1zAR3wGk3VblIsMAPhJ34SHWySqnikJ0/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcsHnPm5LBtmQPCZ38z6TFd3_guWOCn6R1SqWlRXjIS2AswnoiUo2LOKxWQn0MSUB6Z122qKGClL6teQuQiI1MoCt1R3HIAzsWegTZBn5q0xj1zAR3wGk3VblIsMAPhJ34SHWySqnikJ0/s200/IMG_1471.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510564902796593618" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; ">Peche Plate - a variety of French Peach</span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXMkb2y-QfKChc4IqbiCqulndybYgyAaTusj-fd4ZyVOYMlcBQx38v8y7uAM6RisRXZlfH5EGDGG5Sp4UWiejgmr-n2Sqp_hb95Nh3x69gnYhSlBZh951bJQsM2GDEFSt9CCzHsoV7eun/s1600/IMG_1455.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXMkb2y-QfKChc4IqbiCqulndybYgyAaTusj-fd4ZyVOYMlcBQx38v8y7uAM6RisRXZlfH5EGDGG5Sp4UWiejgmr-n2Sqp_hb95Nh3x69gnYhSlBZh951bJQsM2GDEFSt9CCzHsoV7eun/s200/IMG_1455.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510563296311519890" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXMkb2y-QfKChc4IqbiCqulndybYgyAaTusj-fd4ZyVOYMlcBQx38v8y7uAM6RisRXZlfH5EGDGG5Sp4UWiejgmr-n2Sqp_hb95Nh3x69gnYhSlBZh951bJQsM2GDEFSt9CCzHsoV7eun/s1600/IMG_1455.JPG"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A Room with a view</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZbYBewZBoOAl8C7euzMUUzTxPFo5pwQpMbX_RNPlAu5ExYegDnqB5xOJyvDTIqZLrTwYlCftcSG9V7BXAkFa4vwz8aYDTW4F5m07vaGTAlV4cwmrzbAd93259O4xVKldDMe07XqnF_BN/s1600/IMG_1425.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZbYBewZBoOAl8C7euzMUUzTxPFo5pwQpMbX_RNPlAu5ExYegDnqB5xOJyvDTIqZLrTwYlCftcSG9V7BXAkFa4vwz8aYDTW4F5m07vaGTAlV4cwmrzbAd93259O4xVKldDMe07XqnF_BN/s200/IMG_1425.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510563289677974610" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Berney in Normandie</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIx7BC-nC4OIvQ6pNflo15vixdUQyoY7fAx5L32bw8XCLCurGj0vyF8SfMxT-zD9e0BDvvzAXHPSvcyuxWPhVX38GRjfD2g-VtV4nArnexIMPW2eUm5WonsjsnHhpKisS3TmMqlMaISZ21/s1600/IMG_1412.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIx7BC-nC4OIvQ6pNflo15vixdUQyoY7fAx5L32bw8XCLCurGj0vyF8SfMxT-zD9e0BDvvzAXHPSvcyuxWPhVX38GRjfD2g-VtV4nArnexIMPW2eUm5WonsjsnHhpKisS3TmMqlMaISZ21/s200/IMG_1412.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510563282026250610" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY7BvUriEnDC0YOICmYklQBtnbudngaIsHJOkTmMPnbFCaKiVNZgBoKNgKkWNTICm_P5GqBrQN08u2K3WnVjItGYbHRMREcRx6qfgj70RmNIrGovZUJcFRgIIgz5GbZjdUAEHDlbhaF0n/s1600/IMG_1387.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY7BvUriEnDC0YOICmYklQBtnbudngaIsHJOkTmMPnbFCaKiVNZgBoKNgKkWNTICm_P5GqBrQN08u2K3WnVjItGYbHRMREcRx6qfgj70RmNIrGovZUJcFRgIIgz5GbZjdUAEHDlbhaF0n/s200/IMG_1387.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510563273932753602" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Centre Pompidou</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I love France. I wish that I came here more frequently. Unfortunately, however, work <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">commitments</span></span>, life and a lack of finances don't allow me to travel nearly as frequently as I would like. They certainly don't allow me the time to to a <a href="http://kenyannomad.wordpress.com/category/africa/">thirty-day African adventure</a>. <div><br /></div><div>Here are just a few snaps of my last opportunity this summer to have a bit of rest before the onslaught of a busy autumn at work.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-10429996252660773552010-08-22T15:27:00.004+01:002010-08-22T22:36:13.512+01:00From Glamour Modelling to Ministry<div>A few years ago I read of a church somewhere in America that did outreach work among sex workers. My heart did a little leap to know that there are some people who think everyone is important no matter what someone might choose for their lives. They are thought of as important enough to spend time with, ministering to their needs.</div><div> </div><br /><div>I still pray that I might have the opportunity to reach the hearts of those working in the sex industry and, you never know, one day that prayer might just be answered. Right now, however, my heart taken another leap to read the story of one women who has left glamour modelling behind because she was no longer happy with taking her clothes off for other people and because Christianity was had become a growing part of her life.</div><div> </div><br /><div>Teresa Carey came from a non-Christian family and got into glamour modelling when she was 17. Then, in 1999 she had a spiritual experience which would eventually lead her to turning her back on her career. In 2003 she had another experience and this time she decided to share it with other people. She continued modelling by day and, by night, she wrote verses and poems.</div><div> </div><br /><div>Now she has left glamour modelling altogether and has published her verses and poems in the book, Rhapsody! In the name of Jesus. She has also written, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gods-Plan-My-Life-What/dp/B003XYEA0Q/?tag=amawid-21">God's Plan For My Life - What is It?</a></div><div> </div><br /><div>I wish Teresa all the best. I know that there will be many other people like her. Unlike us, God isn't limited to the kind of people who have never made regretable choices for their lives.