APRIL 2018
He is risen...
...all has changed
HEBRON SCHOOL
Teaching Opportunities in India Hebron School is a Christian co-educational residential school founded in 1899 to support the children of families in mission. There are 360 students of nearly 30 nationalities studying from Preschool right through to IGCSE and 'A' Level examinations.
Hebron School is located on two attractive campuses in the beautiful Nilgiri Hills of south India - home to a diverse multi-cultural community. More than half the teaching staff are from other countries around the world representing the UK, Australia, NZ, the USA, Kenya, South Korea & several countries of Europe and South America. Hebron is a lively, busy community in which gifts and talents of staff have ample opportunity for expression and development. As a boarding school the residential care provided at Hebron is personal and endeavours to create a home away from home. The school provides remuneration at local Indian rates, as well as full board and accommodation for resident staff. Staff at Hebron School have a high degree of job satisfaction and a strong appreciation for the School's aims and purpose Requirements: We are looking for staff to come who have a sense of calling and service.
Volunteers: Usually referred to as International Guests. For people of all ages (school leavers, those just
finished university, those wanting a career break and retirees) with a willingness to visit the school for six months or one year at a time to help in a voluntary capacity in various aspects of school life.
Teaching staff needed for August 2018 : Math's, Geography, Science, Modern languages, Chemistry, Spe-
cial needs, EAL/ESL, Physical Education, Dorm parents, Religious Studies, Music (Brass/Woodwind), Outdoor Education and Junior School. Applicants should have the following skills, qualifications and attributes: Highly committed, practising Christians, Fluent in English, Relevant degree plus education degree/diploma, Preferably prior experience of A level / IGCSE or comparable curriculum, Be willing to participate fully in the life of a busy boarding school. Residential staff should be willing to do duty outside working hours, including dorm parenting or dorm support. Note:- Positions listed above are accurate as per the time of printing. Applicants interested in other subjects please check the website for latest vacancies.
Please contact the Human Resources Secretary (Ian A McCabe) for further details. Email: hr@hebronooty.org
Phone: (+91) 423 2225820
Web: www.hebronooty.org Fax: (+91) 423 2441295z
CONTENTS | APRIL 2018
FEATURES 14 Disciple-making ministry A strategic role in one congregation
16 Recasting the net
An Easter reflection from the Moderator
18 Pastoral life in three dimensions
The changing scene of pastoral care
20 20 years on…
Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement
32 Looking forward to resurrection
A reflection on our resurrection after this life
34 Kitchen table faith
Care for the Family’s new resource for parents
20 years on… p.20
36 The Heidelberg Disputation
500th anniversary of a foundational event following the Reformation
REGULARS 4 5 6 8 9 12 13 23 31 38 40 44 45
Letters In this month… News Life lessons My Story As I see it Arthur Clarke Mission Connect Talking points Reviews Life in PCI Crossword Betsy Cameron
Disciple-making ministry p.14
CONTRIBUTORS
Cover illustration: Barry Falls April 2018 No. 810 £1.00 (€1.20) Published by: The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW. T: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 E: herald@presbyterianireland.org W: www.presbyterianireland.org
Kitchen table faith p.34
Editor: Sarah Harding Subscriptions and Advertising: Elaine Huddleston; Lisa Skinner; Suzanne Hamilton Design and Layout: Edward Connolly Printing: Nicholson and Bass Ltd.
Alan Meban attends Kilmakee Presbyterian Church and writes about culture and politics as Alan in Belfast on his own blog and Slugger O’Toole.
Rebecca McConnell manages Purple Rain, a public relations company (www.purple-rain.co.uk). She is also a member of First Rathfriland Presbyterian Church.
Andy Frost is director of Share Jesus International and is working alongside Care for the Family on the Kitchen Table Project and supporting resources.
Rev. Alistair Bill is minister of Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church and convener of the Pastoral Care Committee of the Council for Congregational Life and Witness.
The views expressed in the features, news reports, letters and book reviews of this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. Editorial comment and signed articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can be laid down only by the General Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. The Editor reserves the right to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may be edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding non-publication of advertisements or letters.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is a Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104483); Registered Charity in Republic of Ireland (20015695).
