NEWS SPRING 2016

Invest in a Life

INSIDE: How to share the Bible with children. Is your church developing leaders? How local churches mentor our ordinands. …and lots more www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk Cover photo: ‘Sharing the Bible with Children,’ page 18. this capacity to build real community wherever In this issue Newsletter photography by Chris Dobson. they go in their future ministries, then our churches will be richer and deeper as a result. Reflective action. Many younger people NEWS are fed up with the cynicism and apathy of previous generations and want to get on From the principal 3 with changing things where they are not as they ought to be, seeing faith spelled out in College news 4 From the principal actions. From older students they learn the Faculty news 8 long-term resilience needed to maintain a lifetime of ministry, and the practices and ne of the current aspirations in the disciplines that will see them through, even Alumni news 21 Church of is to see an increase O when the passion feels less intense. of 50 percent in the number of people offering themselves for ordained ministry Good questions. One of the joys of teaching by 2020, particularly those who are younger in a college with a high number of younger FEATURES (definitions of what constitutes ‘younger’ vary, students is that there is a healthy desire but the upper age cited is now invariably to question and challenge the traditions 10 ‘Residential’ at Trinity much younger than I am—a sure sign that I of the past and to reimagine them for this When moving to college means living outside of your am getting older!). The vision is for a ‘cohort generation. Now more than ever the church comfort zone. of candidates for ministry who are younger, needs radical and fresh-sighted reinvention more diverse, and with a wider range of of its practices and disciplines. But younger gifts to serve God’s mission’ (Resourcing leaders need the wisdom of previous Ministerial Education report). generations to root themselves firmly in the goodness of the past, and to learn from the 14 Is Your Church Developing Leaders? Many of our students at Trinity are in their ups and downs of history. When unbridled Ian Parkinson, from Trinity’s School of Leadership, explains 20s and 30s, and I love the vibrancy this passion meets lessons learned from previous why developing leaders is one of the best ways in which brings to our community life. However, one mistakes, a powerful wisdom emerges. of the aspects of Trinity I value immensely is vicars can spend their time. The features in this newsletter further the variety of age, background, gender, and consider how the generations need each experience found in our students. other in life and ministry. In the first feature, In 1 Timothy, Paul wrote, ‘Let no one look it’s clear how much our ordinands benefit 18 Sharing the Bible with Children down on your youthfulness, but rather in from intentional mentoring relationships How can we best share the stories of the Bible with speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show with vicars in local churches throughout children? A Q&A with Trinity tutor Dr Howard Worsley. yourself an example to those who believe’ their training here. One of our School (4:12). Paul obviously thought that the young of Leadership teachers Ian Parkinson leader, Timothy, had the capacity to be an explains how important it is that vicars example to others in the way he spoke, and church leaders invest themselves acted, and lived. Paul, in turn, shared advice in the development of new leaders and wisdom with Timothy. So what can the within their churches. And tutor Howard Trinity College is a theological training college located in Bristol, England, dedicated to generations learn from each other in ministry Worsley considers how we can best equipping students to live like the Kingdom of God is near as they prepare to lead churches and leadership today? begin our children on a lifelong journey of understanding the Bible. I hope that reading and Christian ministries around the world. The college offers certificate, diploma, bachelor’s, Genuine relationship. At Trinity, staff and through this issue will enrich your own graduate, and postgraduate programmes to both residential and nonresidential students. students live in close community with each ministry and investment in others. other over several years—too long a time Trinity College News is published twice annually by the college to inform, serve, and connect simply to ‘be nice’! Genuine relationships are Trinity’s alumni, students, and friends. To contact the editor, please email Melissa Stratis, formed that come from sharing life honestly, [email protected], or call + 1 (44) 0117 968 0205, or by mail at Trinity College, older and younger students together, Stoke Hill, Bristol, BS9 1JP. For more information about Trinity, including recent news and blog sometimes by working through conflict. If our Rev Dr posts, please visit www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. younger leaders can be encouraged to take Principal

2 33 found the experience extremely engaging chaplain Brett Cane’s flat on the ground and memorable,’ says Andrew. ‘Attending a Trinity NEWS Renovations floor was converted into a guest flat and service in St Mary’s Undercroft is an amazing an additional kitchen and dining room that Christian experience, not just due to the anyone in the Carter community can book. marvellous setting but also being aware that in Carter ‘We are changing how the building is used to its location is close to the Commons debating During summer 2015, the college made further empower the on-site resident student chamber. It’s one location where prayer some alterations to the Carter Building. community,’ says Property and Facilities really is at the seat of our nation’s decision- Electronic key codes were installed to ensure Manager Malcolm Bourne. ‘This spring we will making process.’ After surveying participants privacy for Carter students. Each floor has be renovating much of the fencing around at the end of the trip, Andrew said many in had a bedroom converted into a living room Trinity, and part of this will see the Carter the group were deeply moved to find God with a kitchenette to give some additional community given a sectioned-off area of the at work alongside our government. ‘It was break-out areas for Carter residents. Former grounds for their private outdoor space.’ very gratifying to find that people had seen a spiritual dimension that was unexpected, a testament to God’s Spirit at work in such an important way.’ A Christian Response to the Refugee Crisis On 15 October, Trinity hosted a well-attended symposium open to the local community to consider a Christian response to the European immigration and refugee crisis, which featured three lectures from Trinity College and Bristol Baptist College faculty members. Old Testament Tutor Rev Dr Trinity students visit the House of Commons. Knut Heim talked about attitudes towards foreigners in the Bible. Bristol Baptist tutor Rev Dr Helen Paynter reflected on the Old Visit to House Testament idea of Jubilee in light of the refugee crisis.Theology and Ethics Tutor Rev of Commons Dr Jon Coutts discussed how we answer the In December, sixteen members of the question ’Who is my neighbour?’ Trinity community travelled to the House of Commons to join ‘Prayer for the Nation’ in St Trinity Website Mary’s Undercroft chapel and to participate in a private tour of the House of Commons. Wins Award They also listened to a talk during the Last November, the Christian organisation service from MP Caroline Ansell about her Premier Digital held an awards ceremony proposed bill in support of families (Family in London during which they named Trinity Test Bill), and a further talk from Ian Soare, College Bristol Runner-Up in the Best director of the children’s charity Fagan’s. Christian Organisation Website category. The trip was arranged by the Conservative Several months earlier, Trinity had undergone Christian Fellowship (CCF) and Trinity student a rebranding process that included the Andrew Carnegie, and was open to any construction of a new website. Special thanks interested Trinity community member. ‘I to Beth Gaukroger who invested so much first attended the House in the mid-80s and time in updating the site.

