An odd situation in Christchurch

My life is in a bit of upheaval at the moment. Through this year I have been keenly desiring a change in ministry work. Some doors have had the handles turned on them, but they have remained shut. One has opened, and Wednesday just past it was announced in the Diocese of Christchurch (NZ) that I will be its new Director of Education*, working on the staff of Bishop Victoria Matthews, beginning late January 2010. It is with much regret and mixed feelings that I leave my current role in the Diocese of Nelson - it has been a great and wonderful journey these last sixteen years, nine of which in my role as Ministry Educator - peopled by colleagues who have been friends and friends who have been colleagues. But when it is time to go, it is time to go.

Anyway, months ago, before it was at all clear that I would seek this appointment, let alone that I would be successful with my application, I agreed to lead a workshop on Preaching Luke's Gospel in Christchurch. As it began yesterday I became aware of the irony of the situation: within 48 hours of being appointed to the Education role those appointing me would have opportunity to regret the appointment!

Thanks be to God the workshop went well. The sun even shone warmly today (it does not do so as frequently there as up here in Nelson). All will be well.

*The Director of Education role will include responsibilities for theological education of lay and ordained (co-ordinating some courses, leading others), oversight of the Diocesan Ordination Training and Post Ordination Training programmes, in service training, and being part of the Bishop's executive staff team. For those knowledgeable of the "NZ scene" the role incorporates and extends the previous role of Director of Theology House. See also here.