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-90337617634732197702010-08-18T21:45:00.002+01:002010-08-18T21:56:39.784+01:00Ministry Sister DailyToday I came across the <a href="http://paper.li/">paper.li</a>. It seems like an interesting app. It allows a mash-up of tweets that I like to read as well as tweets covering particular topics. So, have set up and my own <a href="http://paper.li/ministrysister">daily newspaper</a> and it will automatically publish every day and show in the side bar of this blog. <div><br /></div><div>I don't know how long I might use it for or how useful if really is but here goes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a <a href="http://paper.li/ministrysister">read</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-14250906358032230472010-08-17T19:59:00.003+01:002010-08-17T20:02:00.566+01:00Does God Have a Role to Play in Football?I don't know that God does or doesn't have a role to play in football. That's not the point. The point is, that on prime time TV that question was asked. The result is a series of shorts including <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/4thoughttv/4od#3111470">this one by the Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin</a>. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-80363835207972171782010-08-12T20:53:00.002+01:002010-08-12T21:10:30.792+01:00Good Bye Pauline<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; ">It has been a fortnight of bad and sad news and I hope that it all comes to an end soon. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>This evening I learned of the death of one of my classmates, <a href="http://blog.blitzsport.com/2010/07/30/in-loving-memory-of-pauline-laville-bindra/">Pauline Bindra</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pauline was a wonderful woman with a clear missionary vision. She had a wonderful sense of humour, a cheeky grin, a heart for helping others and an intense love for her husband and family.</div><div><br /></div><div>I met Pauline at Newbold College in 2005 when I was studying theology but it wasn't until the following year, when sitting next to her in class that I really got to know her. I learned that she first enrolled at Newbold back in the 1960s when food was grown in the school's own farms and when there were very strict rules about relationships between men and women and when everyone had to be in their dorms at an hour that would not be tolerated in the modern world. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back then Pauline didn't have the stomach for it and, from what she said to me, toleration for that kind of rule keeping never changed. She was a free spirit but she also loved God dearly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, after she graduated, our lives drifted apart and she continued her business, supported her family and worked on her ministry. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the last few months, she cropped into my mind on more than one occasion. In fact, she was frequently on my mind. </div><div><br /></div><div>I guess that, with a more acute sense of God, I might have understood that he was prompting me to pray for her or even to contact her. </div><div><br /></div><div>I understand that Pauline had been ill and that, while having surgery she suffered a fatal brain haemorrhage. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pauline's memory will remain with me and the impact that her life has had on mine, will continue to influence me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet Pauline and to get to know her.</div><div><br /></div><div>I pray that one day we will meet again.</div><div><br /></div>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-32988627583274926052010-07-30T15:54:00.000+01:002010-07-30T15:54:00.131+01:00Facts about OrdinationThere seems to be increasing amounts of chatter about the role of women in the church in both the Adventist church as well as in the church of England, which recently held its general synod.<div><br /></div><div>While at GC 2010, the Adventist Women's Centre distributed some very useful information and which I wanted to share here.</div><div></div><blockquote><div>The term 'ordination' does not come from the Bible but from the word '<i>ordo</i>' used in Roman law to define a special status, or to set in order.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the Old Testament, the 'laying on of hands' refers to blessng (Gen 48:14), appointment or consecration (Numbers 27:23), sacrifice (Leviticus 1:4), or installation of priest, king or prophet (Numbers 8:11)</div><div><br /></div><div>In the New Testament, laying on of hands never refers directly to pastoral ministry but is more commonly used in reference to an appointment to a certain function or job (Mark 3:14,16; Acts 14:23; 2 Timothy 1:11) or, most commonly, to vote one into office (Acts 14:28; 2 Cor 8:19). The actual combination of Greek words most often translated 'to ordain' could literally be read as 'to stretch out the hand,' such as in a democratic vote! it is also used in reference to 'becoming' a disciple (Acts 1:22), wich all people, men and women, are called to do. </div><div><br /></div><div>In contrast to the Roman definition of ordination, Jesus clearly did not establish roles with special status. In fact, when one mother was asking for such a role for her sons, Jesus rebuked her (Matt 20:21-28).</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus took on the priestly role of mediation himself (Heb 6:20; 8:3; 9:7), then called for a priesthood of all believers to serve one another and to preach the gospel (1 Peter 2:5,9; Rev 1:6; 5:10): "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost" (Matt 28:19).