On 9th February 2010 our new Diocesan Bishop, Rt Revd Christopher Foster was announced by Number 10, Downing Street. In the same week the General Synod of the Church of England has been debating the process by which women bishops might be appointed. The State and the Church authorities are intertwined in this issue about ministry and gender. Is the debate about equal opportunities or about being 'one in Christ Jesus'? Is it about conservative tradition or liberal trends? Is it about the nature of power or the call to sacrificial service?

In the Anglican tradition, the word bishop derives from 'episkopos' meaning 'overseer'; a role of guidance and formation rather than authority and direction. In a similar way our word 'priest' derives from the Greek 'presbyter' meaning elder; rather than the idea of an Old Testament priest. It is a reminder that there is a role of leadership but that this is lived out among a group of people called to leadership. Those who are ordained (bishop, priest or deacon) are called to the national church and to specific communities not to do this on their own or in their own strength. The New Testament gives us a picture of the church as the Body of Christ and we believe in the God who calls and equips ordinary men, women and children to do extraordinary things for Him.

The debate, therefore, should be less about rights or tradition and more about calling and equipping. For each of us the words of Paul are true – ‘The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:24. It was this verse that was given to me by my spiritual director when I went to be ordained priest in June 1991. What Paul challenges the leadership and Christians in the church at Thessalonika to be, is, I suggest a blueprint for all of us: ‘We urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone …..Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.’ 1 Thess 5:14, 16-18, 24

Paul believed in clear lines of authority in leadership, but he also knew that this must be balanced against the need to be the Body of Christ, where every member of the Christian community has a ministry and a contribution to service. We may not feel that we are called to any public ministry but all of us can play a part in offering encouragement, challenge, strength, and patience to those around us (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

• Encouragement to those who feel down-hearted or who see little hope for the future;

• Challenge to those who want to push at the boundaries or who are unwilling to contribute to wider society;

• Strength to those who are weak or in need of practical support;

• Patience and kindness to those who may be difficult to love or who need more of our time. 

Paul also gives some pointers as to how we can do this – not in our own strength (because the One who calls us will do it) – but sustained by the presence of Christ, our closeness to God and by our spiritual life. (1 Thessalonian 5:16-18)

• The presence of Christ comes from the presence of His Holy Spirit. From his active presence come the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience etc);

• Our closeness to God is seen in our thankfulness – when we see God's hand and gracious provision in our lives, we know we have much for which to be thankful;

• If we spend time with God in prayer – listening as well as speaking – we draw ever closer to understanding the will of the Father in every circumstance of life.

Calling & Equipping

Whatever God calls us to do and to be – whether a bishop or a lay person; a man or a woman - He promises to do it through us and we can trust Him because He is faithful and He has promised. (1Thessalonians 5:24) Each of us can have confidence because 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.' (Hebrews 13:8)

Simon Weeden