4 5 Open Day Last February, we were pleased to host Staff NEWS our largest recent Open Day, with sixty people coming to spend a Saturday with us, Last October, we interacting with faculty members and current said goodbye students, and hearing more about what to Laura Collins we offer. Many thanks to everyone in the Lethbridge, who community who contributed toward making first joined us the day such a success. Please join us in in September praying for those who attended, that God 2011 in the role would direct their steps. of administrative assistant and Laura Collins Lethbridge Immortality in Advent receptionist, before Last November, Trinity hosted a symposium becoming conferences and facilities titled ‘Immortality in Advent,’ which was administrator in September 2013. She has Some of the recent leavers who returned to Trinity to celebrate the completion of their programmes. cosponsored by Aberdeen University and the now taken up a new position in facilities at Bristol Theological Society. Attendees listened the University of the West of England. to papers from Prof Katherine Sonderegger Academic Awards gave insights into a life with career, ministry, In January, we from Virginia Theological Seminary, Prof and family strongly intertwined. In March, welcomed Grace and Alumni Day Robert Song from Durham University, and Prof Rev Ian and Nadine Parkinson also led a Golf to join us as During the weekend of 26-27 February, Trinity Tom Greggs, Dr Donald Wood, and Dr Philip session for students and spouses. Ian is the our new conference welcomed last year’s leavers back to college Ziegler from Aberdeen University. Lecture New Wine North and East Regional Leader, manager to liaise to discuss their experiences with tutors and topics covered various aspects of the biblical as well as leader of All Saints’ Church Marple, with outside groups current students during the day, and all were idea of immortality, including eternity, death, Stockport. The couple has shared thirty and individuals invited to enjoy a curry buffet in the evening. judgement, and resurrection. ‘It was quite an years in full-time joint ministry, leading who wish to book The next morning, during a celebration held at honour for Trinity to host these internationally teams and churches throughout the country. Trinity’s facilities St Mary Magdalene’s Church in Stoke , known theologians and scholars,’ says Grace Golf ‘It has been hugely helpful to learn from for conferences, Trinity College and Bristol Baptist College Director of Postgraduate Research Dr Justin couples who have seen the highs and lows retreats, wedding receptions, and birthday recognised the academic achievement of Stratis. ‘We look forward to partnering of ministry and its impact on their marriage parties. For more information, visit those who had completed their programmes, with our new colleagues in Aberdeen for and family life,’ says Connect president www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk/hiretrinity. see photo above, with Rev Dr David Wenham Tiffany Carter, whose husband is a second- future conferences of this caliber.’ Trinity’s as speaker. year ordinand. ‘We hope to welcome more postgraduate programme is now validated by Last November, our finance manager couples in the future and look ahead to Aberdeen University. Hilary Phillips decided to step down after Marriage and Ministry Nights a Trinity cohort known not just for fruitful six years of service to Trinity. ‘We are so ministries but for strong, God-centred and grateful to Hilary for all the skilled and Our spouses’ group, Connect, hosted life-giving marriages.’ hard work she has done for us all in the two Marriage and Ministry Nights to help years she has been with us,’ says Executive students and spouses consider how they Director Andrew Lucas. ‘We have valued might strengthen their marriages as they Burns Night her expertise and leadership of the finance weather the stresses of a life in ministry On Friday night, 29 January, students, faculty, team at Trinity and wish her very well for together. In February, tutor Rev Dr Howard staff members and their spouses gathered the future.’ Worsley and his wife Rt Rev , for a Burns Night in the dining hall. Tutor Dr who is Bishop of Taunton, and Rev Tim and Jamie Davies read Robert Burns’s ‘Address Kate Meathrel from Christ Church Clifton to a Haggis’ in preparation for the meal, after shared with students and their spouses. The which everyone enjoyed a mix of Highland Connect with us online! Meathrels brought their experience of life in games and ceilidh dancing, with Tutor Rev Dr For regular updates on Trinity, follow ministry with young children; the Worsleys Paul Roberts DJ’ing the event. Prof Katherine Sonderegger us on Twitter or Facebook.