Herald April 2018
3
NEWS | PCI
Events My Place Ballygawley Presbyterian will host My Place on Wednesday, 2nd May, from 7.30pm to 9pm. This is the third in a series of evenings arranged to help congregations think about how they can help families dealing with special needs to know that church is a place where they are always welcome and where they can find support. The evenings are a mixture of biblical teaching, insights from parents and practical suggestions from those working in the field of special education. It is open to ministers, children’s ministry leaders and all members of congregations. This event is free to attend but please register your interest online at www.presbyterianireland.org
Mission in Ireland evening A further Mission in Ireland evening has been arranged, and will take place in Monaghan Presbytery. Second Ballybay Presbyterian Church will host the event on Sunday, 6th May. Former deaconess Doreen Draffin and Lachlan Webster (minister in Craigavon Presbyterian) are the speakers. The event starts at 7.30pm.
Worship in the Discipleshaping Church day conference Assembly Buildings will host a Worship in the Discipleshaping Church conference on Wednesday, 25th April. Taking place between 10.30am and 3pm, the event aims to explore how our worship on Sunday can empower us for the lives we long to live for Christ out in the world, Monday to Saturday. Guest speakers Sam and Sara Hargreaves are authors of the Whole Life Worship book and
News
Summer teams Ten denominational teams will be travelling the length and breadth of Ireland this summer. Ballyweaney, Mullingar, St. Andrew’s in Bangor, Dungannon, Seaview, Whitehouse, Co. Cavan, Friendship House in Belfast, Grange in Ballymena and Abbey, Monkstown are all venues where teams will work alongside and in support of local PCI congregations as they reach out to their local communities. Team membership is open to everyone over the age of 16 years. More information and application forms can be found at www.presbyterianireland.org/ summerteams
10
Herald April 2018
Whole Life Worship Journey Pack about which you can find out more at www.licc.org.uk/resources/ whole-life-worship They will offer biblical foundations, practical frameworks and a wealth of usable examples
to fire the imagination of those who lead Sunday services with a disciple-shaping emphasis in PCI congregations. The price of conference is £5, which includes lunch.
Amy Carmichael
Kids’ crew needed Are you 14 years or older, funloving, committed, motivated and able to assist with the kids’ programme and zones? If you are, please consider registering to be part of the kids’ crew at the Kids’ Big Day Out and use your gifts and talents for Jesus. Kids’ Big Day Out takes place on Saturday, 21st April at Wellington Presbyterian in Ballymena. Please contact clw@presbyterianireland.org for more information.
An event marking Amy Carmichael’s lasting legacy will take place in Millisle and Ballycopeland Presbyterian Church on Thursday, 19th April. One of the world’s best known and inspirational missionaries, Amy was born 150 years ago in Millisle and attended Ballycopeland with her family. Starting at 7.30pm, the Amy Carmichael event will include four short presentations: ‘The Millisle Years’ by Rev. John Flaherty (minister of Millisle and Ballycopeland); ‘The Early Years’ by Jonathan Clarke (Welcome Church, Belfast); ‘Dohnavur Then and Now’ by Alison McCaughan with Jacky Woolcock (former missionary to Dohnavur); and ‘The Challenge Today’ by PCI’s Global Mission Secretary Uel Marrs with Ruth Cooke (International Justice Mission). There will also be a small exhibition, bookstall and refreshments. Everyone is welcome. For more information contact the Mission Department by telephoning +44 (0)28 9041 7266 or by emailing global@presbyterianireland.org
Find out more on www.presbyterianireland.org
Events
DIARY DATES April Family Holiday
Castlewellan Castle – Tuesday, 3rd to Friday, 6th
Simple Worship in the Smaller Church PW to hold annual meeting ‘Beautiful’ – the new PW theme for 2017/18 – will be officially launched at the organisation’s annual meeting, which takes place in Belfast’s Assembly Buildings on Thursday, 10th May. Around 1,500 members are expected to attend the event, which has Kate Patterson as its guest speaker. Based in west London, Kate is a writer, speaker and part-time school chaplain. She is mum to Jonny (23), Connor (20) and Ben (18). Kate studied English at Oxford and Theology at Bristol and is passionate about making God’s Word accessible and relevant to all ages. Kate is on the leadership team at Holy Trinity Richmond and is author of the book entitled The Promise of Blessing, described by Canon J. John as “not just a book on blessing but of blessing” and by Eddie Lyle as “Compulsory reading for those who want to be blessed to be a blessing.” Kate loves to help people encounter the God who changes lives. The annual meeting will be held at 2pm when Kate will speak on the theme Beautiful. During the evening celebration at 7.30pm Kate will give her second talk, further unpacking God’s Word to look at the true meaning of beauty. Praise will be led by Erin McBride and Emma Smyth. Both events are open to all women and everyone will be made most welcome.
