"Are you looking forward to getting back to work" was the question I was asked yesterday.
Well, if you want the honest answer - No. Don't get me wrong, though. I still feel the call to Ministry; I still look forward to seeing and working with folk I know, love and deeply respect; I am looking forward to getting back behind (or in my case usually in front) of the pulpit and leading worship.
But what I am not looking forward to "starting again" with two new Churches. I have nothing against them, but the energy, effort and time it takes to get to know new people and new ways of working, let alone build up that relationship of understanding and trust that allows you to get to the point when you can really start doing something creative and (dare I use the word) evangelistic is daunting - a two year journey - and this is the fifth new situation I have faced in the seven years since we arrived in Doncaster.
There is still so much which can be achieved at Conisbrough with young families and couples, possibly in the form of emerging church (that is one description of doing faith things but in a non-church-shaped way), but it will take time - a lot of it - yet I can't help but think that my two new Churches will think I am going to hit the track running with them and expect 100% even though I am only 50% in total! To most folk a Minister is a Minister; the concept of 1/2 a Minister is tough to cope with, but coping with only a proportion of 1/2 a Minister will not come easily when they are used to something bigger. But nor can I fault Churches for wanting to get on and achieve things, for most do realise that time is running short if we are to turn things around and get the Church growing again.
I believe that the next five years will make or break congregations here in the UK - and being part of one is not going to an easy option. Remember the words if Jesus, the thing about taking up your cross..? He wasn't kidding, you know. "Taking up" demands energy, and he was talking about you - yes, YOU - not just anyone. And that "cross"? I don't reckon he was on about that silver thing around your neck or some sentimental idea or pretty stained-glass image. He was talking about about a real, back-breaking, splinter-giving, bone-bruising, blood-drawing, body-numbing, sacrifice-demanding cross!
But what a joy and privilege to share in the great work that our Saviour started, to be part of God's Mission - yes, God's, not ours - to bring all creation back to him.
Now that I am ready for! Are you??