6 7 Last October, Tutor in Old Testament Dr scarlet cassock and special bronze badge. Faculty NEWS Knut Heim spoke at the Annual Readers’ There are currently thirty-three honorary Day of the Diocese of Bath and Wells at chaplains to the Queen. ‘I am absolutely Wells Cathedral on ‘A Biblical Theology of delighted to have been appointed as a Prosperity.’ Also in October, he lectured at the chaplain to the Queen,’ Emma said about Annual Preachers’ Study Day of North East this honour. ‘I look forward to serving Her and Bath Circuit of the Methodist Majesty The Queen and the Royal Household Church on ‘How to Preach the Message of in this way.’ The Rt Revd Mike Hill, Bishop Biblical Texts Imaginatively and Faithfully’ and of Bristol, said: ‘Following her nomination, I at the Weekend Bible School at Trinity Church was truly delighted to hear that Emma has in Brentwood, Essex, on Ecclesiastes as an been appointed as a Queen’s Chaplain. It invitation to thoughtful, realistic, joyful faith. is rewarding to know that her considerable gifts and character have been recognised Jon Coutts, far right, at UWE Debating Society Principal Rev Dr Emma Ineson was in this way. She will be in my prayers as she elected to represent the Universities/ takes up this extra responsibility. I am very Tutor in Theology and Ethics Rev Dr Jon TEIs constituency at the General Synod. confident that she will do well with this.’ Queen’s Chaplain’s badge Coutts gave a paper last November called Last October, she spoke at the South West ‘The Prince of Peace Smokes a Peace ’ residential. In January she did a Pipe: A Church Response to the Challenge Bible exposition on John 17 for the Church of of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation England Evangelical Council. In April, she was Saying Goodbye Commission’ at a conference in Belgrade, one of the keynote speakers at the Bristol Over the winter months, the Trinity David Wenham joined the faculty team Serbia. The conference was titled ‘Political Diocese Clergy Conference. community said goodbye to Tutor in New in 2007 and has served as vice-principal, Theology: Theological Reflection on Testament Dr David Wenham, who is retiring, as well as New Testament tutor. Emma Contemporary Politics,’ and hosted by the Tutor in Church History Rev Dr Nigel and Director of Open Learning Dr David Ball, Ineson writes: ‘David has brought a wealth Ecumenska Humanitarna Organizacija in Scotland wrote ‘The Supper: Cranmer and who has left to become director of the GOLD of academic knowledge and deep spiritual Serbia and St Andrew’s Biblical Theological Communion’ for Faith and Worship, Number Project, and Dr Yong Ho Jeon. wisdom that will be greatly missed. He Institute in Moscow. In March, he took part in 77, Autumn 2015, pp. 6-23. His booklet has been a wonderful colleague. We are a Debating Society event at the University of Jesus and Life’s Four Great Questions has delighted that he will be back to teach some the West of England (UWE) on the question now been reprinted, and could be of use New Testament classes each year, so that ‘Does Religion Benefit Humanity?’ He was for visitors to a church bookstall, parents our students will continue to benefit from his also interviewed last December by Ian Paul enquiring about baptisms, weddings, and excellent teaching. We wish David and Clare for his popular blog, Psephizo, in a Q&A titled funerals, or to anyone considering the well in their retirement.’ David will continue on ‘A Vision for Ministry and Training’. Christian faith. To find out more, email with Trinity as an associate faculty member, [email protected]. and in his supervision of some of Trinity’s Tutor in New Testament Dr During the week after Easter, Tutor in research students. Jamie Davies delivered Christian Doctrine Dr Justin Stratis taught From 2009-2015, David Ball served as two papers on the gospel at Lee Abbey in Devon on ‘Imagining Director of Open Learning at Trinity, out at the New Evangelical Resurrection: A Primer in Christian Vision.’ Clare and David Wenham of which his current work with the GOLD Theological Symposium in (Group-based Open Learning Discipleship) Scotland last November. Emma Ineson Named Project has formed. The project coordinates His article ‘ What to expect study groups for those who want to grow when you’re expecting: Queen’s Chaplain toward a deeper understanding of the Bible maternity, salvation history In February, Buckingham Palace announced through in-depth personal study. For more and the “apocalyptic Paul’’’ that our principal, Rev Dr Emma Ineson, information or to join a group, visit appeared in the March 2016 had been appointed as a Chaplain to the www.goldproject.org. issue of the Journal for the Study of the New Queen. Queen’s chaplains are members of Testament. He has written Paul Among the the College of Royal Chaplains, which forms Also leaving Trinity is Dr Yong Ho Jeon, who Apocalypses?: An Evaluation of the ‘Apocalyptic part of the Queen’s Ecclesiastical Household. first joined us as a postgraduate student and Paul’ in the Context of Jewish and Christian This largely honorary role involves preaching latterly for the last six years as a research Apocalyptic Literature (T&T Clark, 2016) for occasionally in the Chapel Royal in St James’s fellow and chaplain. He has left in order to the Library of New Testament Studies. Palace, London. These chaplains wear a Angie and David Ball concentrate on his pastoral ministry.

