Criteria for Selection for the Ordained Ministry in the Church of England
Introductory Note
Dear Bishop +Vsevolod
I pray that you might look upon this application favourably and enable me to fulfil within your Pattaya parish context-based (‘Learning by Doing’) training for ordination as a priest, in accordance with the principals and traditions of the Church of England and / or those denominations that are in full communion with it.
Lloyd Hobbard-Mitchell
15th October 2020
NOTE: Throughout this document are ‘sub-heading tabs’ relating to the candidate’s response to each criterion.
‘Click’ on the subheading text to expand or contract the contents.
Introduction
The following Criteria, which are approved for use by the House of Bishops, are primarily intended for the guidance of Bishops’ Advisers in the assessment and selection of candidates for ordained ministry in the Church of England. However, they are also useful for those engaged in vocational discernment within dioceses – DDOs, Vocations Advisers and Examining Chaplains.
The Criteria set out, under nine headings, the areas of assessment in which Bishops’ Advisers need to be satisfied if they are to recommend a candidate for training
The Vocation Criterion The Criteria are divided into two sections.
Criterion A (Vocation) stands alone in Section 1, while all the other Criteria are listed in Section 2.
This is to differentiate Criterion A (Vocation) from the other Criteria as the key Criterion which candidates must fulfil if they are to be recommended for training. If candidates do not have a discernible sense of vocation, they cannot be recommended for training no matter how gifted and experienced they may be in relation to the other Criteria.
Introduction
The following Criteria, which are approved for use by the House of Bishops, are primarily intended for the guidance of Bishops’ Advisers in the assessment and selection of candidates for ordained ministry in the Church of England. However, they are also useful for those engaged in vocational discernment within dioceses – DDOs, Vocations Advisers and Examining Chaplains.
The Criteria set out, under nine headings, the areas of assessment in which Bishops’ Advisers need to be satisfied if they are to recommend a candidate for training
The Vocation Criterion The Criteria are divided into two sections.
Criterion A (Vocation) stands alone in Section 1, while all the other Criteria are listed in Section 2.
This is to differentiate Criterion A (Vocation) from the other Criteria as the key Criterion which candidates must fulfil if they are to be recommended for training. If candidates do not have a discernible sense of vocation, they cannot be recommended for training no matter how gifted and experienced they may be in relation to the other Criteria.
Gathering Evidence
The task of the Bishops’ Advisers is to gather evidence for either how candidates fulfil the Criteria or how they do not fulfil the Criteria.
Each Criterion is made up of core elements which in turn are amplified and teased out by bullet points. Bishops’ Advisers need to find evidence within the candidate’s paperwork (the Registration Form, Written Reflection, Sponsoring Papers, References) that the core elements have been covered. If there is clear evidence that a core element has been fulfilled, to their satisfaction, the Bishops’ Advisers should focus in an interview on another of the core elements where the evidence is less clear cut. If the evidence is contradictory, patchy or absent and needs further investigation then that should be undertaken in an interview. Evidence for fulfilling or not fulfilling the Criteria is also gained from the various exercises at the Bishops’ Advisory Panel (the Presentation, Group Discussion, Personal Inventory and Pastoral Exercise) as well as how the candidate presents at interview and in social engagement during the Panel.
Assessing Potential and Risk
The main purpose of the Criteria is to provide a framework for helping the Bishops’ Advisers to assess a candidate’s potential for ordained ministry.
Assessing potential can seem more straightforward in some candidates than others. For instance, candidates who are over 30 often come to the selection Introduction ii process with considerable life experience and can readily provide evidence as to how they might fulfil the Criteria. If that evidence is not present, the Bishops’ Advisers can legitimately ask ‘Why not?’ However, the questions with regard to older candidates are often
- Are their skills and experience readily transferrable to ordained ministry?
- Are they flexible enough and sufficiently open to formation and development to be able to grow into the role of ordained ministry?
In addressing these questions, the Bishops’ Advisers should find evidence for assessing a candidate’s potential.
Assessing potential in younger candidates requires considerable care. Candidates under 30 may have little experience in some of the Criteria. For instance, under Criterion F (Leadership and Collaboration), they may have had little experience of exercising leadership. The evidence may still be at an early, embryonic stage and Bishops’ Advisers will have to assess whether there are sufficient signs to suggest that a candidate has the capacity to grow and develop. However, having voiced this caveat, it has to be said that more often than not younger candidates show themselves to be extraordinarily resourceful and often seem, in a short period of time, to have gained and developed helpful, transferrable life skills. Younger candidates often seem to be particularly open to the process of formation which theological training brings.
While Bishops’ Advisers need to assess candidates’ potential and their capacity to grow and develop into effective ordained ministers, they also need to assess risk. In every candidate, there will be an element of risk – an area of weakness or underdevelopment which could undermine a candidate’s effectiveness. Bishops’ Advisers will need to identify the risk, to judge how serious it is and to decide whether the candidate’s potential outweighs the risk. If the risk in recommending a candidate for training outweighs the potential, the Bishops’ Advisers need (with the relevant evidence against the Criteria) not to recommend that candidate for training.
Developmental and Non-Developmental Issues
All candidates will have their strengths and their relative weaknesses: all are works in progress. The issue for Bishops’ Advisers is whether or not there is scope in the areas of weakness (realistically) for development.
If an area of weakness is developmental, it normally means that a candidate was given time and appropriate guidance and support could successfully address the weakness, either before entering training or during training. For instance, a candidate’s weakness may be that he or she doesn’t have an understanding of the nature of the different traditions and strands that make up the Church of England and so there is a significant weakness under Criterion B (Ministry in the Church of England). In such a situation this deficiency could be addressed through some guided reading and through experience on a series of parish placements. Thus the weakness should not be considered as too Introduction iii serious and should be seen as developmental – something which can be addressed relatively easily and in a short space of time.
However, sometimes the weakness can be non-developmental. This means that it would be difficult for a candidate readily and quickly to address the issue and undergo the necessary change. This could be the case, for instance, if there was a weakness under Criterion D (Personality and Character). While people can change difficult aspects of their personality and character (or learn to tone them down) this is a process which is not easy. It could involve a lengthy period of time and recourse to professional therapeutic help. Thus if the candidate’s weaknesses are judged to be non-developmental, the Bishops’ Advisers need (with the relevant evidence under the Criteria) not to recommend that candidate for training.
Focuses of Ministry
At a Bishops’ Advisory Panel, there are two discernment processes at work:
The first is vocational discernment – does the candidate possess the potential to exercise ordained ministry in the Church of England? The second is deployment discernment – does the candidate, at the point of selection, possess the potential to exercise the focus of ministry for which they have been sponsored?
For the vocational discernment, a candidate needs to fulfil all the criteria so as to be recommended for training. For the deployment discernment, a candidate needs to fulfil the additional core elements of the Criteria which relate to their particular focus of ministry.
For a candidate with the potential to exercise ministry with incumbent responsibilities, there are additional core elements under the following Criteria:
- Criterion F (Leadership and Collaboration)
- Criterion H (Mission and Evangelism)
- Criterion I (Quality of Mind)
For candidates for the assistant minister and ordained local minister, there are no additional core elements and they are expected to fulfil all of the Criteria. However, for discerning ordained local minister candidates, Bishops’ Advisers need to pay particular attention to the local nature of that ministry. Consequently, an understanding of the Church of England in the locality where the candidate lives and would potentially minister is of greater importance than an understanding of the wider Church. Similarly, given the collaborative nature of ordained local ministry, gifts and skills in collaborative working would be more important than developed upfront leadership.
Diversity of Candidates
Candidates for selection come from a broad range of backgrounds and with a rich variety of experience of the Church and society. Bishops’ Advisers need to be aware of and sensitive to that diversity.
For instance, a candidate’s church tradition within Anglicanism may well affect their theological and ecclesiological outlook and language. Similarly, the context in which a candidate has experienced the church, whether it is rural, urban, suburban, or market-town, will affect their perspectives and priorities. Bishops’ Advisers need to take all of this into account.
Particular care is needed in assessing candidates from a minority ethnic background to ensure that ethnic and cultural aspects are taken into proper consideration. Bishops’ Advisers should be aware of the danger of having expectations of candidates which are inappropriate to their ethnic or cultural background.
Particular care is also required in assessing candidates with disabilities to ensure that their situation is taken into account in a realistic way.
When candidates from the Scottish Episcopal Church are being assessed, Bishops’ Advisers will be provided with further guidance on applying the Criteria. This can also be the case in assessing candidates from the Diocese of Europe.
Criterion A: Vocation
Candidates should be able to articulate a sense of vocation to the ordained ministry and reflect on the effect of this on their life. They should be able to speak of the development of their inner conviction and the extent to which others have confirmed it. They should be able to show an understanding of what it means to be a deacon or a priest. Their sense of vocation should be obedient, realistic and informed.
A 1: Candidates should have an inner sense of call
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Display conviction, commitment and tenacity in his/ her vocational journey and an openness to whatever God may have in store for the future.
I knew from the outset that the journey I am called for would not be straightforward and that expectation, thus far, has been born out.
Ricocheting about trying to find a Road to Ordination:
Fr David can attest as to my efforts with the local Thai Deanery of the Church of England, Southwark Diocese, and The London Diocese as I attempted to confirm a pathway to ordination within the Church of England. I am nothing if not persistent but simply put the regular route to ordination was not open to me due to logistics.
I understand that I will need to study and learn, whilst I continue to work to support my family.
In all things, I will follow God’s will and recognise that God’s plan rarely is the same as my plan.
I am adaptable and am happy once ordained to serve Him in any capacity anywhere in the world where I might fulfil the Mission and celebrate the Holy sacraments.
• Reflect upon his/ her own inner sense of call, identifying the motivation, the key turning points and the significant people and events in its development.
The first time I felt a calling was a year or so after my mother died. I was 23. About 9 months after she had died, I picked up the keys to a new house I had bought in Faversham, Kent, UK. The lawyer’s office was on Castle Street in Canterbury, not far from the Cathedral. I went into the crypt and prayed and wept in a most uncontrolled way. It was like a Dam had been removed as soon as I walked in there. Of course, I had cried before, but this was different, it sought out any ounce of feeling and brought it to the fore, from deep down. I knew then that my mother was in a good place.
It was a happy time. I had just got the keys to a new (albeit very old) property, but the peace within that place, so filled with the presence of Him was quite overwhelming.
I immediately began investigating how I might better serve Jesus.
I felt the presence of God whilst diving in the Canary Islands in 2010. At a cave 30m below the surface of the Atlantic, I was overcome with serenity and absolute peace of the place as fish darted here or there as I shone my torch into the gloomy cervices. I watched as my breath bubbled to the surface of the cave, trapped against the rocky submarine ceiling; running like quicksilver to find the highest point, before stopping forever.
I thought for a minute or two of my father, who had passed away seven months prior. My thoughts were despondent and I felt very lonely. For a fleeting moment, I thought about removing my breathing regulator and expunging all the air from my tank, a simple operation if you know how. But that thought passed, and I swam on.
After exiting the cave, not long after, suspended in the current over a very deep, bottomless-looking, drop-off; a beach towel floated toward me like a flag. The beach towel featured the Motif of a Football Team which my late father had supported.
What were the odds of me finding that towel in that ocean at my lowest ebb, I wonder?
I snatched the towel from the current and put it in my large pocket. I have the towel to this day at home.
Although I have illustrated God’s presence in these two significant moments in my life, it is clear to me that He has been present throughout.
I am exploring a calling which has come to the fore at various junctures of my life for more than 20 years. This time now is all the more powerful I suppose due to the extraordinary time we find ourselves in, which has since February 2020 allowed me to reflect and pray more. It culminated at the beginning of August when I interpreted what God has been saying to me quite consistently; as a message to act and to act now. That any more time allowed to pass is just doing something He has not urged me to do.
