I retired from the pastorate on 31st March, this year, on the grounds of ill health. After informing the church on Sunday 13th February that this would be happening, it started just over a month of mixed feelings about whether, either the decision to retire, or the timing were right. Once again the human side came in, causing me to focus on the problem rather than the solution to be found in God.
The first Sunday service after making the decision public was so difficult and tiring that it seemed I’d left it too late and there were of course other occasions when my relatively good health made me wonder whether it was too early. I was able to attend deacons’ and pastoral team meetings as well as the March Members’ Meeting. This gave the chance to throw out challenges to think about as the Lord’s plans for the future are sought, but also to encourage the church in terms of what we have achieved together in terms of pursuing God’s will.
Sunday 27th March was my final service as a Pastor/Minister followed by a lunch. The message was ‘Simon Peter – the deserter’, which involved looking at the cross through Peter’s eyes looking forward. This reflected some of the personal feelings about deserting the ministry, whilst not having finished the task, and yet that has always seemed to be the case when it has come to moving on from one church to another. However, at an appropriate time it has seemed that God has revealed at least some of what He achieved through me. Interestingly, the human side always wants to know the what, why and how of everything, whereas Jesus’ call to faith has to do with being prepared for God to work through us in His way, however, wherever and whenever He wishes. These two can never really be matched up, but the more we walk in faith the less worrying it becomes.
I admit to having been worried about the lunch and yet it was conducted in a very informal way, which both Cathryn and I prefer. Jez Brown, Senior Regional Minister, local church leaders, representatives of the Churches Together and other friends attended. There were also a large number of the Baptist Church, who prepared and provided an excellent meal. Some kind words were said, to the extent that I wondered about whom the different people were talking. I thank God for being in the right place at the right time and for time, short as it has been, as pastor of Wincanton Baptist and the relationships made, which are still being built on.
Of course having retired from the ministry, the Christian walk is ongoing – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers” (Hebrews 6:9-10).
The journey will be continuing on this TAB.