</div></blockquote><div></div>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-8376546620497745222010-07-30T09:56:00.003+01:002010-07-30T10:10:51.419+01:00She<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2K8lZ-0cXpiFDB_jhHh62GZbT2s_TntraaEsQjyVtpeYSLyytRN5lAM5Zd2pqMEa9eHIJBBpVvSMBkxvLnp1NOlVXi8pOmg09j9uGE9WrkqB1FeHi02AURsCvjduR9SbHudziCjUkcaB_/s1600/woman.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2K8lZ-0cXpiFDB_jhHh62GZbT2s_TntraaEsQjyVtpeYSLyytRN5lAM5Zd2pqMEa9eHIJBBpVvSMBkxvLnp1NOlVXi8pOmg09j9uGE9WrkqB1FeHi02AURsCvjduR9SbHudziCjUkcaB_/s320/woman.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499624000378452578" /></a><br />She was gentle and kind, never speaking a harsh word to anyone or about anyone.<div>She was giving and loving, working as though there were no tomorrow, giving to her church and her community.</div><div>She was the sort of friend we all long for, the wife men desire and the daughter we could all be proud off.</div><div>She loved God and her church, she sang in the choir, taught music and gave as though she had endless stream from which to give.</div><div>She was tireless and fearless, running her own consultancy and starting her own catering business.</div><div>She was intelligent, articulate and the sort of person you'd always want on your team.</div><div>She opened you up and whole new world you never knew existed.</div><div>She wasn't arrogant.</div><div>She wasn't full of pride.</div><div>She didn't flaunt her abilities in the face of others.</div><div>She didn't make a show of her wealth.</div><div>She didn't even pander to stereotypes or let cultural barriers to get in her way.</div><div>She was a wonderful.</div><div>She was beautiful.</div><div>She was a fearless woman.</div><div>She loved God and God loved her.</div><div>She will be missed.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The image in the post was created by </span><a href="http://www.billinghayfamily.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">@billysu</span></a></div><div><br /></div>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-43679733228090519762010-07-28T22:23:00.003+01:002010-07-28T22:43:42.344+01:00Remembering My FriendToday I received a shocking call from my friend's husband. I knew it wasn't good news when he introduced himself. After all, it couldn't have been good if he was calling and not my friend. <div><br /></div><div>I remember thinking that the only news could be bad news but as I wanted to put that thought out of my mind, I replaced it with the more welcome thoughts of her being ill in hospital.<div><br /></div><div>The next few moments are a bit of a blur. I don't know if I screamed. I don't know if I was coherent. I don't really know what I said. But I do remember crying. I also remember my colleagues comforting me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I won't write her name on this blog as I wouldn't want to betray the trust of her or that of her family or husband.</div><div><br /></div><div>My friend was one of the most wonderful human beings that I have ever come across. She was warm, giving, kind, talent and intelligent. She was also pretty damned amazing. She wrote for a national newspaper, she baked professionally, had her own catering business, she was a consultant and she drafted much government legislation that now has an impact on all of our daily lives. And, I had the pleasure of knowing her.</div><div><br /></div><div>She was a wife, a daughter, a friend, a chorister, an employee and a business woman. </div><div><br /></div><div>She will also be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.</div></div>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-87175443979662086252010-07-25T13:19:00.001+01:002010-07-25T13:19:00.635+01:00Tackling PornographyA few weeks ago I was present for a short discussion on pornography. Unfortunately the conversation quickly turned to women's clothing with an association being made between the two. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; ">My protestations seemed to fall on deaf ears with talk of jeggings, bikinis and immodest clothing. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; ">Pornography is a problem and there are increasing levels of addiction and, it is increasingly accepted that there are problems within the church as well as outside the church.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; ">I don't think that anyone would challenge the opinion that pornography is in direct opposition to Christian principals but, what I want to know is should is pornography be addressed? What sanctions, if any, should be called on? What help should be offered and what is the best way for a church to support those with porn addictions? Finally, will the local church come to a place when they can disassociate women's clothing with pornography no matter how they might feel with changing modesty levels?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; "><br /></span></div>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-8480837082958206372010-07-20T14:41:00.000+01:002010-07-20T14:41:00.518+01:00A Prayer for Adventist Women2010 was the year of the 59th Adventist General Conference Session. The Georgia International Convention Centre was the home of Adventism for nearly two weeks. There was representation from all over the world, North America, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, Guam, Thailand, Mauritius, Australia, Jamaica, India, Russia, you name a country and it was probably there.