For my part the Church of England is part of my DNA being involved in my local parish church from Sunday school age and then during my 20-odd year career with homelessness charities, culminating with my working with Canterbury Diocese from 2002 up until 2009.
I have had various conversations about my calling over the 20-years with various folk, most notably my old boss, the late Rev Derek Crabtree who was wholly encouraging but my job in Canterbury, UK was with a homelessness charity the excuse at the time which meant I did not follow this path..
Since August this year, I have connected with Father David, although my relationship with St George’s started when my son was born in 2017 and Baptised by the Rev, Father Tom McCusker. The, in February 2018, Fr David officiated at a service of remembrance for my late friend, the British Fine Artist, Mr. Brett Neal, who past away unexpectedly at the age of 55.
A 2: Candidates’ calling should be confirmed by others
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Show that those in their local church and those who know him/ her well are supportive and affirming of his/ her vocation
The congregation of St George’s, Pattaya have been an enormous support to me.
I have slowly been contacting and explaining my call to all of my family and friends, some as they have naturally got in touch; others, I have called specifically. In all cases, they have been supportive and encouraging. You are free to contact any of them for a reference.
References:
| Non-ecclesiastical References | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Relationship | |
| Bonita Ellmore | Sister | bonita@cedarbank.co.uk |
| Isabelle Mitchell | Stepmother | quaysidecontracts@gmail.com |
| Luke Ellis | Oldest Friend of 26 years | luke@kentandlondon.co.uk |
| Clive Honess | Friend
Known since 2015 | clivehoness@gmail.com |
| Griselda Can Musset | Friend
Known since 2009 | griseldacmussett@gmail.com |
| Jenny von Roretz | Friend
Known since 2000 | jennyvonroretz@gmail.com |
| Cath Harris | A former work colleague and now a friend
Known since 2003 | creaturescape@gmail.com |
| Boyd Neal | Best Friend
Known since 2017 | boydneal@me.com |
| Ian Burnett | Formerly my late father’s friend. Ian has known me for more than 20 years. We are now friends since my father’s death. | kentishian@me.com |
| Shelley Timkey-Ratcliffe | Maternal Aunt and Godmother | shelleyratcliffe@hotmail.co.uk |
| Jonas Sjöstedt | Friend
Known since 2014 | jonassjostedt@hotmail.com |
| Austin Robinson | Friend
Known since 2011 | asrobinson@live.com.au |
| Ecclesiastical References | ||
| Name | Relationship | |
| Fr David Price | vicar of St George’s Pattaya, Thailand
Known since February 2018. | dhprice21@googlemail.com |
| Rev Don Witts (retired) | former vicar of All Saints, Birchington, Kent (Canterbury Diocese), UK
Known since 2003 | don.witts@btopenworld.com |
| Rev Canon Anthony Oehring | former vicar at St Mary of Charity, Faversham Kent (Canterbury Diocese), UK
Known since 2002 | acoehring@virginmedia.com |
| Rev Martin Short | Rector of Stow, Condicote and The Swells (Gloucester Diocese), UK
Known since 2003 | martin@stowrectory.org.uk |
• Reflect on what it has meant to him/ her to have his/ her call affirmed by others
In every respect, it has been delightful, and strange in some respects, in that even my atheist friends have said they can think of no one better to do the job.
My stepmother asked me why I had not done it years ago since I had “gone on about it”.
A 3: Candidates should be able to show how their vocation has changed them
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Reflect upon the effect that his/ her vocation has had upon him/ her, especially in his/ her relationship with God and with others, and in his/ her perceptions of the world
At times in my professional life I have dealt with desperately pathetic specimens of the human species, all in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. I have always treated them as equals in all conversations (except, I suppose, when they have been aggressive and I have had to disengage). I have always demonstrated sincere empathy, compassion and regard which might otherwise be defined as ‘Love’.
In all my years working with people in need I have preferred to reflect on either the parable of the Good Samaritan or asked myself “What would Jesus Do?”.
My perception of the world is that on so many levels it is supremely unjust to those who have the least. I have fought to right wrongs against individuals and at a time in ways which might have had an impact upon poor folk as a whole.
I have seen little change in the way poor people are viewed or used by society or Governments at large. It has often been depressing. God has helped me through these times. In contrast, at the same time, the world is full of so much love, so much beauty and humans are capable of showing one another so much tenderness, I am left speechless. The wonders of the natural world and the intrinsic symbiotic nature of all living organisms within their diverse ecosystems; as well as non-living natural cycles such as the effect the rainforests have on global weather patterns and ocean currents can only affirm my faith in God.
A 4: Candidates’ vocation should be obedient
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Demonstrate clearly that he/ she understands the importance of being open and obedient to the needs of the Church in terms of his/ her future deployment
The needs of the Church is and will remain central to whatever decisions I am offered in terms of deployment. My family and I are happy to move anywhere in the world.
Formerly whilst working at The Scrine Foundation, I reported to a 12-person Board of Trustees (BoT), 50% of whom were made up of local clergy including the Archdeacon of Canterbury, The Venerable. Patrick Evans.
I would be responsible for providing the BoT with accurate, timely and up to date information. I would make recommendations regarding policies and other strategic decisions. I received my instructions from the Board, which I implemented. Day to day I communicated with the Chair of the BoT.
I have no issue being obedient.
• Show that he/ she is prepared to allocate the necessary time and energy to undertake the demands of ministerial training
I understand that I will need to sacrifice time for work or my family to fulfil my calling. I have discussed this with my wife and we are able to strike a balance.
• Reflect upon the effect that sacrifice may have played and may continue to play in his/ her being obedient to his/ her calling
I have always seen my work in the community as an important part of my life. I am not me if I am not engaged in improving where I live.
When in England I was elected a Town Councillor in Faversham in 2004 and I gave my time also to being a Community Governor of the Orchard School, Canterbury. For five years I was a member of the NHS Canterbury Patient Participation Involvement Committee and I was also part of the Canterbury and East Kent Crime Prevention and Community Safety Partnership between 2004-2009.
I have already adjusted my working hours to ensure I have sufficient time for God, family, work and sleep.
A 5: Candidates’ vocation should be informed
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Display an understanding of the nature and role of the ordained ministry for which he/ she has been sponsored, especially in the light of the Ordinal in Common Worship
I have worked alongside Anglican priests for many years. I have also spoken to Fr. David of St George’s about some of the ‘out of hours’ work he does; providing spiritual support to people in crisis.
I am sure that my work with both St Mungo’s and The Scrine Foundation/Catching Lives has prepared me for the worst-case scenario I will ever face in the Pastoral nature of my new role.
I will pay particular attention to the adhering to highest factors when delivering the Holy sacraments particularly the Eucharist, Baptism and Matrimony.
I am familiar with a subscribe to the 39 Articles of Religion
In particular, I have read, understand and commit to fulfilling all the requirements laid out in the Common Worship Ordinal, in all aspects to very best of my ability.
Finally, according to Canon Law I have read, understand and agree that I, as an ordained priest or deacon in the Church of England will make the Declaration of Assent before the ordaining bishop. In doing so, I will declare my belief ‘in the faith which is revealed in the Holy Scriptures and set forth in the catholic creeds and to which the historic formularies of the Church of England bear witness.
• Reflect on the way patterns of ministry are changing and what that might mean for how ministry is exercised
2020 has epitomized the challenges churches face in getting folk into church on a Sunday.
Our own church has garnered very good results by Livestreaming the Sunday Service and sharing that online.
The church, as a whole, has always been dynamic and will always be dynamic; in a constant state of flux.
We need to follow the trends if we are going to fulfil our Mission and share our Ministry with the widest number of people who otherwise simply would not attend church or otherwise find their way to the redeeming love of Jesus.
A6: Candidates’ vocation should be realistic
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Demonstrate that he/ she fulfils the other eight Criteria for Selection so that his/ her vocation is seen to be realistic and deliverable; and that he/ she has the potential to exercise the ministry for which he/ she has been sponsored
I understand that this is a marathon and not a sprint. “Hasten Slowly” is the watchword of the day. God has surprised me by choosing me. I have surprised myself. In regards to the other eight Criterion:
I know that in all things I have tried my best at any given time.
With the benefit of hindsight might I have done some things differently – of course, but that is life. I probably would have been completing this paper ten years ago.
Can I commit with a clear conscience to having already fulfilled or commit to fulfilling all of the other eight Criterion to the best of my ability?
Yes, with God’s help, I can.
Criterion B: Ministry within the Church of England
Candidates should show an understanding of their own tradition within the Church of England, an awareness of the diversity of traditions and practice, and a commitment to learn from and work generously with a difference. They should be able to speak of the distinctiveness of ordained ministry within the Church of England and of what it means to exercise public ministry. They should be able to reflect on changes in contemporary society and the implications of this for ministry and the Church.
B 1: Candidates should have knowledge and understanding of the Church of England
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Show knowledge and understanding of the life and structures of the Church of England, including its place in the life of the nation and the Anglican Communion
I have been engaged in either the church itself or the Mission of the church in one capacity of another for the whole of my life. I worked very closely with the Canterbury Diocese, Chaplaincy, Dean and Chapter and numerous parishes within Kent during that time also. met with, on a regular basis, the Bishop of Dover, Stephen Venner and twice annually with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams with extended time together on Christmas Day each year.
I have said before that the Anglican church is part of my DNA. It’s cliché but it’s true.
The Church of England and all those denominations that are in communion with it is part of what defines Britain. It is central to all major events. Even for the majority of the population who do not attend church except for weddings, christenings of funerals, many will recognise the indelible mark that the church has had on their lives at various points, even if that were only to talk about where they were when they watched HRH Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge get married. These national events punctuate our lives.
The Church of England and all those denominations that are in communion with it also goes beyond the pomp, it and its parishes operate food banks, night shelters, day centres, community centres, playschools. It facilitates a huge amount of work in all manner of ways which statutory funding simply does not pay for anymore. It also makes social commentary which although not in any way party orientated, it does point out injustice, it does argue for peace.
• Reflect upon what is distinctive about the Church of England
For me, the churches distinctiveness is in its diversity. The physical diversity of its buildings reflects the differences of opinion.
Irrespective of race, social standing, political sway, or any other thing which might set one apart from any group, a person can find that there is a congregation not too far from them where they will find like-minded people.
One can visit different churches in England, specifically in the bigger cities and see Jesus represented as black, or Asian. And, why not?
If that image is something which will help the people in that congregation relate more readily to the Truths contained within the Gospel, then Jesus should be portrayed differently to different people.
• Display an awareness of the opportunities and challenges that the Church faces in engaging with contemporary society
The congregation gets smaller each year within the UK. A cultural war is raging. People, atheist’s, such as Richard Dawkins are suggesting that people have to choose science or religion, a debate which most church-going scientists will tell you is a pointless discussion.
It is interested to see that the current Pope, Francis, has called to openly reject Intelligent Design and Young Earth Creationism. The church first brought evolution into the fold in 1950 with the work of Pope Pius XII. At the same time, Catholics take no issue with the Big Bang theory, along with cosmological, geological, and biological axioms confirmed by science.
Many young people do not see the church and the message we bring as relevant to them. The church is ‘other’.
To be fair, for those people, they do not draw any distinction between the Catholic Church or the CofE , or all those denominations that are in communion with it and the only things they know about it regularly communicated is that of scandal, embezzlement, paedophilia, corruption, collusion and an incredibly slow process in terms of stopping bad things happening to otherwise good people.
There are huge opportunities to be had. As society becomes more fragmented. As families spread out more, as people become more engaged with each other virtually but feel lonelier than ever, the church is a constant and that is reassuring for many.
• Reflect on the role played by scripture, tradition and reason within the heritage and contemporary life of the Church of England
Scripture is essential as a means of helping us in our modern age to understand modern problems with knowledge from the past, at least that is what scripture is used for. Of course, the same scripture, the Holy Bible, will oftentimes be used to argue two sides of the same argument and this can be difficult.
