New Ministry Journeys – Ordination and Beyond (part 1)
Between September 2023 and February 2024 four new ministers were ordained in the Uniting Church WA, two Ministers of the Word and two Deacons. These four ministers have now also been inducted into their new placements, with three in congregational ministry, and one in hospital chaplaincy. Revive invited each of them to share an insight into their journey to ordination, challenges and achievements along the way, and what life in their various placements involves. Thanks to Reuben, Elaine, Samuel and Ana for sharing their stories with us!
REV REUBEN EDMONDS
Reuben was ordained as a Minister of the Word on 30 September 2023 and has been in placement at All Saints Floreat Uniting Church since October of the same year.
Can you describe what your journey to ordination was like?
I began my Period of Discernment (POD) at the beginning of 2016 and spent several years discerning if ordained ministry was right
for me. Was I called? I found this question challenging and I asked a lot of ministers how they would describe call. Some suggested when ordination was the only option, that was God calling you. Others suggested if you had the gifts and skills that was good enough. Ultimately, I relied on the discernment of the church. The Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) and my selection panel had confidence I was called and so I trusted them and took the plunge into becoming a minister.
During my formation I was very fortunate to study in Melbourne. Despite the difficulties of Covid, I really enjoyed my studies and learnt a great deal from some of the UCA’s best theologians. It was particularly exciting to learn about the UCA, the Basis of Union, and most of my systematic theology, from Rev Assoc. Prof. Geoff Thompson.
How did it feel on your ordination day?
It was a bit of a whirlwind. Many years of work, practice, and planning had led up to this day. One of my fondest memories was having my niece spontaneously join me as I processed out at the end of the service. It was really special.
What’s a typical day in the life of your current placement?
Very few days could be described as typical. While you might have the best laid plans, they are often interrupted by the ebbs and flows of ministry. Some days I am planning and writing worship, some days I am visiting parishioners in hospital, many days I have committee meetings, and every day I get to witness God at work in our church and our community.
What has surprised you so far about ministry?
During formation, a wise minister said that his biggest challenge was finding something worth saying each week. I didn’t really appreciate his comment at the time. Preaching was something I enjoyed, especially as a former teacher. But he couldn’t have been more right. One of the surprisingly difficult parts has been finding a message you feel confident is faithful, contextual, and brings life to the community. Some weeks I feel really confident and others I am less sure. But often those I feel least confident in will speak to a parishioner in ways I couldn’t have predicted. In the end I prepare the best sermon I can and leave the rest to God.
What are you looking forward to in the coming year?
Our congregation is undertaking mission planning this year. I am looking forward to journeying with this group of faithful people as they explore what the new paths look like for mission in this church and in our community.
Do you have any hobbies or special talents?
Who has time for hobbies!? My talent might be singing, I really enjoy it. I hope to join a choir this year, then I will have a hobby to answer this question with!
What’s your favourite quote or expression?
It’s the Ethiopian Eunuch from Acts 8 – my favourite call narrative from the Bible. Philip meets him by the road and after some discussion the Eunuch asks:
“Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptised?”
Ultimately the answer is nothing and Philip baptises the eunuch.
I just love this message that all are loved and welcomed into God’s kingdom. Hopefully we can continue as a church to try and reflect that radical inclusivity.
REV DR ELAINE LEDGERWOOD
Elaine was ordained as a Deacon on 29 October 2023, having been in placement in a supply role at St Aidan’s Uniting Church, Claremont since November 2022. Previously Elaine was a Pastor at Rowethorpe Juniper, Presbytery Minister: Education and Training for the Commission for Education for Discipleship and Leadership (CEDAL) as well as a chaplain for Juniper aged care.
Can you describe what your journey to ordination was like?
My journey in one word: long. It’s been an interesting journey taking many paths that I would not have chosen myself. There were times where, while I had never given up on my strong sense of calling to being a Deacon, I was responding to the calling by being a Deacon in everything but name. My journey reminds me of an episode of Dr Who, where the doctor says to the Tardis “you didn’t take me where I wanted to go” and she replies “no, but I always took you to where you needed to be.”
How did it feel on your ordination day?
The day itself was a bit of a whirlwind and with hindsight, I’m rather glad I took a few weeks of leave beforehand so I could prepare mentally, spiritually, and practically. Having previously been commissioned as a pastor, which includes the laying on of hands, I assumed it would all feel similar. However, at that point in the ordination service, it felt completely different. I don’t think anything could prepare me for what I can only describe as an incredible weight that I experienced at that moment. It’s a moment I will never forget.
What’s a typical day in the life of your current placement?
On a typical day I am reflecting, praying, leading, supporting, and/ or facilitating the congregation in their movement towards finding new connections and new outreach into their community. This can include reflecting on the biblical story relating to connecting to the wider world, exploring what other congregations are already doing, trying a few new offerings for ourselves, or looking at what the needs are in our community.
What has surprised you so far about ministry?
Having been in a range of different ministries for approximately 14 years, nothing really surprises me anymore. Expecting the unexpected is my standard operating procedure and I enjoy the new challenges the unexpected bring.
What are you looking forward to in the coming year?
If there’s one thing that I’ve learnt with all the Covid changes, it’s just to enjoy what each day brings, as well as seizing the opportunities when they arise. So at the moment I’m looking forward to two things next week, both of which will be
on a trip to Sydney. Firstly, I will be completing the coursework for the intentional interim ministry training. It’s a course to which I committed because I felt it would be helpful in the Claremont congregation, coming after a very long-term minister. It’s been a great course so far and is very diaconal in that it helps develop the skills in leading congregations at a time of significant change.
The other is that I will be climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I have wanted to do this ever since I started going regularly to Sydney for meetings, but never had the time and the money at the same time. I nearly didn’t book for this trip, due to some unplanned expenses, but I decided that I didn’t know when I would be back in Sydney again, so I will just do the climb anyway. It’s been a long time coming.
Do you have any hobbies or special talents you’d like to share with our readers?
Many people probably already know about my music hobby and enjoying doggy company. I enjoy trying new challenges, whether it’s learning a new topic, or trying a different craft. My special talent is better summed up as getting other people to use their art and craft skills, and then encouraging them to be let loose around the congregation.
What’s your favourite quote or expression?
Expect the unexpected.
