We are continuing to celebrate our soon-to-be-Reverends, who will have been ordained by this time next week. We will be sharing two stories a day in the lead-up to the Ordination of Deacons service. This afternoon’s story comes from Philip Burns.
How was Philip called?
I began life in a fairly typical Anglican way: christened at six months, attending a Church of England primary school, and going to church at Harvest, Christmas and Easter - though my family weren’t regular churchgoers. As a teenager, I didn’t believe there was a God. After university, however, I became an au pair with a family in Hamburg. I chose to go to church with them, and it was there that I came to know Jesus.
In the years before ordination training, I worked in a variety of roles, including as a secondary school teacher of German, French and History. I worshipped in different Free Churches and played guitar in the worship band. Alongside that, I travelled and pursued my great love of cycling.
Along the way, I’ve been blessed by people who have encouraged me and helped me discern my vocation. My close friend Simon (now also ordained) has been a steady encourager and counsellor. I also remember the first person who told me he thought I would make a good priest: he taught Old Testament studies when I was an independent theology student. My vicar at the time was similarly supportive and affirming as I explored a call to ministry.
One moment that stands out was my early meetings with a vocations adviser. After a few conversations, he emailed me to say he had doubts about my call to ordained ministry. In response, I wrote back with a page and a half setting out why I believed I was called. He received it enthusiastically and, at our next meeting, told me he thought I was ready to see the Diocesan Director of Ordinands. His doubts had pushed me to articulate more clearly the call I felt.
In most churches I’ve been part of, I’ve served in practical ways. I’ve played music (guitar, some cajón, and very basic bass), served as an acolyte and intercessor, and taken part in street evangelism and a Christian holiday camp. As a teacher in a Church of England school, I also offered a thought for the day at staff briefings.
Because I have moved around a lot, being rooted in one place - and seeing people grow and deepen in faith over time - will be something I will especially value.
To anyone who senses a call to ministry, I would say: don’t put it off because of your circumstances. To paraphrase Earl Nightingale, don’t not do something simply because you fear it will take a long time - the time will pass anyway. Carpe diem!
‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’
Matthew 11:28