Humans tend to congregate with like-minded people in real life and online. That means that this is a very real risk of having one’s views confirmed and validated without proper critical analysis, without rigour. Reading and Reflecting upon scripture can help to present us with views which might be contrary to our own initial position, but nevertheless present to us consistent messages of Love, Forgiveness and Repentance of sin.
Reason and experience are important. But humans are often less rational than we think, and the ways in which we approach and interpret experience are likewise shaded by a variety of factors of which we may sometimes be barely (if at all) aware. What we perceive is informed by how we saw our parents, family, friends perceive something. For example, my grandmother was scared of mice. As a result of that; I have a phobia of mice and rats. The fear is irrational, yet very real.
Even if we are conscious of the influences on us, helpful as this is, it may not be enough for us to be confident that our judgement is right. Scripture can help there too to provide counterpoint arguments for us to consider.
Being faithful to Scripture in a meaningful sense is very different from the use of texts for self-justification or offence, and not always straightforward. It is all too easy to read the Bible through the filter of self-interest or one’s preconceived ideas, or those of one’s community or peer group, misinterpret or give priority to what is less important. This is where there is danger.
Too many despots, autocratic kings and war-Lords have claimed to be fighting for Christ, when history and the merit of hindsight demonstrate time and again, they were merely using the Scriptures to make their own profit, puff up their own ego or to commit the most heinous crimes against humanity. My example here is Columbus and the most terrible things he did to the natives of South America and also the injustices brought upon the Native Americans in North America in the period leading up to the trail of tears, where clergy where oftentimes at the forefront of the negotiations.
B 2: Candidates should display a commitment to the Church of England
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Show willingness to work within the Church of England as it is and as it evolves
I am committed to working within the Church of England as it is and as it evolves.
• Reflect upon what it is about the Church of England to which he/ she feels committed
As already stated above I love the diversity within the broad church that is the Church of England and all those denominations that are in communion with it.
Within this diverse and colourful congregation, there is room to meet different folk with opposing and similar or shared views. I am open to listen and to learn from all whom I meet.
• Understand the authority structures within the Church of England, particularly the role of the bishops; and to be clear that he/ she is able to accept the discipline that canonical obedience would bring
I confirm that I have worked within clear managerial structures in the past. I see the role of Bishops to be not too dissimilar as that found within private enterprises which routinely have a Board or Senior Management Team, headed by a partner or Vice President.
It would be churlish of me on the one had to look to them for guidance and support, and not expect there to be processes related to discipline.
I confirm that I will work within the remit given to me and will be available to participate in any proper disciplinary processes should my performance fall short of that expected of me.
B 3: Candidates should have an understanding of ministry within the Church of England
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Show an understanding of the public representative nature of ordained ministry and how it is lived out within the local community
Priests are, using the broadest possible definition, public servants. The role is a public office. A priest does not ‘go to work’ and come home from work, they may not be in church, yet they remain a priest, in the eyes of those who see them in and around their community.
A priest, therefore, must be mindful of how he and, by extension the church as a whole will be judged. They should display the appropriate comportment expected of someone who is privileged to fulfil the work of God on earth.
There are numerous adjectives which ultimately a priest should be measured, prayerful, compassionate, moral, upstanding, hardworking, diligent.
Most of all, they should display as best they can the amazingly abundant, undeserved, and inexhaustible gift of God’s Love for all of God’s children.
• Reflect on the opportunities for ministry through the occasional offices of baptisms, weddings and funerals
My mother passed away on the 20th October 1999. I was 22. My mother was a wonderful example to us (I have an older sister who lives in Scotland) with compassion for all living things. She was full of and surrounded by love. Although she was not an active Christian, she did live to Christian principles and observed the ‘important’ dates such as Easter and Advent.
When she died, the priest who did the service did not really know her at all and he made it clear that during the service he would ‘take care’ of the scripture and verse.
Looking back, such an opportunity was lost when he came to our house for tea to get the details for the service later that week. Of course, he ‘ticked all the boxes’ but in truth, he could have offered to pray with us for our mother there and then, he did not. He could have chosen verses which had some connection to the description of our mothers’ character or even spoken about the many prominent women in the Gospels; he did not.
He serves for me as an excellent poor example of how not to be.
Having worked in the Tourism and Hospitality industry in Thailand for the last 9 years, I know that attention to detail is everything in terms of getting customers to want to come back for more. A customer wanting to discuss a taxi to the airport is an opportunity to discuss their plans for the day, tomorrow, the time between now and then.
I consider the occasional offices of baptism, weddings and funerals as similar opportunities to engage with large sections of the community and maybe get some to come back to church on a normal Sunday morning, or Wednesday evening.
As it was, the funeral service of my mother was, in my opinion, somewhat disjointed.
• Show an understanding of, and commitment to, the ministry of the whole People of God
I understand that people are not equivalent to what they do or produce. This does not reduce our commitment to work at being productive. It reminds us that because God has embraced us with his forgiveness, we have even more reason than others to be considerate, fair, and gracious to all.
This is not to suggest that only people who are Christian should be valued.
That principle reminds me of the Orwellian notion in his book Animal Farm, that “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”.
In my mind, all people have value in God’s eyes; all are Children of God; whether they know it or not and without exception.
I am committed to the ministry of the whole People of God, and also, those who have not yet found a path to his Love.
B 4: Candidates should show a willingness to work with diversity within the Church of England
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Understand, value and respect the diversity of approaches to theology, ministry, mission and liturgical practice within the Church of England
I understand that the Church of England and all those denominations that are in communion with it represent a complex array of beliefs insofar as how they interpret the scriptures. What these different churches do and say can be different too.
All of these different efforts endeavour to bring their flocks to the same end; a celebration of Jesus as the Son of God and to spread the Good News to those who have not heard it.
This diversity can result in some result in fascinating and beautiful differences in terms of customs, music, and even how Jesus is portrayed.
• Display a spirit of generosity, respect and flexibility towards those from different Anglican traditions and perspectives
Recently someone wrote to me “Perhaps what you need to consider is if your calling is to the wider Church of God or if it is specific to the Anglican corner of the vineyard? If you are content that it is the former, you could follow the route Fr David suggests.”
I love the Church of England. In part, it has made me who I am. But the principle is not so exclusive that it would stand in the way of my being useful within the wider Church of God. If that were to happen, my principles would be bad.
I have an enormously generous spirit, respect and flexibility towards all different facets of the Anglican church and all those denominations that are in communion with it.
To this end, I have created Churches Together in Thailand on Facebook in the hope that more churches might work together.
• Be willing to work ecumenically and in partnership with those from other Christian Churches and be prepared to relate to those of other Faiths and none
I have in the past worked to support refugees and asylum seekers in London, UK. All were victims of Torture and had been referred to our accommodation by the Freedom from Torture (https://www.freedomfromtorture.org/).
The people accommodated in our hostels were from all over the world including Albania, Algeria, Bolivia, China, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ecuador, Chad, Nigeria, Rwanda, Romania, Russia and Mauritania.
To do this work, it was essential that all aspects of the person whole were assessed and that support physical, mental and spiritual was nurtured back to health. These people were broken.
During this time, I benefited from a good working knowledge of the traditions and beliefs of Atheists, Catholics, Muslims and those who were Buddhist.
Since living in Thailand and marrying my wife, who is Buddhist I have had to relate to her, her family and community and have respect for their beliefs.
My oldest friend, Luke, is a committed Atheist and although I do not agree with him, I can respect his position. It is fair that at times, I reflect on his position and feel sorry for him. It seems very lonely.
Criterion C: Spirituality
Candidates should show evidence of a commitment to a spiritual discipline, which involves individual and corporate prayer and worship. They should be committed to a developing pattern of disciplined prayer, Bible study and the regular receiving of Holy Communion. They should be able to show how they discern God’s activity in their life, how their spiritual practice may have changed over time and how it is changing them. They should be able to reflect on how engagement with the world and others both affects and is affected by, their practice of prayer. Their spiritual practice should be able to sustain and energise them in daily life and future ministry.
C 1: Candidates should have a disciplined personal pattern of prayer
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Reveal a growing, vibrant and joyful relationship with God
My relationship with God has at times been strained, mostly as a result of the death of my parents, and within the work, I did with those most in need in society.
To reconcile such suffering in life which although not determined by Him but rather the politics of man, was at times difficult and resulted in questions.
How can an all-powerful omnipresent, omnipotent and benevolent God do nothing as innocent children are born into suffering?
How can humans be allowed the free will to torture one another as they do in the most imaginative and disgusting of ways?
My belief that God’s love is absolute and enduring, provides me succour to the point that there is no longer a temptation to try to answer these impossible questions any more as they cause me pain and are too big for me to resolve or rationalise.
In contrast, I am fortified by the idea that the message in the Gospel is in fact, the answer to the material world suffering I have witnessed first-hand. The path I am following and millions like me has the power to make small change every day and between us, huge injustices can be confronted and overcome.
Since my son has been born, my relationship will God has flourished more than ever. I have through my son enjoyed seeing the simple God-given wonders of the earth and those wonders surprise and satisfy me more every day.
• Show a disciplined, structured and realistic pattern of prayer that sustains him/ her daily
I pray each morning before starting work. I also pray at night before I sleep.
Occasionally I will take time out during my working day to ground myself again; to touch base. To ensure I am doing all I can to move forward in a way that would not displease Him.
Sometimes those reflections will involve trying to find guidance from Scripture, oftentimes it will not.
• Engage in personal Bible reading and study and to be spiritually nourished by it
I spend time reading the Bible daily. I follow a website which shows me daily verses and provides interpretations for me to reflect upon. I also read the Bible when sharing a verse on Facebook twice per week.
Sometimes the readings planned for the forthcoming week might not resonate so well on Facebook and so through discussion with Fr. David, we find another which we think might gain better traction.
I want to learn more about the Scripture which I see as my biggest weakness.
I have fulfilled MOOC classes online to date (see table below). This is specifically to assist me in my knowledge of scripture, what it means, how to interpret it and how to consider areas of potential conflict.
I would like to undertake a Masters in Divinity (MDiv) and seek the Bishop’s opinion on this matter.
| Course Name | Accredited / Certified By | Date Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Safer Recruitment and People Management | Church of England https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org/ | 07 August 2021 |
| Safeguarding Foundations v2021 | Church of England https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org/ | 07 August 2021 |
| Basic Awareness v2020 (safeguarding) | Church of England https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org/ | 06 August 2021 |
| The Bible’s Prehistory, Purpose, and Political Future | Emory University (https://www.coursera.org) | 1 April 2021 |
| Philosophy, Science and Religion | University of Edinburgh (https://www.coursera.org/) | 15 December 2020 |
| Religion and Philosophy | University of Edinburgh (https://www.coursera.org/) | 30 October 2020 |
| Christianity Through Its Scripture | HarvardX (https://www.edx.org/) | 22 October 2020 |
| Religion and Conflict Transformation | Boston University X (https://www.edx.org/) | 18 September 2020 |
| A Journey through Western Christianity; from persecuted faith to Global Religion (200-1650) | Yale (https://www.coursera.org/) | 12 September 2020 |
• Be prepared to seek the support of others for their spiritual growth and development
I have always sought assistance from those closest to me and online when trying to interpret scripture. I am never shy in saying what I don’t know and I recognise that when I do not know something, I also fail to understand the breadth of what I do not know.
C 2: Candidates should faithfully participate in corporate worship
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Show a disciplined and regular pattern of corporate worship in the life of a church, including the regular receiving of Holy Communion
For as long as I can remember, I have attended Sunday School, St Francis’s (Petts Wood, London UK) where I was baptised, St Mary of Charity (Faversham, Kent, UK) where I was confirmed.
More recently, I have been attending St George’s Anglican church, Pattaya.
