Hello/Goodbye

My own Induction at AFC

  I don’t usually attend many Induction services       for ministers; but I have been to all of my own!

 Last Saturday I attended such a service and then,   on Sunday, I was present at a minister’s farewell.     On Saturday it was all about ‘hello’, whilst on   Sunday there was a muted atmosphere as a   congregation said ‘farewell’.

 Induction services are full of expectation.  The   truth is that neither minister nor congregation   really know each other at this stage, so there’s   also a bit of anxiety!

 Saturday’s induction was a splendid occasion   with a full church and wonderful music.  The   neighbouring Parish Church was well represented   with choir members and Vicar taking part.  And   there were many present who knew the incoming   minister from previous pastorates.  It was a joy to   be there.

Sunday’s experience, although tinged with a certain sadness, was also a joyful one. There was a busy lunch with cakes being cut and some deeply moving speeches afterwards in the church along with presentations.  It all marked the end of a significant chapter in the church’s life and the beginning of the outgoing minister’s retirement.  The sense of a job ‘well done’.

What struck me on both days is that ministry is never just about one person but the fusion between pastor and congregation.  It’s a partnership and consequently both services were just as much about the church members as the minister. Indeed, in any church the minister is never a permanent member!

So, wasn’t it strange to have these two occasions come side by side last weekend.  Both churches, and ministers, will stay in my thoughts and prayers and it was a real privilege to share in services that said hello/goodbye.