The importance of case studies for the formation of Friends ministers

In the previous post, Case Study #9, we saw John Griffith’s account of his see-saw experience, first towards a more settled (“concerned”) life as a Friend, and then along the way the first hints of future service in them ministry, and then his hesitant response to the calling. He was very alive to the seriousness of this prospect, because it meant that, while he himself was yet being formed as a consistent Friend, and struggling with habits and characteristics that seemed to hinder that formation, he was contemplating the possibility that he would be taking on a share in the work of formation and instruction of others. How presumptuous this must have seemed!

It might be good to pause here and note something about what “being a minister” meant to Friends in those days. Anyone might offer ministry on a particular occasion, and this freedom in the Spirit was precious (as it is now), and rested not on any democratic principle, but on the assumption that it is Christ that teaches his people, and for that teaching he will both work inwardly in the heart, and also use whatever human agency is best. As the London Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice says “Let no one assume that ministry is never to be their part.”

Nevertheless, Friends observed that the ordering of the Holy Spirit included the raising up and qualifying of men and women for whom the work of teaching, encouraging, and counseling was a continuing responsibility, one that entailed additional formation and apprenticeship.

The following passage from Barclay’s Apology is often quoted, but I quote it again, because it is helpful as a summary of Friends’ position from the beginning:

We do believe and affirm that some are more particularly called to the work of the ministry and therefore are fitted of the Lord for that purpose, whose work is more constantly and particularly to instruct, admonish, oversee, and watch over their brethren. 

Now, if the ministry is in the hands of Christ’s directing spirit, as head of the church, the preparation for such service cannot be a matter of human arrangement. Study, even Bible-study, is not sufficient, nor is the learning of rhetorical forms and the skills of composition in the writing of edifying speeches. Whatever “arts or parts” that you have, God will use as needed; but it is an inward clarification and (trans)formation into a knowledge of and conformity with the Fountain of gpspel life that is essential.

Moreover, each of us will need a preparation that is paricular to our personality and condition. Since we are all being apprenticed to the same master, it is not surprising that there will be similarities in the stories that ministers tell about their schooling. The variety of stories, however, is valuable since some will feel more helpful or instructive to you than to me, in our various situations. Hence the value of the journals for spiritual formation. As Joseph John Dymond wrote in 1892

How earnestly some of us have scanned the published biographies of ministers who have gone before us in search of such insight as we might there obtain into the way in which they have been led. How deeply interesting to us have been words dropped by living men and women who were treading the same path of service to ourselves— perhaps a little in advance of us—if therein we could find some hints for our own guidance or comfort?

So my purpose in this slowly growing series of case studies is to make available, with a little commentary, some of the many stories that can be found in the writings of our tradition — including some attention to examples of eldering, as well as the way that ministers helped each other along as fellow workers.

Though the journals, letters, and other writings from the 17th and 18th centuries can strike the modern reader as messages from a distant culture, I encourage you to read them sympathetically, listening for what they can offer you for your growth, just as one listens to messages in worship which may not at first appeal or feel relevant.

I can say, also, that the more experience you have with the work of the ministry (whether as a ministering Friend, or as an elder or just a member who wants to encourage the vocal ministry in your meeting), the more value you can extract from these stories.

These cases are for use. I make so bold as to suggest that such stories — including those on this blog — could be very helpful for group reflection and discussion, perhaps especially in meetings for ministry and counsel (or whatever you call it in your meeting).

Finally, if anyone reading this has a story that they think would be useful to share, please contact me at drayton.be@gmail.com. I would be glad to consider a guest post for this series, or to work with you to shape a post using your story.