Of course, in between those times in the UK, I routinely observed or took part in the two sacraments of baptism and baptism and the Eucharist, and have been when the Communion honoured confirmation, marriage and the reconciliation of the penitent.
I have not been privy to the important religious rites of ordination or unction of the sick
• Reflect on how worship with others affects him/ her
Worshipping with other people is affirming.
I find different parts of the liturgy, the Eucharist and the sound of the Lord’s Prayer, in particular, when said in harmony a physical emotional and sensual event; the hairs on my arms stand on end.
C 3: Candidates’ spirituality should be developing
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Show how his/ her spirituality has changed and is transforming them
In the simplest of terms, I am happier.
Less superficially, I feel as if more of what I have done in the past and am doing now ‘makes sense’. I was quite aimless and now I am not. I believe that God intervened on the evening of the 6th August and the internal monologue in my consciousness turned into a dialogue. I conversed and received an answer.
It sounds cliché but it was as though a cataract had been removed from my eyes and I knew immediately what I must do. No excuses.
• Demonstrate how his/ her spirituality is developing and deepening
My prayer life is the healthiest it has ever been.
My ability to open up to others I know and speak to them about what I believe is such a relief and this power or strength comes from the Holy Spirit. I have come out as more than the Christian I was before.
I have been able to declare that I am committing my life to Him.
• Reflect on how his/ her experience of the nature and presence of God has changed over the years
Like in any relationship, there have been times when the amount of time I had to spend time with God ebbed and flowed, because of work, because I had a small son and was changing nappies.
There have been other times when His presence has been felt when my parents died, or when my grandmother died , or when I have been at my lowest ebb.
C 4: Candidates’ spirituality should be world-engaging
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Demonstrate how his/ her spiritual life informs his/ her relationships with others and his/ her wider engagement with the world
I have given this far more thought recently and think that my real-world and virtual engagement with the wider world is defined by my spiritual life. I fight against what I perceive as injustice, I have protested divisiveness and Hate. I promote tolerance of others, Love of diversity and celebration of creativity.
• Reflect on how he/ she discerns God’s presence and activity in the lives of others and in the wider world
When good things happen to good people. When people demonstrate compassion in the face of hate. When unexpected or otherwise random acts of kindness change a person’s outlook, day or life.
Correlation does not always equal causation but it does make it more plausible and likely.
God is good and sometimes good things happen in the world which is unexpected, for example, when governments unexpectedly do the ‘right’ thing not for the sake of national interest but for the sake of humanity.
Criterion D: Personality and Character
Candidates should be sufficiently self-aware, mature and stable to show that they are able to sustain the demanding role of an ordained minister. They should be able to demonstrate how they have faced change and pressure in a balanced and flexible way and how they manage stress. Candidates should be seen to be people of integrity who can generate trust and display honesty. They should be able to speak of how they have coped with difficult life experiences, how they have reflected upon them and incorporated them within their life and understanding.
D 1: Candidates should display self-awareness and self-acceptance
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Reflect accurately upon his/ her strengths and weaknesses; and identify ways in which his/ her strengths may be used and ways in which the impact of his/ her weaknesses may be limited
My strengths are in:
- Loyalty
- Believing that most people are good.
- Trusting people first.
- Engaging with people and groups of people.
- Cutting through negotiations which are going nowhere to reach a common goal.
- Seeing common truths shared by people who otherwise think they disagree
- Partnership working
- Engaging with individuals, giving them attention and listening to them
I believe these strengths can help me in fulfilling the Mission and Ministries of any church community I am privileged to be placed.
My weaknesses are in:
- Evangelising the Kingdom of God
- Hoping to see a greater impact of the effect of any work I do too quickly – (impatience)
- Failing to recognise God’s plan.
- Being too focussed that I fail to see the wider implications. – (not stepping back)
- Being too objective, I fail to see the fine details – (not focussing enough)
I am very aware of my weaknesses and work hard to overcome them. Ultimately, I understand that most of us are a mix of different kinds of people, I confident, yet shy.
I learnt very early on that I after all only human and as a result, I endeavour always to ‘under-promise and over-deliver.‘
• Show appropriate self-acceptance and be reconciled to his/ her own vulnerabilities and limitations
As a boy, I honestly believed I could change the world. Now I have a boy, I know that I can make a difference to his world only.
I have always aspired to be a positive social reformer, but my biggest vulnerability was identified to me around the time of my father died.
Instead of being pro-active, I could only react and I was left alone.
I cannot change the world, but for those who I meet and for those who I know and love, I hope with the help of God to make their lives better.
For all others in need, maybe I can add my voice to a collective to achieve justice and freedom.
My means of overcoming that period was to learn something new, meet new people, travel and broaden my understanding of the world and of myself.
This did ultimately result in my self-imposed exile in Thailand. In essence, I could not get further away.
• Show that he/ she is relaxed and at ease with him/ herself; and be able to reflect on him/ herself with humour and a sense of perspective
I think in the past I took myself a great deal too seriously. I was not celebrating the present but working toward a better future. I missed so much.
For the last nine years, I have been incredibly comfortable with who I am, I got married, had a family.
I have been a father for just over three years. With a child one cannot in my mind, take oneself too seriously, children don’t see a reputation. The live-in the ‘now’.
I consider the role of Father to be the most important position I have held to date. The idea that I am helping in the formation of a psyche, a personality. The responsibility is enormous and most enjoyable; my biggest achievement.
D 2: Candidates should display emotional stability
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Assimilate and deal appropriately with negative or difficult life experiences
Negative life experiences happen to everyone. Having had my fair share, I think that they should help one grow as a person and to that end, I have always endeavoured to continue to make those who I have loved and lost proud of me and to justify the love that they gave me.
I do also think that the expression of feelings when something bad happens is important and cathartic. Occasionally I have had to pause and reflect on the nature and limitations of the bad times if only to then move on with ever greater determination.
My memories of mother, father and grandmother have had a pivotal role in the ‘who’ I am. Do I have more empathy as a result of loss? I think I do.
• Show sufficient integration of different aspects of self, including how he/ she experiences and manages anger and inner conflict
I have worked with enough angry and self-harming folk to know that anger is rarely, if ever, conducive to a person realising their goals. It is invariably an obstacle to success.
Like everyone, I do, from time to time, feel anger.
Typically, the feeling of anger is fleeting.
When I feel anger, I know that it means logic has been suspended. I would normally withdraw for a while to reflect on the issue.
In all cases, I endeavour to go back to the individual concerned; if it is a person who has made me angry, or the business where it is an organisation and talk it through.
More often than not, my friends and family members have not even been aware that what they had done or said had upset me. It is normally based on a misunderstanding.
I remember hearing that a wise man once said, Anger is the punishment one gives to oneself for other people’s mistakes. I am not sure who that is attributed to, but it sums up by attitude to this wasteful emotion.
• Cope adequately with stress and have effective strategies for managing it
I have never had a job that does not carry some level of intrinsic stress. Stress is normal, but I do not see it as essential. If I can foresee stressful situations, I am able to strategies on maintaining professional boundaries to ensure that I am not part of the problem, break down the size of issues into bite-size edible pieces and methodically chunk through whatever big job needs to be done.
Of course, life can throw up stressful situations from time to time which cannot be foreseen and, in all cases, I maintain a professional demeanour. I remain calm and think quickly. Where people are involved, I will attempt to deescalate the situation or diffuse the situation oftentimes by using humour and other times taking serious things appropriately seriously.
Whenever someone has threatening to attack me, I would (but only if I determine it is safe to do so):
- Assess the level of risk.
- Leave me an exit route.
- Acknowledge their anger.
- Try to make myself smaller, maybe by sitting down.
- Try to demonstrate a calm and open posture
- Speak slowly and clearly.
- Take a sip of tea, to demonstrate that the situation does not require any defensive action on my part.
- Try to get the person speaking and let them see with active listening and a total physical response, that I hear them.
All of these actions have ensured that in nearly 20 years of working with challenging people, service users and staff, in very volatile and challenging environments, I have, with God’s help, no doubt, never been physically attacked.
From the age of 17, in my work, I have had to understand the balance between being firm in the application of rules, for the safety of other and fairness; particularly when weighing up the response to a person’s prior action when they are mentally unwell, or under the influence of drugs and or alcohol. In all cases, I have had to listen to appeals of clemency or faced absolute remorse after the fact. In some cases, I have had to live with the reality that my decision, as a consequence of their behaviour, such as ensuring a person left the building/shelter, resulted in their death.
• Face change in a flexible and balanced way
As I have described above, change, and dramatic unexpected change has been part and parcel of my life. In all cases, I think the ways I managed the resulting effect has always been positive and in the long term, embracing change as being exciting with its new challenges is been a defining theme of my life so far. It is fair to say that at times, my reaction to change means that I turned right when with the benefit of hindsight, a left turn might have had a better result; nevertheless, those situations are opportunities to learn more than lament.
I have also seen people trying to resist unstoppable change and it only ever ends in pain. God’s plan changes and recognising that being dynamic when faced with change has, in the most part ensured that I have been able to adapt, survive and support my family.
D 3: Candidates should display maturity and integrity
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Generate trust and display honesty
Trust is important to me. Having people understand that I say what I mean and that I mean what I say is crucial in all personal and professional relationships I have nurtured over the years.
• Learn from his/ her own behaviour, including mistakes and errors of judgement
I have made mistakes as I have illuded to before. A consequence of one of the errors of judgement resulted in a relationship breakdown. I was not in any way unfaithful, but my priorities were wrong. I did not give sufficient space to balance to nurture the relationship and instead I believed the work I was doing was more important than the person I loved and who loved me.
I have learnt my lesson and my family which I have been blessed with is my balanced priority together with my work.
If I were able to turn back time, would I? Not anymore.
• Respond appropriately to, and learn from, criticism
I welcome feedback about my performance and try to take on board criticism to improve myself. I believe humans never lose the capacity to learn and as such criticism when given constructively is a great help. I will not try to defend behaviour which is indefensible.
Might I try to provide a reason why I chose a course of action, of course, but a reason is not always an excuse.
• Reflect upon how he/ she has encouraged and affirmed others
I believe all people have the potential for greatness, not necessarily on a grand scale, but each in their own way can do good and improve the world around them.
I have always ensured those reporting to me receive two positive pieces of feedback for every constructive criticism I have needed to say to them.
I have read and apply Dale Carnegie’s excellent book “How to win friends and influence people” and in doing so learnt long ago that there is little merit in confronting, criticising or confusing people.
In my role as the Chief Executive of The Scrine Foundation, I ensured that user-feedback was central to the strategic plan. Service users were able, once their issues had been resolved, to volunteer at all levels of the organisation. I ensured women were equally represented in all levels of decision making and that all projects had dog-owning rooms. At the time, these things were each considered small change; but overall it was a paradigm shift which encouraged all to take part and excluded no one.
D 4: Candidates should display appropriate self-confidence
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Present themselves with self-confidence, tempered with humility, and to have the strength of character to stand up for what he/ she perceives to be right, even if unpopular
By any measure, I live humbly. I loathe wasteful excess. I have no doubt about my undeserving position in life; how lucky I am compared to the next man or anyone else’s lot in life, which can always be worse.
I have always and will always stand up against what I perceive to be an injustice. I have always and will always defend those who I consider cannot defend themselves.
I have demonstrated this commitment in the past when I would, as part of my role within The Scvrine Foundation, meet with Politicians and Civil Servants at Local, Regional and National levels, particularly with the Department of Communities and Local Government to lobby for adequate funding of services to meet needs of homeless people.
My work enabled me to meet privately on three separate occasions with the UK Governments’ Cabinet Secretary, Sir Gus O’Donnell (Now Baron O’Donnell) to answer his questions and provide a briefing regarding unfilled gaps in statutory and voluntary service provision.
I will point out abuse or bullying where it needs to be pointed at, not in some kinds of ego-boosting virtue signalling, but rather to achieve small change.
