Two down


I visited the second of my prospective probation churches today. A little bit further afield but perfectly do-able from my home. This one was very different from the first. More traditional but nevertheless keeping up with the times in many ways. Again it had a good age profile and everyone was very friendly. I felt I could easily fit in with the place and not feel that the 15 months of probation would be a burden. In many respects it comes across as your ‘typical’ parish church (and I say that in the awareness that every congregation is different, but often you will find that they are addressing the same needs, have similar organisations and so on). Its socio-economic profile is maybe a little more educated and affluent, but I’d hesitate to make that call just yet.

Of the two visited so far, this would be my preference. But then if my assessment is correct and it is a ‘typical’ parish church then it may make more sense to choose the other, more local, ‘typical’ parish church on my list. I guess I’ll need to wait and see. I may well make that one next week’s visit so that the two are relatively fresh in my mind and more easily compared. That just leave my wild-card outsider as my fourth visit. I still feel a tug towards it despite my ignorance of it and I’m wondering if I should have gone there first to see if the others then ‘measured up’. By the same token, if, when I go, I just don’t get that sense of ‘rightness’, then I’ll know that there was something in one of the others that I need to go back and find then pray over.

At least it keeps me out of mischief on Sunday mornings.

,

5 responses to “Two down”

  1. Hi John

    I find myself at the ‘wild card’ and the place that I definitely did not want to be on my shortlist – and yet – it is absolutely the right place for me right now – so will follow this with interest – and prayer, of course.

  2. Thanks for commenting Maggie.

    I was in the fortunate position that the four suggestions I made to 121 were accepted so nothing was ‘imposed’ on me. The ‘wild-card’ is there simply because it’ll be quite different from any of my other placements. Is that such a clever idea for probation? I don’t know, but I’m willing to consider it.

    Oh, and CB, if you’re reading, you’ll be interested to know that today’s one was a place you’ll be getting to know very soon apparently.

  3. Hi John,

    I only had four to choose from – one deselected themselves and I visited the others. I found my self at the one I thought 121 would say no to becaue there were already 2 ministers there as well as an attached auxiliary.

    It felt right the minute I walked in – and I know I made the right choice. I have had a fantastic year – nicely paced, not over burdened. Ironically I am busier than ever – just at the point I want to start thinking/searching for my first charge. Anyway – my plan is to start visiting potentials over the next few weeks and that , I can tell you. is a whole different kettle of fish!!!!!

    Anyway – I hope you find a great placement and enjoy it when you get there. I have learned more this last year than I thought possible.

    Enjoy your studies this year too.

    Shuna

  4. Really! Well, for me it’s a wee bit different from what I did in my last placement – but I’m really looking forward to it! Andy McM did a placement there too! I’ll keep you posted.

  5. Hi Shuna,

    Thank you for the encouragement. It’s good to hear that it isn’t always the ‘obvious’ ones that work out. I’m sure I’ll enjoy whichever one I end up in and, as you say, there is always something to learn.

    I hope that your search for your ‘own’ place is fruitful and that you get the same sense of ‘rightness’ when you walk through the door.

    CB,

    I’d be interested to hear your initial impressions. Andy spoke very favourably of the place which is why it made my list.

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