1. Be careful what you say you’ll never do. Studying a degree in theology I had no intention of being a vicar. My Dad’s one, and like most boys I grew up wanting to do something different. But there was a moment when I felt called. I was 22.
2. God presents us opportunities that we can buy into or not. There are loads I’m sure I ignored, but some I’m relieved I chose: going forward to Church of England Ministry was one of them; moving to Chicago and funding myself was another.
3. Investing in someone is a costly experience. You can think ‘gosh, I don’t have time to do it.’ I’m always encouraging that of our congregation, both inside the Church and outside. It can be one of the greatest decisions you’ll ever make.
4. God is as much the God of diversion as of destination. Re-opening St Luke’s has been a challenge: it was closed for twenty years, and still needs work. Whether you’re someone of faith or not, we think of the end as the be all and end all, but I believe God is very much in the journey as well.
5. Stop pretending. To know yourself halts you trying to say, ‘I want to be like this person.’ If you’re not like them because you know who you are, then stop wasting time. Greatness is about fulfilling what you’re made to be.
6. It’s OK that someone might be better at something than me. There’s no room for insecurity in leadership; it will suffocate you and those around you. Delegation at its best is when you’re releasing people in to their gifts and skillset. It equips and empowers much more to say, ‘you’re better at this than me, you run with it.’
7. It’s all about the people in the end. Isn’t it?
Words & Pics: Tim Sowula