D 5: Candidates should display stamina, robustness and resilience
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Show signs of the kind of stamina, robustness and resilience which would be expected if he/ she were to cope with the demands and pressures of the ministry for which he/ she has been sponsored
My father was hard working and told me always to work without scruple or diffidence.
Stamina is essential in my current role. I teach on average of 27 half-hour classes per day 5 or sometimes 6 days per week since the COVID issue impacted my other Tourism-based business here in Pattaya.
This is not the first time I have had to work hard. I am, by definition, hardworking by nature. I like keeping busy even when I am not working.
D 6: Candidates should display potential for self-development and growth
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Display an on-going history of personal growth and change
My CV demonstrates that I like taking on challenges. I like to challenge myself and I enjoy meeting new people and understanding new facets of the world which maybe I was not aware of before. This is part of what defines me.
My role within The Scrine Foundation ended when I suffered a relationship breakdown which coincided with my father’s death and the Global Economic Crisis which resulted in 80% of the charity’s funding being cut by the central government. In short, I was emotionally spent, having spent my adult life fighting a system which is biased to support the rich whilst the poor go to the wall.
In March 2010 I went to Lanzarote and studied to be a PADI DiveMaster where I worked for 10 months before travelling with my best friend on the Trans Mongolian Express from Moscow via Omsk, and Irkutsk to Ulaanbaatar to Beijing.
I ultimately travelled to Thailand where I met my wife in a hotel Tour and Excursion Desk and ultimately decided to leave the UK and live here with her.
During my time in Thailand since September 2011, I have negotiated with Centara Hotels and Resorts to develop a successful business which prior to COVID had grown to five tour desks within international hotels providing family orientated tours and experience-based excursions, managed day to day by my wife; in line with the Centara service standards. This business has now gone to the wall as a result of COVID.
For three years, I also studied fine art with my friend Brett and managed a successful art business, until my boy was born when the need for more dependable income became a necessity. That was when I started teaching online.
Am I the same man who I was 10 years ago? No.
If I were to meet me from 10 years ago, would I like me? I am sure that my older self would listen a little more and speak a little less.
If my older self were able to able to give my younger self some advice; “enjoy what you have, plan less and pause to look around every now and again.”
• Reflect on the importance of having a breadth of interests other than church life, which help him/ her to grow and develop
I love making art, I am a passionate conservationist and I have a keen interest in global politics. I like gardening.
Criterion E: Relationships
Candidates should show the capacity to build healthy personal, professional, and pastoral relationships. They should demonstrate an awareness of the need for, and ability to establish and sustain, appropriate boundaries between personal and professional life and within pastoral relationships. They should be able to manage conflict and show an ability to negotiate difficult relationships. Candidates should demonstrate good interpersonal skills, the willingness to learn from experience, and a commitment to building inclusive relationships within diversity. They should show the potential to exercise effective pastoral care. Candidates must be willing to live within the discipline of Issues in Human Sexuality.
E 1: Candidates should be able to develop healthy personal relationships
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Display that he/ she has healthy, stable and supportive relationships such as to sustain him/ her in training and into ministry
My wife and I have been together for nearly 10 years. I have my wife’s total support for what I am embarking upon.
As I stated earlier, I have my spoken to my wife, family and friends over the last few months and in every respect, it has been delightful and strange in some respects in that even my atheist friends have said they can think of no one better to do the job. My stepmother asked me why I had not done it years ago since I had “gone on about it for years”.
• Show an ability to balance the demands of important personal relationships and the demands of work, ministry or other commitments
As I have explained in D.3 above, I have learnt this lesson the hard way and do not intent to do it again. I understand the concept of balancing one’s life and time management.
• Reflect on ways in which he/ she has come to terms with and (where possible) resolved problematic personal relationships
I have paused for thought about this and I have no problematic relationships in my life. I am lucky in that respect.
E 2: Candidates have the potential to develop healthy professional and pastoral relationships
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Form, develop and maintain healthy professional and pastoral relationships
Whilst attending college pursuing certificates in Business and Finance, I started work with homeless people in London, Uk. Between 1994-2002, I worked within St Mungo’s (Britains largest homelessness charity) in their hostels all across London, working directly with rough sleepers, drug and alcohol users, folk living with mental illness, ex-offenders, asylum seekers & refugees and young people. https://www.mungos.org/)
Between 2002-2009, I was appointed the Chief Executive of a Homelessness charity in Canterbury, Kent, UK, called The Scrine Foundation (now called https://www.catchinglives.org/)
All professional relationships I had with service users were boundaries, confidential and professional. All personal relationships I have are long-standing.
• Maintain boundaries and confidentiality
I am very clear about professional boundaries. I have benefited from a great deal of developmental training from a wide range of course providers, both statutory and non-statutory sector. On this I am disciplined. I absolutely understand the difference between being friendly (appropriate) and being a friend (inappropriate).
When people share things with me I would always inform them if it cannot remain confidential. For example, if I had concerns for the safety of themselves or others. If I believed them to be a threat to life or limb.
I would also seek their permission if ever I were to use any information about their case in a case study even if or when any identifiable material such as names, places or dates had been changed.
• Manage conflict and learn from it
I have learnt through experience that de-escalation and the avoidance of conflict, where possible is the best means to manage it.
I have been on several conflict management nd conflict resolution training courses during my professional life.
I recently completed an online MOOC course entitled Religion and Conflict Transformation with Boston University https://www.edx.org/
Conflict presents great opportunities for change and typically change is good.
E 3: Candidates should be able to relate to people who are different from themselves
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Reflect upon what it means to be ‘one in Christ’ (cf. Galatians 3:28)
Paul assures these believers that, in Christ, they have been fully united with everyone else who is in Christ. There are no lesser Christians in the family of God. Our earthly identifiers create no value distinction between us in our Father’s eyes. Jews do not carry a higher rank than Greeks (non-Jews). Free people hold no greater honour than slaves. Men are not superior to women. No race is a “master race,” nor any ethnicity inferior.
I believe this.
It’s important to note that this teaching is not based on the current climate of the culture. It is not liberal, conservative, or political. It is the direct result of the gospel. It is not a statement about the various roles any Christian may be called to fill in this life or the honour we may or may not be given on this side of eternity. It is a statement about our equal value in the eyes of God, and how we should learn to view each other. Since all Christians are in Christ, all of us are one.
I believe this.
This is an interesting backdrop when considering all of the different groups around the world fighting the divisions and oppression created by men, the #MeToo, BLM, LGTBTQAI+, UN Girls Education Initiative, and the social disparities created by climate change.
In my opinion, all those who fight against equality and unity or in fact do not evangelise in support of equality here on earth are failing in its entirety the core principle of what Paul said. Of course, I am though neither dismissive of sin nor a zealot.
I am, of course, keen to have my opinion explored.
• Reflect on his/ her behaviour, attitudes and commitment to oppose discrimination and injustice
My Godmother is mixed race, my marriage is mixed race, my son is mixed race.
I live the daily reality of my belief and commitment to meaningful equality for all.
• Demonstrate that he/ she understands, respects, values and engages with difference in others including social, cultural, gender, ethnicity, disability, age and sexuality.
I understand, respect, value and engage with differences in others including social, cultural, gender, ethnicity, age and sexuality.
With my family and my close circle of friend’s, I have people who represent all of these labels. I live my belief that all are equal in God’s eyes; it is superficial for me to negatively judge anyone on any of these measures.
I do think when folk have overcome prejudice and achieved whatever it is they want to achieve, both in spite or because they are tagged with these labels means they do deserve greater respect, in my mind.
A little like “points for effort”.
• Demonstrate that he/ she is inclusive in engagement with people from diverse backgrounds and is able to reflect on the lessons learnt
E 4: Candidates should have the potential for exercising effective pastoral care
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Enjoy engaging with other people and be genuinely interested in them
I enjoy people. Hearing their news and stories enriches me. I love learning about what different people do and the world they live in, which is invariably different from the one I know. I find it fascinating. I have been privileged during the time I have had so far hearing the experiences people have had and grappled to understand how I might cope in their situation.
Meeting new people who have had a different life experience to me I find particularly interesting.
• Be approachable, listen well and show empathy
I do always try to listen and understand the point other people are trying to make. I utilise skills to demonstrate active listening and I try to demonstrate I have heard what people say by confirming my understanding with them, before encouraging them to go on.
I utilize Total Physical Response and Active Listening techniques, nodding or shaking my head. I have found that body language is very important.
• Be compassionate and be able to exercise appropriate pastoral care and sensitivity
Even when it is the result of a poor choice, no one is ever deserving of suffering here on earth. That is not to say that they do not deserve to be fined or incarcerated if they have committed a crime.
I am a great believer in criminal justice where reparation and rehabilitation are used as the main methods of dealing with the effects of crime.
Everyone must be afforded respect and dignity and where circumstance means I can help by showing that I care, I will show that I care.
I may not be in a position to offer material assistance, but I can certainly listen. I can certainly have a think about who I might know who could help, with clothes, or food or a place to sleep.
I can pray with them and for them and let them know that I care.
• Exercise discernment and good judgement in understanding others
I worked with entrenched rough sleeping drug users for a number of years within Camden and Westminster in London, UK. I have been lied to often.
Yet, I never saw the people who were lying as intrinsically bad people, they were desperately sick. They lived this life not because it was better than the one, they might otherwise have had, but because, they simply saw no way out and they were physically dependent on Crack and Heroin.
One can sympathise and even in some circumstances, empathise without making oneself vulnerable to exploitation, manipulation or abuse. In all cases, it is important to reflect on how close we all are from the precipice of misfortune.
• Show a humility that speaks of the servant ministry of Christ
I am who I am and I cannot misrepresent what I do on a daily basis. I cannot try to be some sort of hand-wringing Uriah Heep. Do I think I am especially anything? No. I am not exceptional in any way. I try to be the best version of myself I can be and I try to improve myself daily.
Jesus modelled Leadership. He was willing to become a servant and wash the feet of his people. He laid down his life for his people. He set aside his glory and went to the cross and saved them. Jesus said this was the pattern we should follow.
Self-serving Leaders, lord it over others and exploit their leadership for their own ends.
Christian Leadership is about helping other people and pleasing and serving God.
E 5: Candidates should be able to accept the standards of sexual morality expected of ordained ministers
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Confirm that he/ she has read the House of Bishops’ Guidelines Issues in Human Sexuality and is prepared to live within them. (This is normally handled by the DDO and evidenced in the Diocesan Sponsoring Papers)
I have read the House of Bishops’ Guidelines Issues in Human Sexuality and as a happily married man I am prepared to live within them.
In any event, I await with interest the publication of the document as a result of ‘The Living in Love and Faith’ Project.
• Reflect on how he/ she will work with those with whom he/ she differ in this area
I have lived in Thailand for nearly ten years. I have met hundreds if not, thousands of Ex-pats living here and tourists holidaying here from Western countries whose primary reason for being here is the open access to cheap prostitution; that is to say being able to purchase the sexual services of women, men and transexuals. While the exploitation of the poor in this way is abhorrent; it is, in this part of the world, at least, daily reality and albeit unpalatable for many, it is a means to feed their family when faced with huge levels of inequality, no education to speak of and very little chance for social migration.
For many men, they do ultimately find wives or partners in the bars and I have many acquaintances who now live very sedate lives back in the UK.
How do I deal with them? I deal with them in the same way I deal with anyone. I consider that they are perhaps ‘lost’. I consider that they are devoid of unconditional love. I consider that they want companionship and the illusion that someone cares.
I consider that they are no less deserving of God’s love than anyone else.
Likewise, the homophobic bigots who would condemn a person on the grounds of their nature. I consider that they too are no less deserving of God’s love than anyone else.
• Be compassionate and be able to exercise appropriate pastoral care and sensitivity
Even when it is the result of a poor choice, no one is ever deserving of suffering here on earth. That is not to say that they do not deserve to be fined or incarcerated if they have committed a crime.
