I said I would try and review certain aspects of ministry in BG since it is now 3 years since I arrived.

From 1986-1988, I was a voluntary evangelist with the London City Mission, working firstly in Bermondsey and then on the Mobile Unit. One of the most fascinating pieces of work we did, almost daily, was knocking on the doors of complete strangers to tell them about the good news of Jesus Christ. Terry Bedlow, was my Missioner. He was an Ulsterman (I think). I am not sure I have ever met a more Christlike individual in terms of his servant heart and his compassion for people. One of his favourite sayings was that ‘visiting was the bread and butter of all ministry’.

In 2001, I was ordained deacon in Gloucester Cathedral. My training incumbent, Kevin Scott, could not have been more different to Terry Bedlow if he had tried. Whereas Terry was slightly scuffy, apparently disorganised and tendered just to wander all over the place (I could be describing myself I realise that); Kevin Scott was tidy, organised and disciplined. One of the comments I remember him making to me was that ‘visiting is foundational to all that we do’. I agree with them both.

I am not particularly good at putting visits in my diary. I more often than not do not carry a diary around with me. I am relatively good at just dropping round. Even in a world that moves fast, I have never really found that a visit is unappreciated. I may have called at inappropriate times; it is part of my personality/character that sometimes I just do not notice. Visiting sometimes just to chat about the scriptures over a cup of tea can be the most invigorating thing in the world. Or sometimes just being someone who is interested in another’s day.

Pastoral ministry is not just about visiting, it is about offering hospitality to all who would come. My formative years as a Christian were spent observing clergy and their spouses (actually wives) who considered their homes to be both private and yet public space. I think I feel the same.

I am an introvert, so like my own space. But, I enjoy having people round. For me ministry is about sharing life, and I feel it is easier to do that (warts and all) in a home than in an ecclesiastical building.

One of my goals this year is to invite those on the electoral roll who I have not yet invited to dinner. My wife agrees with me fortunately.  I hope to reflect on this experience as the months progress, and I hope one or two people who read this little offering will hold me to account if I do not do it.