Bishop issues call for new clergy and lay leaders
Posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2008, 5:42 (GMT)
The Bishop of Lichfield has issued a call for more churchgoers to offer themselves as clergy or lay leaders. The Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill's comments came in a recorded message played in churches across the Diocese of Lichfield on Sunday.
Since the Decade of Evangelism in the 1980s it has been the tradition in the diocese for a taped message from the bishop to be played in all his 585 churches on the second Sunday in January.
In his latest message, the Bishop talked abut the "exciting turnaround" in the five years since 2002, when the diocese was heading towards bankruptcy, and talks of a "wonderful confirmation of God's love".
In his message, Bishop Gledhill highlighted a number of growth signs in the diocese, including the licensing in 2007 of the largest number of lay leaders in memory and the several thousand returnees on Back to Church Sunday.
He also praised other significant areas of development, including the appointment by parishes of almost as many children's workers as the number of clergy cut by the diocese, and the strengthening of financial reserves.
A number of larger churches in the diocese, have also stopped declining and started growing, and there has been growth in a large proportion of the churches in the diocese, including some of the poorest.
Bishop Gledhill said that the diocese had been able to respond positively to this good news in their plans for 2008 by increasing the number of new curates (new clergy on training posts) from nine to 11.
The diocese has now reversed the planned cuts of three full time clergy and started to plan instead for an increase in clergy numbers.
It also managed to reduce the rate of the annual increase in the amount of money requested from the parishes from 4 per cent to 3.74 per cent.
The Bishop acknowledged, however, that in spite of the good news, some parishes were still struggling.
"But for every apparently insoluble problem we face there are encouragements and exciting opportunities," he said. "So I hope you will join with me at the beginning of a new year in giving thanks. Thank you to God for all the signs of his amazing grace, and thank you to all the faithful parishes where people have upped their giving and their commitment."
He added that the diocese faced a "particular challenge" to increase the number of people coming forward to serve as clergy and lay leaders.
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Added: Thursday, January 17, 2008, 8:42 (GMT)
I am so happy for the CofE and in particular for the Lichfield Diocese, even though I live and work far far away from all of you and my own ministry is to the Malay[prebumis] poor, those in prison and generally the "poor" in spirit. I am confident that His love and His hand will be with you and upon you as you TRUST Him and follow Him wherever He leads.
Two items seem to stick out with me as I read the wonderful news and the Bishop's message,
1] In that by giving more, Jesus' principle will be bourne out and become a reality not only to the church as an organization but to each individual member component, however poor or young, in the diocese. " It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35. I am an undischarged bankrupt that has forced me even more to be dependent on Him [Praise Him, for I have become rich!!!]. I have been challenged by Him on several occassions to give more than I was able, and in obedience, I have seen before my eyes miraculously within the next days even, a return of many many times more of what was given. I challenge you to take Him at His word!!! See the difference in your lives and your faith in Him.
2] I can't help but noticed what rich and wonderful past history this diocese had [and will continue to have] AD 664 and as Mercia AD 656. Wow!!!
You must have had the very early Christian Fathers who must have come as missionaries and offered themselves as "living sacrifices," answering His call, to bring the Good News to you. Might I not also challenge your clergy and laity members to answer the now modern Macedonian call to send out within the UK and to overseas, reciprocating the favour shown you many many years ago. It is also true here that the more you give out of whatever you have, the more you WILL recieve, even in missions!
"Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?" "Here am I, send me!"
I am a Singaporean, and for the reason of answering His call, here am I in Indonesia, preaching, sharing in the Indonesian language I picked up in the three years so far I have been here. I want to challenge you, no, not I but the Lord.
Shalom,
Ong Siong Kai
ong siong kai, Jakarta, Indonesia