I am a great believer in criminal justice where reparation and rehabilitation are used as the main methods of dealing with the effects of crime.
Everyone must be afforded respect and dignity and where circumstance means I can help by showing that I care, I will show that I care.
I may not be in a position to offer material assistance, but I can certainly listen. I can certainly have a think about who I might know who could help, with clothes, or food or a place to sleep.
I can pray with them and for them and let them know that I care.
• Exercise discernment and good judgement in understanding others
I worked with entrenched rough sleeping drug users for a number of years within Camden and Westminster in London, UK. I have been lied to often.
Yet, I never saw the people who were lying as intrinsically bad people, they were desperately sick. They lived this life not because it was better than the one, they might otherwise have had, but because, they simply saw no way out and they were physically dependent on Crack and Heroin.
One can sympathise and even in some circumstances, empathise without making oneself vulnerable to exploitation, manipulation or abuse. In all cases, it is important to reflect on how close we all are from the precipice of misfortune.
• Show a humility that speaks of the servant ministry of Christ
I am who I am and I cannot misrepresent what I do on a daily basis. I cannot try to be some sort of hand-wringing Uriah Heep. Do I think I am especially anything? No. I am not exceptional in any way. I try to be the best version of myself I can be and I try to improve myself daily.
Jesus modelled Leadership. He was willing to become a servant and wash the feet of his people. He laid down his life for his people. He set aside his glory and went to the cross and saved them. Jesus said this was the pattern we should follow.
Self-serving Leaders, lord it over others and exploit their leadership for their own ends.
Christian Leadership is about helping other people and pleasing and serving God.
Criterion F: Leadership and Collaboration
Candidates should demonstrate an ability to offer leadership in the Church community and in the wider community as appropriate. This ability includes the capacity to offer an example of faith and discipleship which is inspiring to others and witnesses to the servanthood of Christ. They should show a commitment to identifying and nurturing the gifts of others and be able to collaborate effectively. Candidates should be able to identify their own leadership style, and reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of this and of the different ways in which leadership may be exercised within the Church. They should be able to be flexible and adaptable in leadership and demonstrate ability to guide and shape the life of the Church community in its mission to the world.
F 1: Candidates should display knowledge and understanding of leadership
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Reflect on the leadership skills which make an effective ordained minister
Good ordained ministers possess the following skills (this list is not exhaustive):
- Interpersonal / People skills
- Infectious Enthusiasm
- Presentation
- Communication
- Planning
- Singing
- Listening
- Creative Writing
- People Management
- Estates / building management
- Public Speaking
- Ad libitum
- Ability to think fast.
- Being object led
• Reflect accurately on his/ her own leadership skills
I have experience in the following;
- Interpersonal / People skills
- Infectious Enthusiasm
- Presentation
- Communication
- Planning
- Listening
- People Management
- Estates / building management
- Public Speaking
- Ad libitum
- Ability to think fast.
- Object led
My week point is planning. I overcome this with strict ‘routine’ and practice.
• Have the potential to exercise leadership effectively and flexibly
Since I have had a similar role before based in the communities within which I worked, I am confident I have the potential to exercise leadership effectively and flexibly.
• Reflect on his/ her experience of delegating
I believe in delegation.
It is important to have more people involved when possible.
It is true that this can sometimes mean ‘letting go’ a little and for some, this is bad form, but my father always used to say “If everyone does a little bit, no one has to do a lot.”
• Reflect upon how he/ she has encouraged and enabled the gifts of others
I have spent my whole life encouraging others to meet their potential.
I am a natural facilitator in getting folk to see their own strength’s, what makes them unique.
I inspired my sister to become an artist and she is now involved in the Cowal Open Studios in Scotland, UK and Artist in Residence of the Scottish Fisherman’s Trust.
• Show that he/ she can effectively chair and facilitate a group (this is evidenced at a Bishops’ Advisory Panel)
I have in my professional life chaired workings groups, partnerships, local council management meetings and forums.
I have delivered training in a host of settings to a host of receptive and unreceptive groups.
F 2: Candidates should have the potential for exercising leadership
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Confirm that he/ she has read the House of Bishops’ Guidelines Issues in Human Sexuality and is prepared to live within them. (This is normally handled by the DDO and evidenced in the Diocesan Sponsoring Papers)
I have read the House of Bishops’ Guidelines Issues in Human Sexuality and as a happily married man I am prepared to live within them.
In any event, I await with interest the publication of the document as a result of ‘The Living in Love and Faith’ Project.
• Reflect on how he/ she will work with those with whom he/ she differ in this area
I have lived in Thailand for nearly ten years. I have met hundreds if not, thousands of Ex-pats living here and tourists holidaying here from Western countries whose primary reason for being here is the open access to cheap prostitution; that is to say being able to purchase the sexual services of women, men and transexuals. While the exploitation of the poor in this way is abhorrent; it is, in this part of the world, at least, daily reality and albeit unpalatable for many, it is a means to feed their family when faced with huge levels of inequality, no education to speak of and very little chance for social migration.
For many men, they do ultimately find wives or partners in the bars and I have many acquaintances who now live very sedate lives back in the UK.
How do I deal with them? I deal with them in the same way I deal with anyone. I consider that they are perhaps ‘lost’. I consider that they are devoid of unconditional love. I consider that they want companionship and the illusion that someone cares.
I consider that they are no less deserving of God’s love than anyone else.
Likewise, the homophobic bigots who would condemn a person on the grounds of their nature. I consider that they too are no less deserving of God’s love than anyone else.
• Be compassionate and be able to exercise appropriate pastoral care and sensitivity
Even when it is the result of a poor choice, no one is ever deserving of suffering here on earth. That is not to say that they do not deserve to be fined or incarcerated if they have committed a crime.
I am a great believer in criminal justice where reparation and rehabilitation are used as the main methods of dealing with the effects of crime.
Everyone must be afforded respect and dignity and where circumstance means I can help by showing that I care, I will show that I care.
I may not be in a position to offer material assistance, but I can certainly listen. I can certainly have a think about who I might know who could help, with clothes, or food or a place to sleep.
I can pray with them and for them and let them know that I care.
• Exercise discernment and good judgement in understanding others
I worked with entrenched rough sleeping drug users for a number of years within Camden and Westminster in London, UK. I have been lied to often.
Yet, I never saw the people who were lying as intrinsically bad people, they were desperately sick. They lived this life not because it was better than the one, they might otherwise have had, but because, they simply saw no way out and they were physically dependent on Crack and Heroin.
One can sympathise and even in some circumstances, empathise without making oneself vulnerable to exploitation, manipulation or abuse. In all cases, it is important to reflect on how close we all are from the precipice of misfortune.
• Show a humility that speaks of the servant ministry of Christ
I am who I am and I cannot misrepresent what I do on a daily basis. I cannot try to be some sort of hand-wringing Uriah Heep. Do I think I am especially anything? No. I am not exceptional in any way. I try to be the best version of myself I can be and I try to improve myself daily.
Jesus modelled Leadership. He was willing to become a servant and wash the feet of his people. He laid down his life for his people. He set aside his glory and went to the cross and saved them. Jesus said this was the pattern we should follow.
Self-serving Leaders, lord it over others and exploit their leadership for their own ends.
Christian Leadership is about helping other people and pleasing and serving God.
F 3: Candidates should have effective communication skills
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Make an effective Presentation that engages and holds the attention of an audience (this is evidenced at a Bishops’ Advisory Panel)
I have made numerous formal and informal presentations and I am happy to give a presentation to anyone at any time.
Communicate personally and persuasively in such a way as to engage and motivate others (this is evidenced at a Bishops’ Advisory Panel)
I worked for two years within St Mungo’s as an ‘Engagement and Activity Development Worker’ getting homeless people regularly involved in community gardening, cycling and Thamesbank ecosystem monitoring. I am confident I have the skills necessary.
• Communicate information clearly and effectively so that it is meaningful, relevant and understood within a group (this is evidenced at a Bishops’ Advisory Panel)
I work with Chinese children with a broad range of English language ability. I change the words I use and adopt a Tot Physical Response when communicating with them if their language is poor. I worked with refugees for five years. I have managed Thai staff since 2011. I am confident in my ability to share a message in simple terms.
• Communicate effectively in writing in a way that is clear and accessible (this is evidenced at a Bishops’ Advisory Panel)
I am confident I have the necessary skills to meet or surpass the requirement.
• Show a humility that speaks of the servant ministry of Christ
I am who I am and I cannot misrepresent what I do on a daily basis. I cannot try to be some sort of hand-wringing Uriah Heep.
Do I think I am especially anything? No. I am not exceptional in any way. I try to be the best version of myself I can be and I try to improve myself daily.
Jesus modelled Leadership. He was willing to become a servant and wash the feet of his people. He laid down his life for his people. He set aside his glory and went to the cross and saved them. Jesus said this was the pattern we should follow.
Self-serving Leaders, lord it over others and exploit their leadership for their own ends.
Christian Leadership is about helping other people and pleasing and serving God.
I believe that whilst performing the sacraments, in particular the Eucharist, the mode of body language my exude reverence and humility. I believe that I can perform this as a reflection of my own deeply held feelings.
F 4: Candidates should show potential for collaborating with others
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Be an effective team player within a group: working effectively alongside others, encouraging and recognising the worth of others (this is evidenced at a Bishops’ Advisory Panel)
I work at my very best when I am working as part of a team with a clear division of labour. I expect to listen to other people critique of my proposals and enjoy listening to others ideas. I enjoy team dynamics and cam work with people of all ages, abilities and capacities. I enjoy helping people realize their own potentials.
• Work appropriately with those more or less able than him/ herself
I recognise skill and knowledge in areas where I have none or less. I cannot be all things to all people and when a plumber is needed, the best person to do the job is a plumber. The same can be said when building any team. Volunteers should be recruited on the basis of skills required to fulfil an objective. A skills mix is essential in order to get the best out of the people around the table.
• Value and work with a diverse range of people
I believe that everyone has something to offer and as such, I do enjoy meeting people and being surprised by different things they can do or have done. I feel it is like being as a magic show when new things are being pulled out of the hat. Starting with no presumption of competency, I am routinely excited when I discover a new person who either can do something or wants to learn something new. This second group offer me the most scope since they become tailor-made members of the team.
For candidates sponsored as having the potential to exercise ministry with incumbent responsibilities
F 5: Candidates should show potential for creative leadership
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity and potential to:
• Show initiative, drive and creativity in planning and implementing change
Leadership is essential in pursuing a change agenda. Consultation and communication as change progresses.
Followers need three things to bring about change:
- The chance to feed into the potential change (e.g. Livestreaming online).
- Updates on progress. (e.g. Engagement figures)
- Confirmation that the objective has been met. (e.g. More people coming to church on a Sunday)
• Show adaptability, sensitivity and responsiveness during times of change
Some folk are scared of change or resist it for the sake of resistance (although this is rare but not exceptional).
If it is a fear of change, those fears must be explored and spoken about. Exploring motivation for inaction can be challenging, but necessary.
Those people who simply resist must be listened to and be seen to be listened to in any event, even if the change objective is not altered in the long term.
• Be entrepreneurial - forward looking, creative in their thinking and be able to grasp and run with new ideas
I am creative. I worked full time as an artist for three years until my son was born.
I am naturally entrepreneurial and forward-thinking. I enjoy trying new things out and seeing the result.
• Reflect on a time when he/ she took a calculated risk
Moving to Thailand from the UK was a calculated risk.
I knew Susi, my wife, since she had sold me a taxi before from her tour shop. We had exchanged a couple of emails, but ultimately it was worth the risk.
Now I am happily married and have my son; Sebastian.
F 6: Candidates should show potential for exercising team leadership
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity and potential to:
• Show an understanding of how teams operate
As I have written about before I love engaging with diverse groups and working to get the best out of them. I enjoy team dynamics.