<div><br /></div><div>For some, the 59th General Conference session will be remembered as the time that the church did not address the issue of women's ordination, leaving it off the agenda. It will also be remembered as a missed opportunity. However, it was also a session that will be remembered for the effort that the Adventist Women's Centre in raising the issue among delegates and visitors. </div><div><br /></div><div>After it was announced that women's ordination would not be on the agenda, they spent the months running up to the session planning how to get their message out. They would design, make and distribute buttons (badges) to attendees. </div><div><br /></div><div>There were two designs and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; ">I wish that I had one of each to share with you. Unfortunately I don't have one to show you. They were so very popular that the entire stock of one design was distributed on the very first day of the session. The second design quickly ran out too and they had to resort to printed paper versions to pin onto people's lapels. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; ">The Adventist Women's Centre knew that this would be an issue that there would be great support for and, they weren't wrong.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; "><br /></span></div><div>In the absence of a badge, I want to leave you with a prayer that was printed on the back page of the spring 2010 addition of <a href="http://www.spectrummagazine.org/">Spectrum Magazine</a>;</div><div></div><blockquote><div><b>Roll back the Stone</b></div><div><br /></div><div>When we are all despairing;</div><div>When the world is full of grief;</div><div>When we see no way ahead;</div><div>And hope has gone away:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Roll back the stone</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Although we fear change;</div><div>Although we are not ready for change;</div><div>Although we'd rather weep and run away</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Roll back the stone</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Because we're coming with the women;</div><div>Because we hope where hope seems vain;</div><div>Because you call us fro the grave</div><div>And show the way:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Roll back the stone</b></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Janet Morely, Methodist Church</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-50081804388416239452010-07-18T21:58:00.001+01:002010-07-18T22:08:30.226+01:00Mixing Church and PoliticsThere are some who believe that the church and politics make for bad bed fellows. Well, in a quiet corner of England there have been individuals who have been convicted that they have been called by God to work in politics. They identify with Biblical characters such as Joseph, Esther, Nehemiah and Daniel and their work is their mission in the same way that pastors might see their role as their ministry.<div><br /></div><div>This week is another programme of activity, not only for Christians currently in politics, but it will also be an opportunity to tell others why it's a Christian vocations. </div><div><br /></div><div>Methodist Central Hall will host, <a href="http://www.ctnt.org.uk/files/59-1-1.pdf">Mixing Church and Politics</a>, on Tuesday morning from 10.30 am to 2pm. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope that I can make it but work commitments might prevent me. If I am able to get there, I will post what I learned on this blog.</div>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-90041121083575839512010-07-18T14:21:00.003+01:002010-07-18T14:41:29.021+01:00Reviving Ministry SisterMinistry Sister was started in back in May 2007. I remember it well. Classmates had been speaking as a group of women and wanted a way of keeping in contact as well as addressing issues that affect women in ministry and women seminarians.<div><br /></div><div>I wasn't at that initial discussion as I didn't live on campus and only spent scant time there (it took 2.5 hours to travel there and 2.5 hours to travel back home so those time was precious indeed).</div><div><br /></div><div>I was, however, told about the plans and I embraced it because my travelling meant that I was really out of touch with classmates (not just women seminarians), I missed events on campus, and I really wanted to keep in touch and this offered a means of doing that. It even offered me a way of sharing resources that I used for studying, reading lists and conversation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Three years later and some of my classmates have graduated. Others have travelled back to their home countries on the other side of the world and ministry sister has been sitting dormant behind password protection for the past two years.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the interim, I have been blogging elsewhere. I have used my other site to say the things that I might not be able to say at church or even to family and friends. I have also used it as a way of making contact with other women in ministry from other denominations. I have enjoyed blogging there but, I think that the time has come to stop blogging anonymously and start addressing some of the issues that arise in this Seventh-day Adventist church that I am a part of.</div><div><br /></div><div>This blog will therefore arise like phoenix out of the ashes. Instead of acting like some sort of notice board for fellow students, it will instead become a place where I publicly tell the story of my continuing journey of faith, where I address matters of theology and even a place where I share resources that I have found helpful. Over time, ministry sister might become even more than that.