I think that going back to Australia was a good thing for me in some way. I was able to see people I loved and cared about and have a small taste of that Australian culture I missed. I do admit, that when the time for me to go came around I wasn't as sad to leave as I thought I would be. After all, It was only 3 and a half months more and then back to Australia for good (or for the meantime :P ).
So since coming back I have been quite busy. I was pretty sick for the first five days, 2 and a half of those days were spent in hospital. I am very happy to be much better now. Work at the CCA has also been a little more busier than it was. A LOT of letter writing, getting together deadlines and paperwork, and many other assembly-related items are of course what fills most of my days. I continue to be amazed at the extent of work the CCA is involved in and how strong the Ecumenical Movement is in Asia.
Before I left, Anita suggested I get a copy of a book called "Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry" by William Willimon. Not to set any particular reading but to read at my "leisure". I haven't read the whole book, from what I have read it is very deep but very interesting. The introduction summed up Ministry in four (4) points which I found very useful. These points were:
- Ministry is an act of God
- Ministry is an act of the Church
- To be a pastor/minister is to be tied in a unique way to the church, the believing community in Christ
- Ministry is difficult
Over the next few blogs I am going to try and give my understanding and thoughts on what each of those four (4) headings mean to me and to be a Minister.
Great start James!
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