Theological Education

Sad news reached me at the weekend about the death of Canon Billy Marshall in the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough.

Billy had been a formative influence on many generations of clergy as he lectured in Anglicanism, and was Vice Principal of the Church of Ireland Theological College for many years. Not only was he a superb teacher, but he and his lovely wife Margaret, hosted a group of students every week for supper in their home. They would share sandwiches and apple tart and hear about all the comings and goings of our lives. They were delightful evenings, and we remember his scholarly lectures with their superb notes which he provided for all his students. Billy spent 10 years working in a mission in India and this had a profound influence on his approach as a teacher and a pastor. He was always teaching, and always open to hear about new approaches and ideas, and had such an amazing knowledge of Hooker and Cranmer and other significant figures in Anglicanism, and its liturgies. He had that gift of making complex doctrines and ideas accessible.

At the other end of the age spectrum, we brought Lucy to a wonderful initiative hosted by Holywood Baptist Church recently.  The Sensory Hub is a club designed for those who have profound and multiple learning difficulties and complex medical needs. There were sensory Bible stories, games, prayer, crafts and memory verses.

It was beautiful to see a church reaching out in this way and, again, tailoring their approach to learning on the basis of the complexities some children experience.

I think, too, of the Sunday school lessons prepared week by week by our dedicated team of teachers and those who lead our youth group for those in their teens. These are often the quiet heroes of church congregations, preparing their lessons week by week. They rarely know if the seed they are sowing is having much impact but, often in later life, people of faith speak of how their Sunday school teachers or youth leaders cared for them and taught them vitally important life lessons of faith.

I think, too, of parents and grandparents and Godparents who faithfully teach their children and grandchildren to pray. They read Bible stories to them, they say Grace at meals and remind children that God is important, that He loves them and cares for their lives.

Then there are those who lead home groups and Bible studies, they facilitate groups like Alpha and Christianity Explored and allow a safe space for people to ask their questions and explore those questions together.

All of these marvellous people are involved in the vital work of theological education and, today, we give thanks for them and the many and varied ways they communicate the Good News of God’s love across the generations. We think of those who, like our prayer warrior, Robin, pray at home for the needs of the world and the needs of those who have asked for prayer.

Can you and I be part of these vital threads and strands of theological education in our day?

Look forward to speaking again soon.

Much love to everyone,

Jono.

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