printed 20 March 2024
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Even coming from a protracted line of ministers – she is the fifth era of her household to enter the ministry – it was by no means sure that Ruth Kennedy would comply with of their footsteps.
Nonetheless, rising up in Dalkeith and going to church each Sunday on the church the place her great-grandfather was minister for half a century, Ruth was lengthy conscious of that legacy, particularly one of many Kirk’s lovely stained glass home windows devoted to it. his reminiscence
These weekly visits by no means steered that he was destined to comply with the household custom, however they confirmed an early dedication to Christ.
“I discovered that being there weekly, dealing with and surrendering all to Jesus at a younger age, and being faithfully discipled as a son of man, grew in me a deep understanding and surprise of how God brings collectively so many alternative sorts of individuals. Throughout the generations, ” Ruth defined in an interview for the Church of Scotland’s month-to-month Speaking Ministry sequence.
“However we do not have to dwell on historical past, the longer term is earlier than us, and development modifications. So, no, following the identical calling was the final God-plan I anticipated!”
As an alternative, Ruth selected a service path that noticed her work within the charity sector for 20 years, utilizing her skill to suppose creatively to disrupt established practices and enhance help and care for people and teams in want of that additional assist.
It is a background that helped put together her for a brand new position when Ruth lastly determined to enter the ministry herself, a call she describes as a pure subsequent step within the faith-adventure of following Jesus.
“Wanting again, I can see how God was making ready me for ministry all alongside. Nothing was lacking or wasted – not the bread when Jesus fed the gang, and never our expertise,” Ruth stated.
A digital parish
Ruth could also be following her forebears in a manner into the ministry, however as somebody who admits she shouldn’t be “wired to keep up beliefs”, Ruth didn’t choose for conventional parish ministry, however as an alternative served as a brand new pioneering minister within the Church of Scotland. The introduction is designed to be a bridge between the church and the broader group and demonstrates that Christianity is not only one thing for Sunday morning companies.
Ruth defined: “I’ve a ardour for individuals who haven’t but met Jesus, particularly those that have by no means heard or seen something about him, and the pioneer ministry suits in very properly with that.
“That meant most of my time was out locally, not in church on Sunday mornings, however exploring how we will lovingly reply with the Gospel to the place folks at the moment are and be there with them.
“I feel it is a gorgeous reflection of my strategy to religion that I see Jesus as very unconventional, related and relatable to the folks he goes out to satisfy and but compassionate and nurturing to his established followers.”
Final October, Ruth Kirk’s profession took one other flip, taking her into the digital realm as chief of the Church of Scotland’s Sanctuary First on-line ministry and worship group.
This gives a novel alternative to take the Gospel message to individuals who wouldn’t think about going to a church constructing, whether or not they reside in Scotland or additional afield.
“We do not supply the world a window to religion, however a door the place you may creatively enter God’s presence, encounter the residing Jesus, and interact with others who’re doing the identical,” Ruth stated.
“Sanctuary First is a pioneering ministry born out of native church buildings with artistic folks decided to work with what they see God doing, and that is within the discipline of digital ministry. I feel it has a blueprint for the church, nevertheless it was and at all times has been.
“Discover what God is doing and companion with Him. To do that we should preserve our hearts open and delicate to new, completely different, artistic and curve balls! Be snug taking fearless, trustworthy dangers for Jesus.”
Learn extra
Every month, the Speaking Ministry sequence will share a private story from somebody working in Christian ministry, in addition to insightful sources crammed with questions, prayers, and reflections to assist encourage your individual reflection on how God is asking you.
You possibly can learn Rev. Ruth Kennedy’s full interview and entry March sources on our Speaking Ministry web page.
