A Year in the Ministerial Community

ALEX PUGH

As any budding ministerial student knows, a key practice in formation for ministry is theological reflection. As a cohort, we are encouraged to regularly reflect on how our beliefs and our theology impacts what we do. To put this in terms that will hopefully reassure Dr Anthony Clarke of our ongoing development, we reflect on the relationship between our espoused and operant theologies. Often, we discover that the two are not as good friends as we had hoped.

In reflecting on the past year for the ministerial community and the continued impact of the pandemic, the disparity between what we say we believe (espoused theology) and what we do (operant theology) has been exposed in ways we could never have imagined. For those of us working in churches and amongst faith communities we, like the rest of society, have been tirelessly trying to navigate through this global crisis and find new ways of being and doing ‘church’. One key message through all of this has been the reminder that ‘church is more than a building’. This phrase has appeared on church walls, been posted on social media and websites, and has even featured in newspaper headlines. Whilst many of us would agree with this statement, we have had to face the reality this might just be where our espoused and operant theologies need some reconciliation.

In speaking with the ministerial cohort about how their churches and communities have responded to the challenges of the past year, I have been encouraged by hearing some incredible stories of how they have adapted and transformed the way they ‘do’ church and how they have found new ways to support their local communities. The majority have transitioned to online platforms, such as Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube to enable their communities to keep connected and to continue to ‘gather’ together. The significance of this transition is that church is no longer defined by, or limited to, geographical boundaries and some have even experienced international reach. This has also

Alex Pugh

is the Ministerial Association Representative (2020-2021) and a graduate student reading for the BTh Theology (2019). transformed experiences of ‘church’ beyond that of a Sunday gathering, reinforcing that our faith is integral to everyday life. Many churches have found new ways to support and disciple their communities. Some initiatives include open air services and events, virtual meals using Deliveroo vouchers, drive-thru charity collections, and car park socials. Additionally, the impact of social distancing has also led to an increased awareness of those in our communities who are vulnerable and isolated, particularly those without access to technology. Food parcels, phone calls, pharmacy collections, ‘dial-a-sermon’ phonelines, cards and letters, and buddy schemes are just some examples of how our churches have been keeping in touch with those who are most in need.

Now that many church buildings have reopened and people can gather again physically, for some, a hybrid approach remains. However, the challenge for those of us working in these environments is whether the improved relationship between our espoused and operant theologies will hold. Will we continue to live out the belief that church really is more than a building? As we have learned, and always knew, the Church is the people and its role now, more than ever, is to provide support to our communities in which we live. It’s our heart that it will be a place of refuge and a source of hope and healing as we continue to navigate through these difficult times together.