8 9 The two connected on the phone, and Ed and Zoë decided to move from Oxford to the Hotwells area of Bristol, a 15-minute ‘Residential’ cycle ride from St Luke’s, when Ed began his training at Trinity. When moving to college means Along with four other Trinity students, Ed at Trinity living outside of your comfort zone spends roughly two hours a week serving at St Luke’s—mostly helping with the church’s youth group, contributing to Sunday morning’s music, and preaching and leading efore Sean Sheffield had even begun his studies, is just a three minutes’ walk from the services. B training at Trinity College last autumn, church, and a bus ride away from Trinity. he’d already had a strategic conversation ‘The kids’ work is quite tough,’ Ed says. Rather than either remaining where they are with Director of Pastoral Studies Rev Sue ‘I’d done loads of kids’ work before, lots and continuing forward in a familiar context, Gent. Since 2014, Sue has carefully worked of summer camps with Scripture Union, or moving to Trinity’s campus and becoming with all of Trinity’s full-time residential but this is different. Their behaviour can solely immersed in books and classes, all of ordinands to connect them with a Bristol- be particularly difficult. You have to learn Trinity’s residential ordinands are carefully area church, where they will embark on an how to set boundaries, or how much to set placed in churches around Bristol, whether experience that will last for the duration of boundaries and how much just to give them in villages, deprived neighbourhoods, their training, alongside a mentoring vicar and a safe place to play.’ suburban areas, or in the city centre. And a group of fellow Trinity students. there they begin very intentional mentoring Once a month, Ed attends the church’s drop- As Sue described various church options, relationships with vicars. Alongside their class in, which runs on Sundays and Wednesdays, Sean felt God calling him to serve at St work, the ordinands will set goals for their with fifteen to twenty regulars coming to Andrew’s Church in Avonmouth, Bristol. own growth in a church context, experience enjoy the bacon-egg sandwiches and table Sean, his wife, and their two children differing church traditions, gain experience tennis. ‘I hadn’t done something like this were coming to Trinity from a rural area in in new areas of ministry, and serve and learn before,’ Ed explains, ‘but once I’d been a Canterbury Diocese, but feeling called to collaboratively with fellow students. couple times, it was fine—I knew people, I live and serve in a more urban area. Their could chat with people.’ home, rented for the duration of his Trinity Stretching experiences Ordinand Ed Down and his wife, Adam Tams and Zoë, came to Bristol from from an evangelical church in Oxford Rev Margi Campbell Diocese with six hundred people Ordinand Adam Tams and his wife, Jess, weekly and four services on a came to Trinity after working at Christ Sunday. The couple sensed God Church Clifton in Bristol for four years. calling them ultimately to work Wanting an experience outside of Bristol, in a more deprived area in the Adam spends his Sunday mornings at St north of England. When Ed Andrews in Backwell, Somerset, which is described his calling to Sue, led by Rev Margi Campbell. she suggested he have a chat with Rev Martin Gainsborough ‘St Andrews is quite liturgical in style,’ about his ministry at St explains Adam. ‘It has a strong emphasis on Luke’s in Barton Hill, Bristol, the Eucharist, and the sung worship is led by a church of fifty or sixty an organ and robed choir. This was different people. for me, both in terms of the style of service and in its view of sacrament. St Andrews do this really well, and whilst it may not be the Ed Down and most comfortable place for me to worship, Rev Martin Gainsborough I can and do worship there. It’s very easy to Sean Sheffield and Rev Andy Murray 10 11 think that the way I prefer to worship is how effective in ministry. She is passionate about a good guy to be watching—even at ministry everyone else should worship, but we are evangelism and growing a healthy church. planning meetings, everything will be all different, and all need different things. I’m It is refreshing to see a woman in leadership biblically led from the start.’ learning as a leader not to make a service who doesn’t avoid difficult conversations.’ Adam agrees: ‘I’m learning a great deal according to my own preferences, but to Jenny initially met with Tanya, as all of from being able to watch Margi. She has discern the needs of the congregation.’ Trinity’s ordinands do with their mentoring tremendous insight into the needs of her vicars, to talk about personal learning goals congregation and the parish as a whole. Ongoing mentoring for her time there. ‘My lack of experience She’s implemented, in partnership with another church, a new congregation meeting When Jenny Buckler moved to Bristol to is to do with leading and teaching. At the elsewhere in the parish. This has a very begin her training as an ordinand last autumn, moment I’m working to set up a prayer different style to the worship at St Andrews, Jenny Buckler and she chose St Stephen’s in Southmead for ministry group and also helping lead ALPHA and Margi would probably say it is out of her Rev Tanya Lord many reasons, but especially because it had discussions. I find it difficult speaking in comfort zone, but she can see the need for it a woman vicar. front of people, but Tanya is gentle and very enthusiastic about having students there. and so is working on meeting that need.’ ‘When I was first called to ministry, I didn’t This church has been very welcoming and discern areas to explore in the shorter believe women should lead a church,’ she gracious.’ placement experiences. says. ‘I’d been told that growing up. It’s been a Trinity connections difficult journey coming to terms with that.’ For Trinity’s ordinands, the ongoing mentoring After working at his church’s drop-ins, Ed from a vicar is one of the most valuable As students spend time in classes, and as decided to spend his community placement they meet weekly for reflection with a tutor Jenny lives in the Carter building on Trinity’s aspects of this part of their training. Ordinand at Bristol NW Food Bank. Rachel’s work at and small group of Trinity students, most of campus, and drives to St Stephen’s, where Rachel Robertson moved with her husband Malmesbury led to a community placement Rev Tanya Lord is the vicar. Jenny had wanted whom will be serving in the same church and three children from the urban diversity with a school chaplain: ‘I am really keen to to gain the experience of working alongside together on Sundays—connections happen. of London to a rural area outside of Bristol, do that. It’s a chance to think: is chaplaincy and watching a woman in leadership. where her primary church experience ‘As our group meets monthly for supervision with our vicar, and meets Wednesdays in something I’m interested in, long-term? For ‘I’d come with little experience of seeing is at Malmesbury Abbey with vicar Rev the next couple of Mondays, I get to shadow Neill Archer. ‘I really like him,’ she says. pastoral group with [theology tutor Rev Dr a woman teach or lead churches, so it someone who’s really good at her job. I was ‘When I received my feedback forms after Jon Coutts], it strengthens links,’ says Jennifer. is encouraging to see Tanya being so invited to preach to 11- to 18-year-old girls—it preaching a sermon, everyone was positive, ‘We all negotiate together what we want to was intimidating, but the more I thought with only two which gave suggestions for talk about. Currently we are talking about the process of theological reflection for making about it I became really excited.’ improvement—one from my husband, who changes at church. What’s the thinking is always insightful, and the other from the While Rachel continues to pray about where process behind making a change? Everyone vicar, giving praise but also specific points for contributes to the discussion.’ God might lead her once her training is development. I’m so pleased he didn’t just completed, she says, ‘between the college say “Great job!” but had helpful things to say. ‘I’m thinking much better theologically,’ and the people at the church, I really don’t He’s really good at gently pushing me to do explains Ed. ‘When preaching—and at feel on my own in any of this.’ things I wouldn’t have done otherwise.’ my church it can only be 10-minute, short sermons—without the learning I’ve had, I ‘What I like about this,’ says Ed, ‘is that it Many Trinity ordinands get to watch as would find it hard to distill what I’m trying formalises the church training experience. their vicars implement changes in their to teach. Also, the worship lectures with It provides a mechanism for reflection churches, and they can learn from what [Rev Dr Paul Roberts] have helped me think about what you’re doing. You get legitimacy they see, and from the vicar’s insights about what we’re there for, why we do things immediately to stand up and lead and preach and honesty about the process. Sean’s the way we do. I’m doing things in a more vicar Rev Andy Murray had just begun in a church. I gave my first sermon within a structured way—it’s definitely affected the as vicar of St Andrew’s, Avonmouth, month. If I’d just joined a church it would take way I put a service together.’ and St Peter’s in Lawrence Weston longer. Because of the formal relationship last September. ‘I can see what it’s As part of their training, the ordinands also between Trinity and the church, I can get like,’ Sean explains, ‘someone coming gain additional experiences through a straight in—that’s really positive. And I love in, and significant change has to be 20-hour community placement, and one studying and reading. That’s why residential effected for growth. I like how Andy 4-week summer placement. The students’ is best. I knew I’d get to spend time properly respects and protects people. He’s ongoing church experiences can help them engaging with theology and the Bible.’ Rachel Robertson and Rev Neill Archer 12 13 because to do so seems like an abdication of responsibility and, truth be told, induces guilt Is Your Church Developing Leaders? (whether self-imposed or generated by others). by Ian Parkinson Yet, as our opening fable suggests, the only real way to be fruitful in mission and ministry might just be through the equipping and releasing of others. And this will require us to take the counterintuitive step of standing back for a moment and deploying the best of our resources away from the blaze itself. Taking a leaf out of Jesus’ book Shortly before my own , I vividly remember hearing the words of a Latin American Roman Catholic . He ventured the opinion that every leader, when embarking on a new ministry, should do so with the aim of doing themselves out of a job within three years. There was, he suggested, good biblical precedent for such an aspiration—surely this was exactly the strategy Jesus adopted throughout the course of his own ministry!

The example of Jesus is, indeed, striking. Faced with a situation of immense spiritual need and confronted frequently with almost limitless ministry demands, not only does Jesus increasingly give time over to the formation and development of a group of just twelve apprentices, but in prioritising this he, at times at least, turns his back on other urgent demands. The ultimate fruit of Jesus’ strategy is, of course, that by the time he leaves earth and returns to his Father’s One of the primary magine your house is on fire and others follow our example, we tell ourselves, presence, although the missional needs I the blaze is threatening to get out of control. then we might just see the blaze damped are hardly smaller, the effective workforce teachers for Trinity’s new You are standing in front of the inferno with a down in due course. of Kingdom ambassadors has increased School of Leadership, Ian bucket of water in your hands. On the ground substantially. This small formation group, the next to you are twelve sleeping firemen. Here’s As leaders, this scenario rings all too many fruit of Jesus’ ministry, is able, in the power Parkinson explains why the question: where do you throw the water? bells for us. Constantly faced with ministry and of the Spirit, to steward the fragile ministry developing leaders within missional demands which massively outweigh modelled and entrusted to it by Jesus and to For most of us the instinct to throw the water the limited resources we have at our disposal, see it develop and grow such that its ultimate your congregation is more on the fire is overwhelming. We know, of our reaction is often to push ourselves harder impact is unimaginable in terms of its scale. important than trying to course, that by doing so we can only make a and harder and stretch ourselves ever more None of this could have happened had Jesus tiny impact, but the sheer scale and urgency thinly in the hope of making at least something focused only on doing ministry tasks as complete an increasing list of of the task drives us to want to do something, of a difference. The idea of standing back from opposed to developing people for the work ministry tasks. anything, to try and affect the situation. And if the blaze for a moment is unthinkable, often of ministry.

