It is written by a vicar's wife about the treatment of Vicars in their parishes, by their parishioners, by the church of England etc, and how this affects a vicar's well-being and family. As a Vicar's son I was really interested by this article; the thought of ordination as a sacrifice from a graduates perks, the idea of Vicar's having a union because they are being treated badly by their superiors and stress or job security in the work.
A Vicar's role isn't just a 9-5 job, it is a life, the church (the people and building) can take over your every day, your every evening and weekend, this has an impact on a Vicar's family as well, who grow up as church being part of their life (not necessarily a bad thing), and have to be on their best behaviour at all times because 'their Dad's the vicar'...
The article is very harsh on the idea of priesthood, suggesting it isn't really the best idea, or the best job for an individual, it may not be, but the reason why men and women go forward for ordination is not for the perks, for the virtually non-existant wage or for a free house. People become vicars because they want to make a difference, they want to serve a community, they want to see God's kingdom furthered and they feel called by God himself.
The gospel talks about death to our old lives and new lives in Christ, and sacrifice of what we want, need and know for a life relying on the Lord. In becoming a Vicar, men and women are acting out this sacrifice, they have made the decision to follow Christ and then taken the step to work for him full time, this is a life they are willing, happy and excited to take.
I guess becoming a Vicar is deciding to serve your Lord, to serve a group of people, a church or an area, to try and help bring God's kingdom on earth. And like the thousands of people before them, like the apostles in the new testament, Vicars and all Christians, sacrifice their own lives for their Lord. A low wage, a rubbish house, unfair bosses, ungrateful parishioners are small prices to pay in return for the glory of our Lord Jesus and the security that brings.
Ministry is still an exciting and enthralling prospect. We shall see.
No comments:
Post a Comment