• Be discerning about the differing gifts of others
Recognising gifts, and working to squeeze the most potential from people is a something I have often had to do, whether working with homeless folk or since managing a tour desk and excursion business in Thailand.
Different people have different skill sets. Dr. Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats is an excellent and yet simple way of looking at the strengths of people.
• Reflect on a time when he/ she has affirmed and enabled others
I do this always with everyone I meet. I typically do this in three ways; I:
- Practice spontaneous praise. There is never a need to save up kind words.
- Give encouragement. Encouragement and praise should be sincere and freely given, especially when times are tough.
- Notice the actions and work of others, no matter how small.
Criterion G: Faith
Candidates should show an understanding of the Christian faith and a desire to deepen their understanding. They should demonstrate a personal commitment to Christ and a mature, robust faith which shapes their life and work. Candidates should show an ability to reflect critically on their faith and make connections between faith and contemporary life. They should demonstrate a capacity to communicate their faith engagingly and effectively.
G 1: Candidates should have a personal commitment to Christian faith
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Show a personal commitment to a relationship with Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord
When I was confirmed at the St Mary of Charity Church in Faversham, Kent, in 2003, my true commitment to a relationship with Jesus Christ began.
I have endeavoured to build on that relationship daily.
There have been times when my relationship took work, but through thick and thin we have made it through and my commitment is deeper now than it was then.
• Have a deep and robust faith which has been able to wrestle with doubt, disappointment and failure
I have lived through some very difficult times.
Generally speaking, the only way to get out of situations has been to work harder and to have faith that things will ‘work out for the best’.
The support that my faith has given me had enabled me to continue over such a long period of time.
My stamina depends on my faith in the amazingly abundant, undeserved, and inexhaustible gift of God’s Love.
• Live out the Gospel in who they are and what they do
The gospels are not biographies in the modern sense of the word. Rather, they are stories told in such a way as to evoke a certain image of Jesus for a particular audience. They’re trying to convey a message about Jesus, about his significance to the audience and thus we have to think of them as a kind of preaching, as well as storytelling. That’s what the gospel, The Good News, is really all about.
The gospels are very peculiar types of literature. They’re not biographies. Of course, there are all sorts of details about Jesus that they’re simply not interested in giving us. They are a kind of religious advertisement. What they do is proclaim their individual author’s interpretation of the Christian message through the device of using Jesus of Nazareth as a spokesperson for the evangelist’s position. The evangelist is not an author of fiction. The evangelist has traditions that go back through the Greek to the spoken language of Jesus, which was probably Aramaic as a native language or Greek as a working language depending which scholars you read.
• Discern God at work in his/ her life through times of joy and sorrow
As I have already stated; God has been present in my life more often than not during the tough times; the exception to that has been almost any given time I have spent with my son, Sebastian, who is my biggest blessing.
G 2: Candidates should show a knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Have an understanding of, and a commitment to, the key beliefs of the Church as expressed in the scriptures and the creeds
I understand and am committed to the principals that the Church of England and those denominations in communion with it is a broad church, representing a wide spectrum of theological thought and practice. I am particularly committed to the following;
- a belief that the Bible contains the core of all Christian faith and thought
- loyalty to a way of worship and life that was first set out in the Book of Common Prayer
- celebration of the sacraments ordained by Jesus – that of Baptism and Eucharist or Holy Communion
- a system of Church order that stems from ancient times and is focused in the ordained ministry of Bishop, Priest and Deacon
- a firm commitment to the ministry of the whole people of God, lay and ordained together
- a way of Christian thinking that involves Scripture, Tradition and Reason held together in creative tension.
• Show an understanding of the loving and saving purposes of God in Christ for the whole world
My faith in the amazingly abundant, undeserved, and inexhaustible gift of God’s Love is unshakable.
Jesus modelled his own Leadership style. He was willing to become a servant and wash the feet of his people. He laid down his life for his people, us who are and forever will be unworthy of his sacrifice. He set aside his glory and went to the cross and saved us.
As I have said before, Paul assures believers that, in Christ, they have been fully united with everyone else who is in Christ. There are no lesser Christians in the family of God. Our earthly identifiers create no value distinction between us in our Father’s eyes. Jews do not carry a higher rank than Greeks (non-Jews). Free people hold no greater honour than slaves. Men are not superior to women. No race is a “master race,” nor any ethnicity inferior.
Jesus said this was the pattern we should follow.
• Engage in critical reflection on his/ her faith
My relationship with God needs to grow. I feel as though, as a question I have gets answered, I have ten more questions yet to answer. Maybe that is the nature of God?
I have not and do not know my scripture. I am not one of those people who can just recite page after page.
I am very keen to study.
• Reflect upon how his/ her understanding of his/ her faith has developed and is developing
I think over the years my relationship with God was more formal as a result, I treated it trivially. As I have grown to have a better understanding with God, the relationship has become slightly more informal, and as a consequence, valued by me more. I can just pause and pray.
• Reflect on those aspects of his/ her faith that have been most challenging to him/ her
As I mentioned before, rationalising or understanding the dichotomy of the suffering inflicted upon different folk; much of it as a result of man’s divisiveness or politics. I understand free will but I find it very difficult when I see innocents suffer, in my inferior human mind, needlessly.
If I try to follow this line of thought, I conclude that all suffering is needless, and I struggle at times with the incongruity of an all-loving God who is able to intercede but does not intercede. I have not been given an answer which is satisfactory yet.
G 3: Candidates should be able to communicate their faith effectively
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Give an account of what excites and enthuses him/ her in his/ her faith and which he/ she would wish to share with others
I am always happy to share my own story:
I have investigated the evidence of Jesus and the resurrection. I conclude that it would take more faith to believe that these things were made up than that the truths of the scripture happened as they are presented.
It was when I read John’s Gospel and having looked page, after page, I saw the man Jesus speaking with such authority and yet with such love and with words which seem so authentic and trustworthy that I felt I had to follow him.
That was many years back now when I attended an Alpha Course in Faversham and the start of an adventure which is still ongoing. It has had its ups and down’s, of course, but after speaking to God’s people I have always felt exposed and convicted in ways that I have not experienced before.
It was scary at first, but was left with a deeper sense of hope and security. At times such as they are with COVID affecting so many and making life, for some, impossible, it is comforting that there is a sure hope which nothing and no one can take away from us. It is all based on trust in Jesus Christ who rose from the dead.
• Articulate his/ her faith naturally and effectively in ways that are balanced, appropriate, accessible and sensitive to the situation
I make no secret of my faith, but I do not tell everyone I meet of my relationship with God. Of course, all family and friends know, irrespective of whether they agree with me or not.
The relationship I have with Him is something I value and nurture, but unless it is appropriate at the time, I do not always raise Jesus in conversation.
Where and when it is appropriate, then I do.
Because of the huge amount of abuse, I have met online and in particular, on social media, I tend to operate a don’t ask, don’t tell policy when it comes to strangers.
G 4: Candidates should be able to respect and work with those whose understanding of Christian faith is different from their own
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Appreciate different perspectives on faith, doctrine and practice within the Church of England and to be able to engage with them
As I have stated earlier, the diversity of the church is what I am most interested in. Sharing ideas, being told I am wrong. Maybe hearing an argument which can change my opinions.
Where we can meet as equals, where arguments are civilised and where we can part as better friends who agree; or not.
I look forward to it!
• Work appropriately with those more or less able than him/ herself
I recognise skill and knowledge in areas where I have none or less. I cannot be all things to all people and when a plumber is needed, the best person to do the job is a plumber. The same can be said when building any team. Volunteers should be recruited on the basis of skills required to fulfil an objective. A skills mix is essential in order to get the best out of the people around the table.
• Value and work with a diverse range of people
I believe that everyone has something to offer and as such, I do enjoy meeting people and being surprised by different things they can do or have done. I feel it is like being as a magic show when new things are being pulled out of the hat. Starting with no presumption of competency, I am routinely excited when I discover a new person who either can do something or wants to learn something new. This second group offer me the most scope since they become tailor-made members of the team.
Criterion H: Mission and Evangelism
Candidates should demonstrate a personal commitment to the mission that is reflected in thought, prayer and action. They should show a wide and inclusive understanding of mission and the strategic issues and opportunities within contemporary culture. Candidates should be able to articulate the good news of the Kingdom appropriately in differing contexts and speak of Jesus Christ in a way that is exciting, accessible, and attractive. They should enable others to develop their vocations as witnesses of the good news. They should show potential as leaders of mission.
H 1: Candidates should have a personal commitment to mission and evangelism
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Show how his/ her commitment to mission permeates his/ her thought, prayer and action
Although I am familiar with the sacraments, I have only limited experience of them. I understand that they are each and all known as “visible signs of invisible grace”.
- Baptism (I have been party to this with my Son)
- Eucharist (I am obviously familiar with this)
- Confirmation (I am familiar with this)
- Ordination (I have never seen this, but have a rudimentary understanding of the process)
- Confession and absolution (I am obviously familiar with this)
- Holy Matrimony (I am familiar with this)
- Anointing the sick (I have never witnessed this)
I feel like since I was involved in working with homelessness from a very young age, I somehow cheated. Although there was a clear connection once I had discovered Jesus to the work I was doing, it had been given purpose, and although I have a wealth of experience in 3 of the Five Marks of Missio. Namely;
- to respond to human need by loving service;
- to seek to transform unjust structures of society and challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation;
- to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the earth
I only a limited amount in the following;
- to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom;
- to practice the teach, baptise and nurture new believers;
But since the 6th August, each day I have focussed on learning about, developing and practising these two in thought, word and deed.
• Show how he/ she has participated in God’s mission and engaged in effective evangelism
This is a work in progress and part of my wanting to study and follow a path in Him. This is part of my weakness and an area for development, I am committed to enhancing.
• Reflect on the importance of mission and evangelism in the life of the Church
Preaching to the converted is a zero-sum game. Churches which do not evangelize to any extent, wither then die.
• Have a practical understanding of what mission can mean in a local church context
Subject to need, location and community within which a church sits, a healthy church could have any and all of the following:
- A Vibrant, active, engaged congregation
- Community Cafe
- Two or three services per week,
- Bible study group/s
- Alpha Course
- Choir or group of singers.
- Sunday School
- Little Fishes Preschool Playgroup once per week.
- Foodbank or other social provision for the needy
- Healing Ministry
- Multi-purpose church/village hall
- Multi-purpose training / Meeting rooms
- Other ways of engaging with the community.
Note: This list is not exhaustive and the scope for a how churches fulfil Mission in a practical sense is limited only by our imagination.
• Relate well to those outside the church
I get on well with folk from outside the church.
My oldest friend, Luke, is a committed atheist.
H 2: Candidates should have a knowledge and understanding of mission and evangelism
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Show a wide and inclusive understanding of mission including an understanding of the Five Marks of Mission (to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom; to teach, baptise and nurture new believers; to respond to human need by loving service; to seek to transform unjust structures of society and challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation; to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the earth)
See H1 above.
• Reflect upon the role of the Church in God’s mission in the world
When we say ‘the church’, we are very often talking about the institution and at other times ‘the church’ means the people within the institution.
The church is a vehicle for God’s Mission in the world.
Without the church in either sense, the Mission would not be accomplished.
• Understand the difference between mission and evangelism
Evangelising is speaking of the Gospels.
The Mission is the work the Church has determined it needs to do whilst evangelising. Mission ensure that Christianity is about ‘doing’. It is about the nature of Christianity. Whether ‘doing’ the sacraments or doing other work in the community or wider world, all can be called Mission.
• Reflect on the value of having a diversity of approaches to evangelism
Evangelism is marketing and promotion, by any other name. I mean this not to be offensive, crass or sensational. It is true.
All successful businesses understand the 7 P’s.