14 15 These have ranged from some community or have an impact beyond our leadership The most abiding legacy we can leave as leaders evangelism initiatives, Healing on the Streets, of them. What does have the potential to is not the memory of things we have achieved, to leadership of the whole church (I spent have ongoing impact and significance is our but rather the number of other people we the last three years coaching and developing investment in people. The best and most someone to succeed me as vicar). abiding legacy we can leave as leaders is not have released into ministry and leadership. the memory of things we have achieved and 3. Pay attention to their growth tasks performed, worthy though they might and development be, but rather the number of other people we have released into ministry and leadership. Investing in others people can ‘try out’ in some short-term way Peter’s training begins from the moment Not only is that worthwhile in terms of any is a great way of talent spotting without Jesus calls him, as he gives him a vision for Jesus is a great role model in so many ways church or ministry we might lead, but it also committing ourselves to taking people on in whom and what he might become in the for those who are committed to the business represents a massive investment in the any long-term way. As well as a willingness hands of God. Part of our calling is to help of growing and developing others, and the wider growth of God’s Kingdom and the to trust Christ, I am looking for those with a others cultivate big ambitions for the work of strategy he adopts offers a blueprint for resourcing and flourishing of other churches servant heart, who love people, who are not God’s Kingdom and for the part they might those who want to follow his example. Here and ministries. So, a good question to ask looking for status, and who have the capacity play in its advance. Fired by this vision, Peter is are a few steps we might take. ourselves regularly and repeatedly as we to be fruitful. At this stage, I am not primarily taken along with Jesus to watch him at work. review the way in which we are allocating 1. Cast the net wide looking for people who are exceptionally He’s then given an opportunity to share with gifted, but rather those who demonstrate the limited resources at our disposal is: What The early days of Jesus’ ministry are spent him in ministry, before being sent out by Jesus good character. It is always easier to train a proportion of my time and energy am I giving in drawing a crowd of followers from whom on a short-term project. Afterward, he’s invited characterful person in gifts and skills than it is to doing ministry tasks, and what proportion he ultimately chooses twelve to be trained to reflect on that and to get some feedback necessarily to shape positively the character am I devoting to developing others in as key apprentices. All too often we tend to from Jesus. As we invite people to shadow of a gifted person! ministry? If we are really serious about have a limited understanding (often based us, we will gradually release more and more fighting the fire, then we might just need to on pre-existing skills, levels of education, or 2. Recruit apprentices responsibility to them (with appropriate wake up some more firefighters! other attainment) as to who might be suitable oversight and feedback) to the point where One of the questions I will often ask any candidates to whom we might entrust we shadow them. I often find myself praying ministry leader is: whom are you raising ministry responsibilities. Jesus actually that God would use me to grow others who up as a potential successor? This is good Ian Parkinson chooses his key leaders from amongst the will far outstrip me in the ministry into which I practice, not only because we want to avoid works for CPAS as a Leadership ranks of those whom others might have am releasing them: this seems to be a prayer the possibility of any ministry foundering if Specialist in Theological excluded on social, religious, or academic which is very frequently answered! the leader has to step down unexpectedly, Education and plays a key grounds. This should alert us to the fact but also because we are called to grow and role in the delivery of Trinity that other qualities might count for more in A lasting legacy develop others for their sake, for the growth College’s School of Leadership. his book in terms of leadership potential. of ministry in our own church, and for the sake One of the things which becomes more Prior to joining CPAS he served The calling of Peter (Luke 5) might indicate of other churches which might benefit from and more apparent as the years roll by is for more than thirty years as a church leader that an openness to follow Jesus’ lead and their ministry in due course. All of us, whether that there is no guarantee that the great and was for a number of years New Wine a willingness to trust and obey and to put senior leaders, assistant ministers, or ministry initiatives we launch and the ministry tasks Regional Director for the North of England. oneself out for Jesus, no matter what the leaders, will have received something from we undertake will continue to be useful personal cost, might be amongst the most God which is worth passing on to others. important qualities he is looking for. How do we spot such people, who might well not For many years I have committed myself Learn more about our new be those who push themselves forward? to the practice of not leading any ministry School of Leadership I have always found it useful both to raise without having alongside me someone else expectations with everyone from the moment whom I am training up. This has enabled me Visit www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk/ they join the church that all those who follow to initiate a number of different ministries school-of-leadership to view the current Christ are called to share in his ministry, which I led for a season, gradually passed syllabus. Courses are at present only open and then to give as many opportunities as on to someone else, and which are now to our students, but we hope in the future possible for people to have a go at some thriving (much more than they would have to expand to benefit others as well. area of ministry. Creating a culture in which done had I still been in charge!) and growing.

16 17 Are there better or worse and children are both on the same road. Q: approaches to sharing Bible Neither is more in command of the scriptural Sharing the Bible stories with children? hermeneutic. Both sit under the Word of God as they follow Jesus and both are there to theologically reflect. When parents use Absolutely. the telling of Bible stories as a moment of with Children A: Sadly there seems to be a fair discussion, they invite their child to become amount of bad approaches to a theologian. Why do you think the donkey sharing Bible stories with children, saw the angel when Balaam didn’t? Why did the worst of which is doing nothing. A lot Jesus walk on water? Why did Jesus overturn How can we best share the of people think that their child will hear the the moneychangers’ tables in the temple? Bible read in an engaging way at school or When this approach is taken, children are stories of the Bible with a child? at church in the children’s church or Sunday encouraged to reflect on the text as having a school. Anecdotal research suggests that this A Q&A with Tutor in Missiology high status known as being ‘God’s Word’, and is unlikely to lead to a significant encounter they are also invited to think of its meaning Rev Dr Howard Worsley. with the Bible.1 in terms of how they ought to respond to it. The next worst thing is when parents rattle their When this happens, parents gain the added way through a Bible story out of duty, without benefit of learning from their child, of hearing reflecting upon it with their child. I have often their child’s insight, which is often an original heard of parents who feel that they ought to fresh vision of reality. familiarize their child with Scripture, but being I have spent a fair degree of time researching unsure of their theology they teach all genres this phenomenon, when adults become ‘like as simple fact, implicitly saying that the Bible little children’ and when ‘a little child shall lead’. I must be taken at face value without critique. In have written about this in the book A Child Sees this instance, the child is likely to come to the God, which records conversations between conclusion that the Bible is of high status to parents and children after reading the Bible. the adult but that it cannot be questioned, just In this book, I use seven basic genres of story accepted and believed. They might also note and conclude with six key recommendations the tension in this encounter with Scripture and as to how to tell Bible stories in ways that are note that although their parent cannot question resourceful to parents and children: the text, maybe they can. Can donkeys really speak? (See Balaam’s ass.) How did Jesus walk 1. Regularity: Storytelling doesn’t have to be on water? (See the gospel miracles.) Is it OK to nightly, but should at least be weekly. throw over tables in church because you are 2. Importance: Both the teller and listener cross with people? (See Jesus in the temple.) should anticipate this event and come prepared. If the child’s emergent critical thinking is 3. Timing: It will be clear when the story will not allowed to be articulated, it will go start and also how much time is available underground. Then they may well believe for storytelling. that their parent is not able to offer critical 4. Ambience: Any ritual can be enhanced thinking to matters of faith and thereby begin with extra attention given to lighting, to think that the only option is not to believe sound, smell, or heat, as well as the use of in God nor in the Bible’s value. a particular room or chair. By contrast, the best way to read the Bible 5. Sacredness: Storytelling should not be with children is to tell the story as a disciple interrupted by the telephone or another who does not know everything. Parents person.

