From Revd Dorothy Pipet
Dear friends,
As a new minister, the past few weeks have been full of welcome, introductions and trying to remember new names, not something I count myself good at, forgive me. My family and I are delighted to be stationed in this circuit and want to express our thanks for the welcome we have received. If you’ll excuse me focusing on myself briefly, here are some “frequently asked questions” and answers:
What is your background?
I worked as a Signalling Design Engineer in the railway industry, responsible for designing safety-critical control systems and their interfaces with the rest of the
railway. I also enjoyed mentoring colleagues and was a Mental Health First Aider, both of which were expressions of ministry in that place. Have you reflected on how you are part of ministry in the every-day places you are in?
I became a Christian as a teenager and later joined a Methodist Church in 1999, getting involved in a worship band playing violin or guitar. I was a Worship Leader for several years before training as a Local Preacher (accredited 2020), also serving in other roles in the church and circuit.
What made you become a Minister?
In a word: God! A friend who served in the armed forces likens commitment to Christ to the army saying, “you only volunteer once”, which I find particularly true in
the light of Methodism’s Covenant prayer. When I felt called to Local Preaching, God called others at the same time creating an excellent tutor group, so when I heard the call to ordained ministry, I knew that God could make it possible. When I spoke to my Superintendent he responded “I’ve been expecting it”, and through the process of Candidating, the Methodist church affirmed this calling.
God more than makes it possible, I have been astonished at the wonderful area I’ve been sent to and how good a match it is. A beautiful area, positive churches, and close enough to town that I can return to cycling (I had frozen shoulders making life rather awkward), what blessings!
What form does ministry training take?
All British Methodist student ministers now train at Queens Foundation, Birmingham, generally over two years full-time or three years part-time prior to stationing as a Probationer. I took the part-time option which involves a mixture of time at Queens, weekly online seminars and working with a “Link Church”. Again, it was a time full of blessings, as well as learning, formation and juggling.
As a Probationer, formal learning continues; although not all probationers study for academic qualifications, I will be working towards an MA. All Preachers should
continue to study and equip themselves throughout their ministry, but during probation we have an allocated study day to help form a good routine. In what ways are you learning, deepening your faith, and perhaps helping others to do so?
What is your role in the circuit and at SMC?
My role includes ministering with Bemerton, Bourne Valley and Shrewton Methodist Churches plus being part of the pastoral team at SMC. This means that when there is a need for “support on life’s journey” (to borrow a phrase from the Railway Mission), it might be me that responds.
It’s a big change from being an Engineer?
Yes, it is! Not one that I would have chosen left to myself. In the Bible we see God choose people who are not the obvious ones in human terms – Moses angered God with his reluctance and excuses (Exodus 3-4), Jonah ran away, Jeremiah felt himself too young and not competent, Jesus called a remarkable collection of fishermen, zealots, tax collectors. I can sympathise with these stories of being called into roles that could not be done based on our own ability, but these lives and many others were transformed so that they became the people God needed – apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers (Ephesians 4:11) and so much more.
I encourage everyone to reflect on the roles in which they are called to serve and minister, both within church and outside. It may be unexpected what we are called
to take up, or to entrust to others, to continue building one another up (1 Thessalonians 5) and bringing people to Christ. For me I am putting down being an engineer and a local preacher to become a minister. It can be uncomfortable, and also exciting, but it’s a good thing that we must rely on prayer, grace and the Holy Spirit.
Every blessing,
Revd. Dorothy.