Since beginning actual ministry training, I have managed to get into the sort of conversations which talk of - of all things - cleaning the manse. Yes, it is a rock 'n roll life one leads as a ministry candidate!
I know the benefits. More time for me to do ministry things; more time to be me and do things I enjoy. It could help give employment (perhaps even in an area with limited opportunities). But, there's the whole, for me, getting above my station thing. I may, in theory, be middle class, given my education background, but I'm no'. Wherever I minister, I want to be 'one of them' so to speak. I want the people of the congregation and community to see I'm not different or special or holy just because I am a minister. In some areas, that would mean the Gerbils doing their own cleaning - even their windows.
Besides, I think my Mum would disown me if I got someone in and my Gran would turn in her grave. You can take the girl out of the working class area, but you can't take the working class out of the girl. And I am proud of who I am and my background. To deny that would be to deny who I am.
Though, give me a wee while in a change and my tune might change...
Wouldn't it be an example of caring in action - giving jobs to the long term unemployed.
ReplyDeleteYes, that is one of the reasons why others have mentioned it, though it's worrying that in the next breath they say that it's tax deductible, as the manse would be my place of work...
ReplyDeleteAh, there's nothing like a bit of tax deductible altruism to get the middle classes moving!
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