1 Making a Home for Faith, Pilgrim Press (Cleveland 2007), and Parenting Children for a Life of Faith, BRF (Oxford 2010). 18 19 6. Internal engagement: All families have of David and Goliath, I wonder what David felt their own rules about interruptions from like as he approached the giant? When Jesus Alumni NEWS children, but the general rule is that the was asleep in the boat in a storm, I wonder story should be told with occasional what the disciples were thinking? Rowland Crook (Tyndale 1964) is now 76 years interruption from the child, otherwise any 1950s old and still very active in ministry in Chester complex issues of comprehension or Albert Braithwaite went to be with the Lord Diocese. He frequently preaches in his own Are there ways in which the church last November. He was ordained in discussion will be left until the end, and parish of Davenham, Northwich, and in Deanery. can assist parents in this task? 1959. He served as an elected member of may be forgotten. Too much interruption Q: He is chaplain of the local gospel choir, the could make it difficult to tell the story, Trinity’s Council for many years. The service Good News Singers, chaplain at Chester 2 however, so some balance is needed. was held at Albert’s home church of St Jude’s Cathedral, and occasional celebrant at midday The church can assist parents by Southsea in Portsmouth and was conducted Eucharist. He is also a house group leader What would you say to a parent A: developing a high view of children by Mike Duff, who trained at Trinity in the 1990s. and PCC member. Rowland recently retired Q: feeling overwhelmed or unsure (easily endorsed within Scripture). Our executive director, Andrew Lucas, who from chairmanship of Chester Retired Clergy about how to approach reading This can be reflected in the care attended the funeral, writes: ‘All of us who Association. He regularly plays golf and walks the Bible with their child? given to including children in knew Albert recognised in him a “hero of the with his wife, Linda. They have four children and worship events or in making provision for faith”, and this same perception was evident eight grandchildren. ‘I live with great concern at There is a plethora of children’s children when the service is not meeting their from all who spoke. In one of the tributes to declining membership in parish churches and Bibles on the market, but the key specific needs. him, one of his carers at the end of his life was try to do my bit to arrest this,’ he writes. A: quoted as waking up with anticipation on the is in the approach of the adult—to When children are consulted for their days she was to visit him, because she felt so When Ted Longman (Clifton 1964) left reflect on a biblical story with the thoughts and questions about the Bible, a “immensely appreciated” by Albert. Those of us Clifton, he went on to Ridley Hall where he child. Biblical stories are different church can change in ways that lead to life. on the staff at Trinity will relate to that. Paul, his did the Theological Tripos and was ordained from the vast array of adventure and fantasy Children love helping adults to remember an son, told us that in his last year, when he was in September 1966. After that he did nineteen stories available, and as such are not quite earlier perspective, and if they are valued as no longer able to read and write, he would pray years of church planting in Hackney and St as accessible, but they come with a different theologians, they will not be slow to respond daily for Trinity from his memorised prayer list. Helens. In 1986, he proceeded to take over value. They are stories for telling at the end with insight. of day before prayers. They are stories to Trinity was spoken of as having a “particular the Firs School in Chester, which his mother had founded in 1945. He handed this role be told over breakfast before school. They place in his heart”. He was honoured to be on Rev Dr Howard over to his son Tim in 2010. He has written a are stories to be told in the car on the way the board of Trinity and eagerly returned yearly is tutor in book titled My Mother’s School and a booklet somewhere. And they are stories to unlock Worsley for our valedictory service. Those of us here at missiology and vice called ‘The Tree and the Key’ about a prayer other stories. In what ways is Jesus similar to Trinity who knew Albert and Joan remember principal at Trinity them with uncommon fondness and gratitude. meeting which resulted in a community and different from a super hero? What do you centre. If you are interested in obtaining a College. He and his In his address, John Byrne, previous vicar of St think it was like when the Earth was formed? I copy of either, please email ted.longman@ wife have three sons. Jude’s, spoke of Albert’s prayers, banked up in wonder what heaven will be like? In the story firsschool.org. The booklet is free, and the a lifetime, continuing to bear fruit beyond his book is £10, including post, with cheques passing. We at Trinity feel the effect today and made to the Firs School Bursary Trust. Recommended Reading give thanks.’ 1960s 1970s Last autumn, the Very Reverend Michael Roy Taylor’s (Clifton 1963) Sadgrove (Trinity 1972) retired from his role book, Seminarian with a as dean of Durham Cathedral, a diocesan role Smile, is now available in which he served for twelve years. He has on Kindle. It describes now been appointed Dean Emeritus. During what life was like at the his tenure, the historic decision was made to college just before it welcome female choristers for the first time changed its name in the in 2009, and they saw the Lindisfarne Gospels Making a Home for Faith Parenting Children for a Life A Child Sees God 1960s, in case anyone return to Durham in 2013. Michael has by Elizabeth Caldwell of Faith by Rachel Turner by Howard Worsley would like to compare promoted greater knowledge of the seventh past and present. century hermit bishop Cuthbert, whose 2 Howard Worsley, A Child Sees God, Jessica Kingsley Publishers (London, 2009) pp146-7. 