Two regional venues will host Simple Worship in the Smaller Church events on Thursday, 26th April. The two events aim to help those who organise and lead worship in the smaller church. They will offer simpler ways to worship that move us away from the pressures of trying to put on a good outward show to genuinely leading others to meaningfully engage with our Father as the family of God. The guest speakers, Sam and Sarah Hargreaves, head up Engage Worship. Union Road Presbyterian in Magherafelt will host the first event, from 10.30am to 12.45pm, while Ballydown Presbyterian in Banbridge is the venue for the evening session, which runs from 7.45pm to 9.45pm. The price is £5 and further information is available by contacting the CLW office on +44 (0)28 9041 7246 or by emailing clw@presbyterianireland.org
Taking Care training for designated persons Ballymena – Thursday, 12th
Taking Care foundation training
First Saintfield – Thursday, 12th
Taking care refresher training
Lisnabreen – Monday, 16th Waringstown – Thursday, 19th Magherafelt – Monday, 23rd Ballycrochan – Wednesday, 25th First Ballymena – Thursday, 26th
Celebration of 150th anniversary of Amy Carmichael’s birth
Millisle and Ballycopeland Presbyterian – Thursday, 19th
Kids’ Big Day Out
Wellington Presbyterian, Ballymena – Saturday, 21st
Worship in the Discipleshaping Church conference
Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Wednesday, 25th
Simple Worship in the Smaller Church
Union Road Presbyterian, Magherafelt – Thursday, 26th Ballydown Presbyterian, Banbridge – Thursday, 26th
Resources Thirty Days of Prayer The vision of the 30 Days of Prayer information booklet and prayer guide is to call Christians to pray with love and respect for Muslims around the world during Ramadan (15th May to 14th June). In addition to guiding our prayers, the booklets also seek to help Christians gain a better understanding about Muslim people, their faith and diverse cultures; and see an increase in efforts to respond with love and compassion to the needs of Muslims around the world. Copies of the booklet can be purchased directly from www.30daysprayer.org.uk for £2.50 per copy. Alternatively, PCI’s Mission Department has a limited number of copies for congregational use available at a reduced cost of £1 per copy. These can be purchased from the Mission Department in
May My Place
Ballygawley Presbyterian – Wednesday, 2nd
Taking Care refresher training
Assembly Buildings, on a first come, first served basis. To place your order, contact the Mission Department by telephoning +44 (0)28 9041 7266 or emailing global@presbyterianireland.org
First Ballymena – Thursday, 3rd First Broughshane – Tuesday, 22nd
Herald April 2018
11
CONGREGATIONAL STORY
Photos by Jamie Trimble
Disciple-making ministry Claire Ebbinghaus, the ministries facilitator of Kirkpatrick Memorial Presbyterian Church in east Belfast, tells Rebecca McConnell a little about her unique role.
I
n recent times there’s been a growing recognition throughout PCI of the need to make disciples of Jesus Christ. For many congregations, who’d love to give a greater emphasis to disciple-making, the existing programme of activities seems like an insurmountable obstacle. When we find ourselves struggling to do what we’re already doing it’s natural to ask: “How could we possibly take on any more?” One congregation’s answer to that question is: “Don’t do more… do everything differently. Reimagine every ministry into a disciple-making ministry.” Kirkpatrick Memorial Presbyterian Church is located in the busy Ballyhackamore area of Belfast. Known to the locals as Ballyhack, it has become a popular area due to a multitude of eating establishments that have opened. The church has grown rapidly in the past decade but has been offering spiritual nourishment and food since 1914. From the spring of 2015, Claire Ebbinghaus has worked as the ministries facilitator, and part of the wider staff
14
Herald April 2018
team at Kirkpatrick. W hilst trained as a physiotherapist, Claire sees many similarities to this role she is now enjoying. “Physios work as teams to help rehabilitate patients. My role here also involves working as part of a team, and seeing how all the pieces fit together for the best outcome.” The need for the role was identified by the minister. Claire explains, “A minister’s role is wide and varied and virtually impossible to do everything well – from preaching to teaching, leading public worship, dealing with all of the pastoral responsibilities as well as looking after and pastoring the leaders. There was an awareness that if leaders aren’t supported, we end up with people who feel very disconnected, alone and let down. The
…if leaders aren’t supported, we end up with people who feel very disconnected, alone and let down.