</div>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-72218289824016071392008-03-31T18:12:00.003+01:002008-03-31T18:18:03.838+01:00Future Pastor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXhTw2ngWfpmkSbtSo0NFzVsGtyu3yS9VLYeavIrgrMriXLzI558xVcByo9zAoHirmacoF39Ohr8ttEbCj_WJoMFjenCK9bnl-wGM75hg5hoCgaUrhwOzMlVq5MmlyFDESwxHgvPfJ_8/s1600-h/184256565v3_240x240_Front_Color-White.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183955763272995714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXhTw2ngWfpmkSbtSo0NFzVsGtyu3yS9VLYeavIrgrMriXLzI558xVcByo9zAoHirmacoF39Ohr8ttEbCj_WJoMFjenCK9bnl-wGM75hg5hoCgaUrhwOzMlVq5MmlyFDESwxHgvPfJ_8/s320/184256565v3_240x240_Front_Color-White.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Sometimes labels help. Some times not so much. I saw these <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">t-shirts</span> and thought it a shame that they are not made in adult sizes as the label might help me realise my future vocation!</div><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-36305899242308999672008-02-12T21:54:00.000+00:002008-02-12T22:11:08.353+00:00Book Sale on AmazonThis is another top tip to raising a bit of spare cash to buy reading material. I have opened an <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/shops/index.html?ie=UTF8&sellerID=A2L53CD34NW5LY">store front account on Amazon</a> and am selling old reading material there. From the proceeds, I can buy books for course reading.<br /><br />It is really easy to <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/seller/sell-your-stuff.html/ref=sv_w_h__2">set up an account</a> and you only pay a fee to Amazon if you sell something. Unfortunately however, when you open an account, you are in competition with some sellers who push thousands of books a day. That means that you can be scuppered by their 0.01p selling price! The good news is that the fixed mail fee which Aamzon have on all book sales, is usually just a little more than cost so you do end up making something on postage.<br /><br />Books stay on the site for 60 days before automatically being removed from the list.<br /><br />I tend to check the prices which other sellers are listing books at before deciding how much I would like to sell my books for. If books are selling for less than I would like, I can decide not to list them or to only put them up as the prices improve.<br /><br />Just for information, I have sold 5 books in as many days which may not be the sort of numbers which Amazon, Eden or Waterstones might be proud of, but for my own personal collection it ain't half bad and so long as it covers the next book on my reading list, I'm happy.<br /><br />Also, for quick and easy reference I have added links to Amazon for some course reading materials. Keep an eye out for reading lists from each year of the undergraduate and post graduate courses.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-71332570894789993522008-01-27T09:52:00.000+00:002008-01-27T11:23:11.550+00:00Top Tip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw4bclbvuly42Kg__x4Cx9i7fP-_C6leEEdLUb2LCNXpL1aT48nxSxEuS_ORfZbP0uLg9ugg3y9XaDc43qZ-upBdj59NQgT5RWDQCdOrZG9wmeYpwSNeRhyphenhyphenjIZ47-zoJWbX8NyM-4qBY/s1600-h/115VGKC3MNL.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160115287798823538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsw4bclbvuly42Kg__x4Cx9i7fP-_C6leEEdLUb2LCNXpL1aT48nxSxEuS_ORfZbP0uLg9ugg3y9XaDc43qZ-upBdj59NQgT5RWDQCdOrZG9wmeYpwSNeRhyphenhyphenjIZ47-zoJWbX8NyM-4qBY/s400/115VGKC3MNL.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div>Buying books for college is just one of the many expenses that is a drain on my resources. If I lived on campus there would be more of an option to use the library resources. Unfortunately the core reading for courses is available only on a 3 day loan and, as I am only in once a week, it is a major (as well as expensive) task to borrow college books. What I might otherwise spend on train fare to return books within the borrowing period, I therefore spend on buying the most essential reading (but wish that I could buy more).<br /><br />One helpful tip I have for anyone else in the same position is to set up an account on <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/">Amazon</a> where you can create a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=748390">wish list</a>. Once you do so, you can then send it out to everyone in my address book who may want to support your through your training. It's an idea you may want to consider.<br /><br />In addition to wish list, you can also get a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=200217300">5% discount </a>on books but only if you have an NUS card - so it is worth investing in one if you buy online regularly or even semi-regularly! </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-65786464724409055412007-12-25T17:59:00.000+00:002007-12-25T18:03:04.163+00:00Merry ChristmasAll the women at Newbold would like to wish everyone all the best for the Christmas Season and we pray that God will continue to lead your lives, to guide you and bless you.Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-374216864972868372007-11-19T22:32:00.000+00:002007-11-21T21:51:01.897+00:00Top TipAs a ministerial student I have been wondering how to do ministry before I get into paid ministry. This weekend I was fortunate enough to meet a wonderfully vibrant woman who is church planting in a part of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lincolnshire</span> where there are no Adventist Churches. Among some other wonderful things, she has taken advantage of the <a href="http://www.vistaprint.co.uk/vp/ns/studio3.aspx?pf_id=064&combo_id=4298&gallery_id=64&category_id=11&referer=http%3a%2f%2fwww.vistaprint.co.uk%2fvp%2fns%2fdefault.aspx%3fxnav%3dwelcomeback%26xnid%3dremovecookies">free business cards </a>available at <a href="http://www.vistaprint.co.uk/vp/ns/studio3.aspx?pf_id=064&combo_id=4298&gallery_id=64&category_id=11&referer=http%3a%2f%2fwww.vistaprint.co.uk%2fvp%2fns%2fdefault.aspx%3fxnav%3dwelcomeback%26xnid%3dremovecookies">vistaprint.co.uk</a> which she gives to people she meets in her ministry.<br /><br />I would recommend the <a href="http://www.vistaprint.co.uk/vp/ns/studio3.aspx?pf_id=064&combo_id=4298&gallery_id=64&category_id=11&referer=http%3a%2f%2fwww.vistaprint.co.uk%2fvp%2fns%2fdefault.aspx%3fxnav%3dwelcomeback%26xnid%3dremovecookies">site</a>. From time to time they have other free offers so if you sign up for newsletters.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-4529589386265712732007-10-10T11:14:00.000+01:002007-10-17T10:47:41.608+01:00Annual Beach Lecture with Dr Gunnar StålsettThe scheduled lecture by Dr Gunnar Stålsett took place in Moore Close Chapel last night. Dr Gunnar Stålsett was a member of the <a href="http://nobelpeaceprize.org/">Nobel Peace Prize Committee</a>, and had previously been the Bishop of Oslo, and the General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation. He is currently serving as the Vice President for the <a href="http://www.irla.org/">International Religious Liberty Association</a> as well as the International President for the <a href="http://www.religionsforpeace.no/">World Councils for Religion and Peace</a>.<br /><br />This 2007 Beach Lecture was on Peace and Religion and, as you would expect covered all the three Abrahamic religions and questioned their contributions to peace or its lack of contribution! He started by paying tribute to the inter-Christian dialogue which he sees as having contributed to the success of the ecumenical movement. Historically we have been skeptical about the movement but Dr Stålsett was careful to point out that the ecumenicalism does not imply unity of all religions but rather, says that unity is based on one world and one humanity and not one church.<br /><br />The speaker describe the age in which we are living as World War III which, on the surface seems like a bizarre and far fetched statement until you dig deeper and undertand that he was referring to genocide, continued oppression, marginalisation, extended poverty, HIV/AIDS, international terrorism and the breakdown of human rights as well as civil liberties. This is a civil war, he says, which makes previous strategies for peace obsolete - the media, governements and non-govermental organisations the world over have all drawn the same conclusion.<br /><br />So, where do we find solutions to end poverty and to stop the endless and mindless killings which we all too often hear about and read about? Dr Stålsett believes critics of religion have some validity when they say that religion has not left obvious footprints in history but rather it has laid confusion and ambiguity. He concludes that the natural solution to these ills can only be religion itself. It's a solution which will challenge any of us whose eschatology drives our theology - why try to fix something if it is all going to burn anyway? If it all has to get worse before Christ can return, leave it alone and give the clarion call for Christ's second coming. But we can't sit idly by. Can we?<br /><br />It is in finding a way forward that we will throw off the mantel of ambiguity. Then we will be able see through the fog of tradition and admit that there are aspects of every religion that serve to debase humanity. It is then that we will be able to see those things which we promote in the name of God which really aren't from God. Then we will be able to check ourselves to see whether our teachings are based on cultural, ethnic and tribal divisions and to change them where identified.<br /><br />Is it true that religion will find its way out of extremism through the reinterpretation of its teachings? What benefit is there in seeing out teachings through the eyes of others? Any such steps will be both difficult and painful but its rewards will bring a new richness to our interpretation which will it be worth it<br /><br />The night was an interesting one. Challenges were thrown down which will call us to question ourselves on all levels. How, for example do we even begin to discuss open dialogue with other other religions considering our own historical developments and eschatology? How do we even begin to address how culture and traditional practices have shaped our understanding of Adventism? And to what extent should this be a personal journey as compared to a corporate one? And, where do we start?<br /><br />The lecture has left me with many questions which I don't know how to begin to answer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-31439076499988335852007-10-02T18:35:00.000+01:002007-11-20T13:56:37.585+00:00De BronI had the very lucky <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">privilege</span> of being at the TED workers meetings in De <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Brun</span> in September. I was one of the few ministerial students who were allowed a look into this wonderful world of pastors and workers and it made for an interesting time.