From what I felt and the comments others have made to me, either directly or via others, last weeks service went well. My female minister told me she heard it had been really well received (she probably had "spies" feeding info back to her!). I told her others had told me they enjoyed it. Then, and she has a habit of doing this, she...how do I put this...looked at me intently; not quite staring me out, but almost waiting on me to elaborate. I'm not sure what else she wanted me to say. When I mentioned it to me hubbie, he didn't know either. He also said he'd experienced the intense look. He thought it was like she was waiting on him to say more...
Anyway, she asked if I was exhausted after. Well, actually, no. If anything I felt quite...enlivened...fulled with the spirit, I suppose may be one of the best ways of putting it. I suppose that's a good thing. That's not to say I wasn't tired after 2 services, but it was physical tiredness through having to get up earlier than normal on a Sunday morning...
A few weeks ago (bear with me, there is a connection) my minister mentioned the person who organises locum cover while her and her husband are on holiday couldn't get anyone for one of the Sunday's they are away in July. So, I wonder if she was wanting me to offer to lead worship that Sunday...I do think I should, but wonder what others (i.e. those my home church who expect a minister to lead worship) would say. I know it shouldn't matter, and will be good experience for me, but I don't want to annoy the congregation of my home church. They have been very supportive of me.
I think I may wait a week and ask if they still need that Sunday covered. I'll take it as a sign I am intended to preach then if no locum cover has been found by then.
Oh mate, hope you've chosen to go for it: it's all super dooper experience and ongoing 'testing of call' stuff.
ReplyDeleteI'd just go down the 'priesthood of all believers' route on this one... and, if you've been asked, I'd take it as read really. But I have a habit of being impetuous :)
Hi Nik
ReplyDeleteI didn't need to offer. The ministers have asked the other worship group (other as in not the one I'm in) to do that service. Somehow I think I may be asked to do other services and not necesarily at my home church!
Mrs Gerbil
ah well, perhaps it's been a useful time for your thinking on the whole thing at any rate - and you know the whole ministry training focus buzzphrase from 121 is 'reflective practice', after all, lol! Look forward to hearing how further opportunities develop and flower :)
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