minister rarely feels satisfied with these arrangements or outcomes.” Claire knows the demands as she is married to the minister, Christoph Ebbinghaus. “Right from the start of our marriage, we were shaped together in a shared vision for ministry. At Kirkpatrick, I could see the ways in which the leaders could be supported better.” A similar post was first established in Kirkpatrick, back in 2009. Then, when the post became vacant a few years ago, the recruitment process was outsourced, as the kirk session knew Claire was interested in applying. A team made up of members from other churches took charge allowing Christoph and theSessionto step back t oensure an impartial appointment process. Claire describes her role as threefold: “Firstly, I am there to keep leaders on vision. Secondly, I ensure we are all working together, as a collective. And thirdly, I support our leaders pastorally and practically.” Whilst contracted for around 19 hours per week, Claire admits the nature
of the role often leads to overtime, as liaising with leaders usually takes place in evenings when they aren’t working. “At Kirkpatrick, we try to work on a ‘rule of one’ for our ministries. We encourage our members to be at public worship on Sundays, to be part of a discipleship group and also to be involved in one organisation. Part of my role is to watch out for that, to pick up on potential leaders and also to free people who perhaps have over committed or have been committed tov arious organisations for a long period of time. It is important, where necessary, to give people permission to walk away before it gets too late and they collapse under the pressure of trying to do too much.” Claire has built up a strong relationship with all the leaders-in-charge of the various organisations and operates an open system, gauging the level of contact on an individual basis. “I am in regular email contact and they know they can pick the phone up at any time if they need me as well.” Where possible, Claire encourages leaders via coffee dates to discuss their vision for ministry, plan ahead if there may be a future need for extra leaders and, if times are tough, simply be ‘someone to listen’. As a sounding board for other people’s issues, it is vital for such a role to be cared for pastorally and Claire is grateful for three assigned elders who pray with and for her. “Being Christoph’s wife, kirk session in their wisdom were keen to put support mechanisms in place for me. We meet regularly. They are interested in what I am doing and they care about the impact on our family.” The leaders-in-charge meet once a term – everyone from creche to Sunday school, BB, GB, and Converse, the Friday night youth group – to share what it means to be in leadership together. “ What has been
most interesting has been the impact on our creche leaders – they get to see their part in the whole picture of a child from 0 to 18 in our church. The contribution creche workers make is significant and hopefully through this contact, they feel more valued hearing how the young people develop in their faith. “Once a month, I send Session a list of the new leaders for approval. I also liaise with the committee and let them know of issues regarding space and capacity of our halls, and I connect with the child protection officer to make sure the new leaders get the training they need.
largely from young people bringing their friends along. Numbers have doubled at the Friday night youth fellowship, posing extra leadership demands. is sending these young people It is about trying to lead and“God God will send the leaders. The discipleship group Christoph and I lead people into godly is specifically for new members. As soon leadership and to as people come and express an interest in joining us, I can have that conversation disciple those coming with them about where and how they after them. may wish to serve when the time is right.” “Last year we ran an event for So what advice does Claire have for leaders of all our youth and children’s other churches who may be thinking of organisations, entitled ‘Together’. This was having a similar role? an opportunity to thank them for their “The key word is ‘facilitator’. Often we work as well as envision them and share expect the people in paid church roles to the strategy the church has developed for deliver the ministry – my role is about young people and children’s ministry, and developing people, realising that I cannot off the back of that, to get them to engage be the answer myself. For example, in the strategy and identify what they where training is needed, my role is to need to fulfil the vision.” source it, not to believe I can deliver One example of the leaders-in-charge the best training myself. Knowing your of the organisations working together is limitations is key. the joint weekend away for youth from “Often in church settings, we jump the different organisations, showing at trying to be the answer to a list of the collaborative working. “It really problems. I can end up being the ‘go impacts the youth to see their leaders to person’ if someone has a problem; working in this way, sharing life together people telling me how things should be, and not being territorial. We are also and where the church is going wrong. going tosee h ow leadershipacross the You have to not take things personally! organisations can be a bit morefluid. I’ve learned that it is about walking the We are encouraging the leaders of Bible journey with equal measures of grace and class on a Sunday morning, who maybe truth – being able to be honest andbe don’t get the same opportunity to play hugely gracious at the same time. I don’t games as the Converse leaders, to switch always get it right! Ultimately the role is teams for a week. Likewise, the female about growing disciples, and seeing folks leaders of the Bible class could go along being transformed as they step up into toG B some eveninga ndhave a chance leadership. tohang out with the oldergirlswithout “Discipleship is the heartbeat of the boys being there, allowing more Kirkpatrick and that permeates all that open and honest conversation about the we do. So at the end of the day my role things they struggle with. Ultimately this is to encourage those in leadership to approach gives opportunities for stronger faithfully ‘pass on’ the faith to those relationshipsto be built.” coming after, so they in turn can pass it Recent growth statistics have come on to others.” Herald April 2018
15