<br /><br />One of the highlights for me was the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">impromptu</span> meeting some of the women ministers had at that time. They managed to squeeze a minute in-between meetings and I was so encouraged by seeing the range of women in ministry currently. It was a true blessing to witness and to so many women from different backgrounds, cultures, races and ages together and talking about their work in ministry.<br /><br />One of the most encouraging points was their willingness to embrace the female student ministerial students at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Newbold</span>. They have now got an email list that they would like us to be a part of. They are planning a retreat for the female ministers and would like to coincide it with our semesters so that we can be a part of it and they can encourage us. All in all it was an inspiration and they were an encouragement.<br /><br />So on the back of that session we would like to meet with all the female <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DTS</span> students next week Tuesday lunch in the canteen so we can have a chat about the session and see what we can do. We would like to collect email addresses so they can go on the mailing list. Also have a think about anything we might need or any support that would be good for us.<br /><br />Please come along share lunch and fellowship with your fellow female <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">DTS</span> students, bring your ideas and enjoy some time together.<br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Female Student <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">DTS</span> Meeting</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Tuesday 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span> October</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>1pm</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Newbold</span> Canteen</em></strong></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-73425678095499522722007-09-30T13:56:00.001+01:002007-09-30T14:42:45.793+01:00Taking Care of Your Laptop BatteryMy laptop has been a life saver but I have recently come to realise that I have no idea how to look after the battery to<br /><br />I found the following on the <a href="http://www.zbattery.com/laptopbatterycare.html">zbattery</a> website and wanted to share it. I hope that it's useful.<br /><span><br /><blockquote><span><strong>How do I extend the life of my laptop<br />battery?</strong></span><span><br />A batter should last 2-4 years depending on how frequently you use and charge the battery. If you travel a lot and use and charge your battery frequently then you might only get a couple of years at the most out of your laptop battery.<strong><br /></strong></span><span><br /></span><strong>So how can you care for your laptop battery to get the maximum life out of it?<br /></strong><em>1.) Always use your laptop on a hard surface - </em>Using them in bed or on the sofa can cause them to overheat. Heat is one of the biggest obstacles to battery life longevity. Your laptop computer fan cannot circulate the air properly when your laptop is sitting on soft surface. <div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><em>2.) Do not keep your laptop battery installed when you use your laptop on AC for an extended period of time - </em>For best results, only charge your battery when you need to charge it, don't leave the laptop battery plugged in all the time. </div><br /><div align="left"><em>3.) Use a full charge cycle before recharging</em><em> </em></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>4.) Be careful where you store your laptop</em> - is goes back to the heat issue. Batteries hate heat and your laptop battery will go on strike permenantly if you expose it to too much heat. </div></blockquote></span>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-51414631263978599192007-09-29T18:36:00.000+01:002007-10-01T20:24:09.715+01:00Holy Hush<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tn7axRnUE-gUZ8e6z4p2khMd-3rMeiQjRKZ8dcsPKepWjpp3vhWOvxUiWx4k3TVe5nhlKzs37a9r1hcDE6vXA5MvqS_C9lrd3SLDofXid-qoB3AB7k0ZZMcWShJp_ar5ZIiyuwvK45P8/s1600-h/Holy_Hush_seminar_flyer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115695528213353986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" height="286" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tn7axRnUE-gUZ8e6z4p2khMd-3rMeiQjRKZ8dcsPKepWjpp3vhWOvxUiWx4k3TVe5nhlKzs37a9r1hcDE6vXA5MvqS_C9lrd3SLDofXid-qoB3AB7k0ZZMcWShJp_ar5ZIiyuwvK45P8/s320/Holy_Hush_seminar_flyer.jpg" width="189" border="0" /></a> <span>I was fortunate enough to be invited to Holy Hush, a seminar on abuse within the church. The church being referred to is not the Adventist Church only but all churches, the wider body of Christ.<br /><br />Abuse doesn't happen in my church? Well, when you consider the various ways in which abuse is committed, anyone would be pretty hard pressed to say that it doesn't happen in their local congregation let alone the wider body.