Gerald H.
About me
| Gerald H. | |
| Chemistry | |
| Chemistry | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| Langwith | |
| 1975 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Team Rector | |
| United Kingdom |
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A day in the life of a Team Rector in the United Kingdom
My career goals when I graduated
Initially, I wanted to become a Chemistry teacher. However, I knew at the back of my mind that I might move on to the church's ordained ministry. I never regret having studied chemistry though, nor my teacher training.
My career history
After graduating at York, I taught chemistry/science for two years in a comprehensive school and then trained for the ordained ministry of the Church of England. My 'career' in the church has taken me to Sheffield, France, and two parishes in Kent. I have been the incumbent of my present parish for 19 years.
What has helped my career to progress
Not really a career, so much as a 'calling'. So I haven't actively been looking to progress, though it has been right to move on periodically - though that has been more out of necessity (family etc) than a desire to do so.
Courses taken since graduation
MA Theology (Oxford)
MTh (Brunel)
MPhil (Brunel)
How my studies have helped my career
Equipped me better in my understanding of my faith and my ability to communicate it.
What surprised me about my career so far
Love the variety of situations and people I've met.
Where I hope to be in 5 years
I shall be retiring to York in February 2017.
My advice about working in my industry
I would be happy to talk with anyone considering a vocational role within the 'church'.
Contacting me
I am happy to be a sounding board for anyone wanting to talk through issues relating to their studies or direction of their lives. I am a Christian and where appropriate would be able to bring that dimension to bear. However, I would be happy to talk to anyone with or without a Christian dimension to their lives and would be sensitive to their own views.
What I do
I am currently Team Rector of a large parish in Tunbridge Wells. I have been in this role for over 18 years. I have responsibility for four churches and work alongside three colleagues.
Skills I use and how I developed them
After leaving the University of York and completion of my PGCE, I taught Science and Chemistry in a comprehensive school in Leeds (Rothwell) for two years. During that period I began to investigate the possibility of the ordained ministry within the Church of England. I went through the process of selection for the ordained ministry and was accepted for training. I spent three years at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, during which time I studied Theology at the University. Following ordination in Sheffield, I was a curate ('trainee vicar') in inner-city Sheffield for four years. I then went to France as a Chaplain to the English-speaking communities in Lyon and Grenoble (with churches in both cities). After five years, I returned to England and spent 8 years in Gillingham (Kent), during which time I completed a 40,000 word dissertation and obtained a MTh degree. I then moved to my present post in Tunbridge Wells and began a part-time research programme, which culminated in an MPhil. Owing to my wife's health, I have decided to take early retirement (I'm 63) and will be retiring to York in February 2017.
What I like most
The variety of people I meet, and the pleasure of seeing people's lives transformed for the better.
What I like least
Sometimes having to chair difficult meetings! Sometimes feeling out of my depth dealing with issues that are outside of my expertise - such as church/parish/diocesan finances.
What surprised me most
Nothing really. Could have benefitted from more training in management skills.
Next steps...
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