20 21 bones Durham Cathedral Now both Margaret was built to house. and Heather have Former Faculty and Staff ‘He lived an incredibly reached retirement Dr Anthony Thiselton taught on staff from 1963 simple life,’ Michael they have concluded to 1970, with Stafford Wright, John Wenham, told The Northern Echo that Coleg y Groes and Colin Brown. In the year of the merger of last September. ‘He should be sold, the three colleges, he suggested the name constantly reminds me although the hub ‘Trinity College’ to Stafford Wright, and it of what matters most. I of their retreat and stuck. Since leaving what was then Tyndale love Durham Cathedral, listening ministry will Hall, Dr Thiselton has written twenty-three but what matters most continue at their new assistant director of ordinands and area dean books, served in four British universities (most is spiritual humility and home. Whilst waiting of Maidstone. In 2006, she became an honorary recently as Professor of Christian Theology Christian service.’ At to sell and move to of , and in 2007 at Nottingham), and gained four doctorates the time of his retirement, Sacristy Press somewhere smaller, became of Buckingham. She has in theology. He continues in part-time parish published a collection of his sermons in a people are welcome been a member of the ministry. This year he is writing a Philosophy book titled Christ in a Choppie Box (2015). to come and stay in the two self-catering General Synod for twelve years, serving as a of Religion for SPCK, and awaiting their retreat cottages. To find out more or just to Abbey Dunsmore/Westminster Andrew by Photo member of the Panel of Chairs for the last two. publication of Discovering Romans next month. Terry and Gay say hello if you remember them from the He was glad to read about Trinity’s current Pye (Trinity long distant past, please get in contact! Also, 10s postgraduate work with Aberdeen University. 1973) recently of course, if you would like to buy a retreat Debbie Pow (Trinity 2015) has been appointed retired to Stafford house! The number to ring is 01490 412169 or chaplain of Send a Cow. Debbie has been Last January the College of of the after Gay was you can visit www.colegygroes.co.uk or email serving as of St Stephen’s Church in Anglican Church of North America elected assistant priest [email protected]. Lansdown, Bath, and has been involved with our former tutor Rev Ron Jackson to become for the churches the charity since it launched in 1988. ‘Many the next bishop of the Anglican Diocese of in Borrowdale 80s years ago I was working for a dairy farmer the Great Lakes. Valley for nine David Pennant (Trinity 1986) has created the near Trowbridge whose heifers were on the years. Before that, Terry was a vicar in website www.diychurch.co.uk to help others very first planes to Africa,’ she says. Send a Stafford, and Gay was a prison chaplain. think about the Christian church, including a Cow was founded in response to crippling EU The couple served as missionaries in South downloadable document titled ‘The Priorities milk quotas, which forced dairy farmers to kill Korea for thirteen years following a curacy of Jesus’ that tells the story of his search, healthy dairy cows. Instead, after an outcry in Blackburn. Gay has also worked for the after completing his training and curacy, to for milk from the Bishop of Uganda, the Bible Society. Terry and Gay were part of the figure out how to lead a church in a manner farmers decided to send their cows on planes group who came together in 1972 to form to benefit communities recovering from the pleasing to God. Trinity College from Dalton House and Clifton recent civil war. The charity currently works College. Terry supervised the building of the 90s across seven countries in Africa to provide new library and dining room and Gay was part poor farmers with the training, tools, seeds, of his team. They now have three married Last autumn, Karen Gorham and livestock to grow their own food and lift children and seven grandchildren. Terry was (Trinity 1995), themselves out of poverty. ordained in Blackburn Cathedral in 1973, and in the , was named the Gay in Lichfield Cathedral in 1996. next of Sherborne in the Keep in touch! , and in February she We’d love to share news from your life Margaret Harvey and Heather Fenton (Trinity was consecrated by the archbishop in and ministry with fellow Trinity alumni. 1977) met in 1975 when Margaret was on the . After her ordination in faculty as lecturer in liturgy and ‘Ministry and 1996, Karen served her title in Northallerton, Send your news and photos to Mission’. Since 1985 they have been involved, North Yorkshire, before becoming Priest-in- [email protected] among other things, with running the retreat Charge of St Paul’s, Maidstone, in the diocese or to Melissa Stratis, Trinity College, house ‘Coleg y Groes’ in Corwen, North Wales. of Canterbury. During this time she was also Stoke Hill, Bristol, BS9 1JP.

22 23 Are you planning a conference, spiritual retreat, or wedding reception in the Bristol area?

Consider hosting the event at Trinity. Our wooded grounds provide solitude for those on retreat. Our rooms range from the formal Tyndale Room to the newly refurbished chapel, and Stoke House can make a unique reception venue. Visit www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk/hiretrinity or contact Grace Golf, Conference Manager, telephone: 0117 968 0242, email: [email protected].