<br /><br />Verbal abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, spiritual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and satanic abuse- you name it and it was discussed. We talked about the various ways in which we rationalise it, make excuses for it and even accept it. Think about the jokes we hear from all manner of comedians about the beatings they received (and that some of us received). We laugh about it and even reminisce about it saying, 'it didn't do us any harm'. The fact is, it has had an impact. The fact, is has left scares, but they are scares that no one ever talks about until an event such as Holy Hush.<br /><br />Successive generations have beat their children and the consequences of violence are there for all to see. Gun and knife crime aren't just being increasingly reported in the press, they are happening more frequently and when we look at the legacy that has been left for our children, we shouldn't be surprised.<br /><br /></span>Then we talked about 'little wife', something practiced by married men in some African countries. It is a an unwritten protocol which allows a man to inappropriately touch and to also fondle the breasts of his wife's younger sister. It is done in the name of culture but it can lead to penetrative sex - usually without his wife's knowledge. It is sexual abuse in the name of culture but there are parameters which can be overstepped.<br /><br />Culture should play no place in our religious practices but all to often it does. Should Pastors and members alike hold on to culture for culture's sake? Isn't God's culture more important? Aren't his expectations more important than the expectations of our cultural group?<br /><br />It was a busy and long day and there was much to be discussed and some of it was a little lighter in nature. The practice of giving libation to the ancestors in return for their favour was also addressed. All of which is permitted even within Christian religions and is also carried out by church leaders and pastors. What cultural practices will I hold onto while telling members that <span>they need to let go of their old practices, their life of sin and their old self? I hope none.<br /><br />It is all too easy to point the finger from our hermetically sealed western environments and I had to consider how we too have our challenged within the church. What would you do if a young woman comes before you church board and she is grilled because she is pregnant and not yet married? Would you allow board members to ask her details of where and when she had sex, who she had sex with and, if you would permit such questioning, would you also require that the young man is also questioned? What if the child is stamp the Head Elder or one of one of the Deacons? All things that Systematic Theology, Hebrew or Biblical Studies fail to address and that is why I was fortunate to be at this meeting. It has given me the opportunity to reflect on what might be.<br /><br />I was grateful </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">to <a href="http://www.womaash.co.uk/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Womaash</span></a> <span>for puttingon Holy Hush, for allowing churches to come together to discuss abuse, for bringing it out in the open and giving me an opportunity for thinking about what I would need to do when in ministry.<br /><br />I would be even more pleased for other students to havethe same opportunity to hear what I heard from the mouths of some who were brave enough to stand up and tell their personal stories or rape, sexual and physical abuse. Every ministerial student should consider what they would do and how they would tackle abuse within the church before going into ministry. We all need to be aware of the practices which perpetuate it and we should certainly know where to turn to so that members receive the professional care they need. All ministerial students need to think about how they might have to alter their ministerial practices to challenge beliefs, cultural practices and their own understanding which can inadvertently give rise to abuse.<br /><br />The final question I will leave you with is, should time be set aside </span></span>so that <a href="http://www.womaash.co.uk/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Womaash</span></a> <span>can come here to address the issue before we go offinto our churches in all the different countries which we represent and how best can that be facilitated?<br /><br />Imagine the impact that it would have! </span>Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-70135936546953218092007-09-28T15:12:00.000+01:002007-09-28T15:19:58.441+01:002007 MA IntakeWe have just completed a two week intensive course for the Masters in Theology and I was so pleased to see that 11 out of the 28 students are women. We are from Finland, Iceland, UK, Nigeria, Sweden and a few other countries yet to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">divulged</span>.<br /><br />I wonder what the impact is on the men giving lectures and how, over time, they have adapted their delivery style. I have been highly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sensitive</span> to the neutral language that has been used and am looking forward to see what other changes the gender balance brings to class, delivery and papers!<br /><br />Good luck to all the women currently studying at seminary!Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760993021871108195.post-55949819481989445282007-09-09T16:52:00.000+01:002007-09-09T16:56:25.397+01:00New Women's Ministry WebsiteThe British Union Women's Ministry Department has launched a new website. It can be found <a href="http://www.letsconnect.org.uk/">here</a>.Ministry Sisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134537206906337169noreply@blogger.com0