Dear Friends

This month's letter is written by Canon Peter Marshall, former Rector of Lexden. Peter wrote this for the parish magazine of Bishops Waltham and Upham, during their interregnum. I thought there were some interesting reflections here about people's expectations of the clergy: and I hope you enjoy reading it, as I did.

Stephen Carter

THE ARCHANGEL GABRIEL?

When I look at my study these days I ask myself whether, when I retired, I threw anything away. Well, I did, so I imagine that I have been collecting things again, and this means that I must have another go. I have started with some old magazines, which had been passed onto me. This means that I glance at them, read what seems interesting, and then throw them in the recycle bin.

This week, looking at an Expository Times dated May 1972, I came across the following verses which were quoted in an address given to the Christchurch Theological Society (New Zealand) by a clergyman from Auckland. I thought that they might not be inappropriate at this time when the announcing of a new incumbent for Bishop’s Waltham and Upham might be imminent. Incidentally there was the following footnote, “The origin of these verses is not known. They appeared in a religious ‘weekly’ over the initials M.S.P.” Whether the author did later become known, and these verses widely read, I cannot say.

I am the very model of the modern parish minister:

My versatile efficiency seems positively sinister.

With youth I’m awfully jolly, and with older folk refined,

I’m a staunch denominationalist, yet ecumenically inclined.

I’m very much au fait in matters modern theological -

The ‘myths’ of Genesis I correlate with dogmas geological.

I’m chummy with the Rotary, and with women’s groups the same.

I present the Social Gospel in a way that brings no shame

I polish resolutions up for all assemblies solemn,

And for the local paper write a brightly pious column.

I can publicise a triumph and soft-pedal a disaster.

I am the very model of the dynamic modern pastor.

I am up-to-date in Culture; about Art I wax rhapsodical.

In church administration I’m fantastically methodical.

I am very good at counselling and I preach a snappy sermon;

And stewardship potentials I can skillfully determine.

I am learned in liturgies and I’m ceremonially adept,

Yet the bounds of taste and safety I have never overstepped.

My versatile efficiency is positively sinister -

I am the very model of the modern parish minister.

It was St. Paul, writing to the church in Corinth who said, “I am become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some”. Perhaps that is how most clergyman would like to be seen. However I doubt very much whether any candidate for the office of Rector of our parishes would have described their qualifications in these terms, or indeed in the verses above. I think that it is quite possible that members of the congregation hope, in their new incumbent, one who is good with young people but can appreciate the needs of the elderly, is good at organising things but doesn’t stifle the laity, is liturgically correct but not afraid of innovation, and preaches a sermon which is theologically sound but always put in simple words. And some will hope that the new incumbent is male, and some female, but whichever gender is married with young children (who are of course well behaved), and so we could go on with the list of ‘must haves’. You will all have your own ideas.

I recall, not long after I had been instituted into the parish of Lexden in Colchester reading a letter in the Diocesan Magazine from the then Bishop of Chelmsford, about appointing a new incumbent. In it he wrote: “Some parishes would not be satisfied with the Archangel Gabriel!” I do not think that he had my appointment in mind! Of course any new incumbent will be different from the one who has gone before, and although it might be difficult not to, one should try to resist the temptation to compare. “Pray for your new incumbent” bishops say at Institutions, and that is what we must all continue to do. Who knows, the one who is to be appointed to our parishes might be “the very model of the modern parish minister”.

Every blessing,

Peter Marshall

This article was originally written for the Church Magazine of Bishop's Waltham and Upham, and is reproduced here with permission.