The Journey from banking to the priesthood

My journey as a Christian began at a very young age though it wasn’t until I was involved with leading a bible study group that I became aware of my passion to bring Jesus to those who do not know him. At the same time I realised I wanted to encourage and nurture those who had come to faith. With a job in banking it felt natural to be called to the role of Treasurer. St Peter’s Maidenhead my home church for 16 years was where alongside helping to lead a bible study group I managed the church finances for a period of six years. Then God gave me a nudge to explore a period of study that for me would provide the knowledge I needed to confidently lead small groups.

A conversation with the Vicar led me to a period of exploration and discernment. I knew I was being called to something else, what that was I did not know. Looking after my family and my career in banking was uppermost in my mind and I had no reason to believe I was being called to anything other than a part time voluntary role in the church. That was to change after my first meeting with the Diocesan Director of Ordinand as it was then I felt God dropping heavy hints pointing towards the role I was being called to do. It wasn’t without fear and trepidation that I went forward for selection to the ordained ministry being completely open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit knowing this was a personal challenge but one I needed to leave in God’s hands. The outcome after three years of studying on the Oxford Ministry Course was my resignation from my job in banking, to the surprise of my line manager, to take up a full time title post as Assistant Curate at St Paul’s Slough.

With the coming to the 2012 Games and the end of my Curacy in sight, I was appointed to the role of Olympic and Paralympic Chaplain for the Diocese of Oxford helping the churches engagement with the Games. A very exciting and fulfilling role enabling the development of community projects integrating faith and spiritually with the world of sports. As an athlete I had completed three marathons during the past three years raising funds for various charities. I also find running a good way to de-cluster the mind whilst spending time with God in a way that is natural for me.

Looking back there is a sense of God wanting us to push the boat out in terms of the way we live and model the Christian life. Communicating the gospel is not easy but one of the first things that Jesus says to the apostles is ‘don’t be afraid.’The journey from banking to the priesthood is a pretty daunting prospect but if the local church is to be the hope of the world, it is only by stepping out in our own lives that we enable others to meet with and experience the promises and faithfulness of God. So today as I am Installed Rector of the Parishes of Hedsor and Bourne End I am very conscious that myself and family are entering another exciting phase of that journey. It's really about being ready to be surprised by God.

Revd Janet Binns

An hair-raising experience

 

Going to the hairdresser for me is an eventful occasion. Visits are no more than once every two to three months, usually a bit like the dentist I end up putting it off until something forces me to book an appointment. It’s often when there is a special occasion a family wedding etc. that I make an effort. Today was a case in point I made an appointment for the eve of the Service of Collation when I am officially installed as Rector of the Parishes of Hedsor and Bourne End. Unlike going to the dentist once there I find the experience therapeutic and stress free. There is nothing as calming as reading a magazine with the whirring noise of the hairdryer whilst the warm air penetrates every strand of your hair and scalp. The lady who does my hair and have been for the past five years originates from Zimbabwe, most of her colleagues are from Africa and they frequently speak their native language in my presence. I find it hugely engaging, listening to their stories (when they speak in English) watching their body language, the tuting, the uncontrollable laughter, the groans of discontent when they disapprove of bad behaviours but most of all the advice they pour out on each other. They all seem so natural, open, honest, willing to speak about their lives, providing support and encouragement, admonishing when it’s necessary and when they are unhappy about the behaviour of a friend, colleague or family member, whether they speak in English or not, I am left in no doubt of their extreme disapproval.

Although many work extremely long hours a recent survey puts hairdressing as the happiest job role to undertake.  I long for the experience of church to be as natural with a willingness to speak about our lives as openly. I long for Christians to be that supportive and encouraging with each other without fear of how we are perceived. Church life can sometimes be a place where there is a lack of willingness to share openly, eager to save the feelings of others and in many cases hiding our own.  The same life issues affects us all, sharing stories, laughing together, even the groans of disapproval and discontent provided done in the right spirit can be helpful in dealing with the stresses and strains of life.