- Product
- Price
- Place
- People
- Promotion
- Process
- Physical Environment
Channels, or routes to market, are the means by which a product or services gets seen by the end user. The business models which can easily be drawn upon by the church are equal to any of those available to any business.
My own church, St George’s, Pattaya, Thailand has started to Livestream services as a result of COVID 19. These videos are uploaded on YouTube and embedded onto our website too.
We have also routinely sent out two verse memes per week using flowers from Thailand as backgrounds on Facebook with a link to the corresponding website page.
We also have one provocative meme once per month encouraging those folks who live in sin or who are having a tough time to come to our church.
This is gaining traction and allows us to evangelise with a reach of several thousand per month even though in church, only three or five people turn up each week.
This is great news, but word of mouth works best in terms of Marketing.
H 3: Candidates should have effective communication skills for mission and evangelism
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Talk about Jesus Christ and the good news of the Kingdom in a way that is exciting, accessible and attractive
I have infectious enthusiasm when I speak about both my journey and my relationship with Jesus.
I understand that my witness statement is the greatest thing I can share in order to ensure the Good News of the Kingdom of God resonates with those who hear me.
I understand that I must not be seen to be ‘too keen’ as this can actively drive any potential Christians away.
The balance is to engage folk in conversation and get them to come to church, to find out for themselves if it is for them.
• Communicate well in language which people with different levels of knowledge can understand
I am used to communicating with people with different capabilities, levels of education, languages.
I change my approach depending on who my audience is.
H 4: Candidates should be able to enable others in mission and evangelism
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity and potential to:
• Help others to explore and come to faith
I will at all times seize opportunities to encourage folk to explore their faith. I will talk about and demonstrate what difference Jesus has made to me and my life.
• Enable and equip others to witness to their faith in Christ
H 5: Candidates should be able to engage with contemporary culture
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Reflect upon the opportunities for interaction between contemporary culture and the Gospel
There is unprecedented potential for churches of any size to interact with local and global audiences who may be existing or potential followers of Jesus.
In my opinion, too much energy is spent by individual churches and denominations trying to push their own divisive agendas regarding Christianity which does not resonate well with those in the general population the subtle, yet profound nuances between different denominations mean that churches are competing when they should be uniting.
There is within the Gospel a singular Christian message. The work does not need to be done again. It is very straight forward, but so much time is spent by Christians in online groups arguing with each other with wringing hands and gnashing teeth; those who might otherwise be saved; who might otherwise be receptive to the message of love, are turned away from the idea.
For churches to succeed, the message needs to be simple; “Come to Our Church” or “Join us”.
This simple message has the greatest impact on the swipe-based mentality of those who understand the concepts of;
- Like
- Share
- Comment
The principle of Churches Together can have a huge impact on communities not just in terms of perceptions of real relationships, but also in terms of achieving huge strides to achieve the Marks of Ministry; particularly:
- to respond to human need by loving service;
- to seek to transform unjust structures of society and challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation;
- to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the earth
The fellowship of witness, work and worship of all Christian’s in Thailand might one day universally, if not formally, conjoined.
• Show sufficient imagination, insight and flexibility to engage critically with contemporary culture
With my own parish church, St Georges, Pattaya we have had a greater impact than we thought we would have by utilising Facebook.
Of course, results are all relative, but a post made yesterday can be seen by more than a 1,000 people and garner up to 100 engagements at some level within 24 hours. These messages of ministry remain long after the original post date and attract more and more attention as folk interact with them.
For candidates sponsored as having the potential to exercise ministry with incumbent responsibilities
H 6: Candidates should have potential for engaging in mission-shaped ministry
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity and potential to:
• Be open to new and enterprising ways of engaging with mission and evangelism
I am very keen to be involved in;
- engaging the local community in any way I can which will result in growing the congregation.
- Working with and supporting other churches already in the community so as to bring more people into any church so as to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom and to teach, baptise and nurture new believers;
- Meet with and build re-world relationship with other Christians working in my community with a view of having a greater positive impact on joint community interventions based on clear evidence of need.
- Meet with and build real-world relationships with other faiths within the community in the hope of having a greater positive impact on joint community interventions based on clear evidence of need.
- Work to improve the beach-side, marine and wider environment, maybe by planting trees, or coordinating regular beach cleans in His name.
• Be creative, innovative and pioneering
As described above, I worked as a fine artist for three years. By definition, I have a creative mind.
In my former work, some things which I initiated are still going;
- Partnership between St Mungo’s hostel and the Natural History Museum wildlife garden.
- Bike borrowing scheme in Westminster
- Slow Alcohol Reduction Detox in East Kent
- Supported Housing Scheme
- Book Shop in Canterbury
- Jobs, Education and Training scheme (now part of a different charity)
Since these things still exist means that the original premise for them was not flawed. My original needs assessment was accurate.
More recently I have discovered something which works very well in the UK, does not exist here. I do not know why.
I, therefore, started Churches Together in Thailand on Facebook.
The plan is that Churches Together in Thailand will develop into the online ecumenical instrument supporting and encouraging churches from a wide range of traditions to work together in unity. Our vision is to create the space in which fruitful collaboration and mutual understanding can grow so that we as churches work more closely together in our great task of sharing in God’s mission and making the gospel of Christ known in our nation. Our strapline is:
One in Christ Jesus, engaged in God’s mission, empowered by the Spirit.
• Reflect on past experiences of mission and evangelism, identifying both successes and failures, and to reflect on how this experience might affect the future shape of their ministry
I remember when I was a boy and my mother was driving us somewhere or other. The local United Reformed church had a notice board which would every week display different posters.
One week, the poster said, “SEVEN DAYS WITHOUT PRAYER MAKES ONE WEEK”.
I have often thought about that. I think that since the act of evangelism made a huge impact upon me. Thirty-six years later, I still remember the message. It was clever.
I have reflected on that simple story. If I were the only person to see that poster (and, of course, I was not), and if that poster has been at all influential in my life choices and ultimate direction (and I think it has), was the investment in the poster well spent (and I think it was). So, the point here is about how we measure success. Is it a simple Return on Investment, a profit margin? I do not think so.
We are fishing. Some catches are better than others, but anything is a gift and a bounty from God.
Criterion I: Quality of Mind
Candidates should have the necessary intellectual capacity and quality of mind to undertake satisfactorily a course of theological study and ministerial preparation and to cope with the intellectual demands of ministry. They should demonstrate a desire to learn through the integration of academic study and reflection on experience and a commitment to this as a lifelong process of learning and formation. Candidates should show the flexibility of mind, openness to change and challenge, and the capacity to facilitate learning and theological reflection within the Church community.
I 1: Candidates should have an ability to learn
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Show ways in which he/ she has gained new understanding, knowledge and skills
I enjoy learning.
I learn as much and as quickly as I can. I am voracious in terms of learning.
As detailed above I have been studying online and seek information, advice and guidance about my next best course for the journey ahead.
• Have a realistic understanding of how he/ she learns
• Work well with others who learn in different ways
Many years ago, I completed a programme of courses in Woking, UK some years ago looking at psychometric testing and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). The industry has moved on since then, but it did give me insight into my own learning style and I recognise that different folk learn differently, some by hearing, some by seeing, some through touch and others emotionally (or a combination of those).
It has often helped me when talking to people, adapting the language I use and getting instant feedback about whether the language was appropriate.
• Have the potential for developing his/ her critical faculties
It has always been my default to view with some caution and in a critical faculty any new ideas which might change my own base opinions or bed-rock principle’s. I am open to looking at any idea, of course and have a vibrant and keen intellectual curiosity, but I ‘hasten slowly’.
A weakness of mine is to err on the side of trust. I believe that most people are good and then even when someone is bad, there is usually an underlying reason for their behaviour. Normally something worthy of sympathy, or clemency. Maybe I am wrong here. Maybe I need to develop critical faculties when dealing with people.
• Have the ability to benefit from theological training.
As I have detailed before, my weakness is the formal Theological qualification. I am sure I can discuss, read and interpret scripture on my own, but I do not think I will learn as much.
I am very keen to hear the opinion of the Bishop on the merits of my pursuing a Masters in Divinity online.
I 2: Candidates should be open to learning and formation
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Show a positive attitude and self-motivation towards the discipline of study
I enjoy learning.
In so many areas of life, I am unconsciously incompetent. I do not know what I do not know.
The four-stage process of learning intrigues me:
- Unconscious incompetence
- Conscious incompetence
- Conscious competence
- Unconscious competence
In terms of Scripture, I know that in broad terms, this is an area which needs development and I am interested in doing a MDiv online or any other course as directed to meet that need.
• Show a commitment to intellectual exploration and life-long learning
I have always liked learning and in some part that was why I ended up living in Asia to purposefully expose myself to other ideas, other norms. A way of overcoming reservations or my default as outlined above.
I also know that human brains capacity to learn new things never slows down.
• Reflect on ways that he/ she is open to personal development and formation
As I have written above, I am committed to constant improvement. Where a need has been identified, I am keen to resolve it by way of personal growth.
• Be teachable
I can receive instruction.
I am ready to listen, speak when asked questions and to learn.
I 3: Candidates should have the flexibility of mind
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Explore new ideas imaginatively and possess intellectual curiosity
As discussed above, my curiosity knows no bounds, although I am cautious. Being generally creative and having worked as an artist for about three years, my imagination is better than most.
• Be open to other people’s perspectives and to being challenged as a way of growing and developing
In love the way the human brain works.
We learn best when we make mistakes, or when we have an idea which is wrong criticized in a constructive and intellectual way.
I am completely open for my assumptions, opinions and prejudices to be challenged and I look forward to seeing the man I will be in 3, 5 or ten years from now!
• Think on his/ her feet
My maternal grandmother was from Limehouse in the East-End of London. My paternal grandfather was from Manchester. Both of these places have similar reputations for their acutely sharp wit. This taught me well at a young age to think on my feet.
• Express him/ herself well both orally and in written work
I am well experienced communicating both orally and in writing to different audiences, from children to adults, in a range of formal and informal settings.
• Formulate a cogent argument, which is well structured and organised
A cogent argument is by definition non-deductive, where premises are intended to establish probable, if not conclusive, support for the conclusion.
Logic and evidence are typically used in cogent arguments and in fighting for the rights of disadvantaged folk in and around Canterbury in Kent, I routinely used cogent arguments to dispel myths and challenge prejudice.
Again, I am quite sure that debating and presenting arguments is part of my genes.
• Live with questions which do not permit easy answers
As detailed earlier, the questions which lay on my conscience which have no easy answers; maybe no answers at all. I do live with them
I 4: Candidates should be able to reflect
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity to:
• Make connections between life and faith and to engage in critical reflection
The connections between my own life and faith are complex.
What I have done before and why I did them are like a web.
How what I did affirmed what I believe and vice versa.
I have tried to unpick them and in short, my faith impacts on all aspects of my life, who I am, how I see the world, what I hope for my family and my son.
For candidates sponsored as having the potential to exercise ministry with incumbent responsibilities
I 5: Candidates should have the potential to be a theological leader in mission
Evidence for this may be drawn from a candidate’s capacity and potential to:
• Use Biblical and theological understanding in discussion of people’s questions about ethical and contemporary issues and matters which catch the public imagination
I see the issue of human-caused Biodiversity destruction as the single biggest threat to the human species. In Jeremiah 2:7, the Lord said “I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.”
The only low-tech affordable and achievable means to healing the planet is the planting of trees, something every Christian could be involved in. In Leviticus 25:23-24, scripture says; “The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants. Throughout the country that you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land.”
• Be an effective and articulate public apologist for Christian faith in the public arena
My intent is to be truth-seeking and to listen to those with different views. It is not really credible to engage in discussion with others unless one is willing to modify our views in response to the evidence. Nevertheless, I do believe that God is the author of both nature and through his witnesses, the Bible. We should never be afraid of the truth or unwilling to share it.
