Recently I attended the Baptist Union Assembly in Cardiff, and we saw a video featuring a BaptistChurch in Openshaw, East Manchester.One of the deacons was interviewed about a certain property decision that was being made, and she said they had “no flaming option”.
I was born there in Openshaw, East Manchester - and I wonder, have I ever had any “flaming option” to the way God has led my life?In some ways - yes, and yet in other ways - God has always been in control.
I grew up in the East of Manchester, moving to such renowned places as Droylsden and Ashton Under Lyne.My family attended The Salvation Army, and I soon became totally committed to this way of life, by giving my life to Jesus.Many years previously, William Booth had said “The Lord shall have all there is of William Booth”. I decided He can have all of me too!
On leaving school I worked for The Salvation Army in administrative work.Nine happy years were spent in this environment and I have good memories of this time of hard work and great fellowship.I met the love of my life when I was 18 years old: a cute, scruffy Geordie student, who one September day in 1978 suddenly appeared at my Church. David and I married in 1982.
God had a plan for both of us, and together with our two year old daughter Amy, we went to The Salvation Army Training College in 1986, where we were trained for ministry and Christian service.We served for eight years as Salvation Army Officers, having several appointments in this time in Scotland and England.(Our son Robert was born in Bellshill Maternity Hospital in 1988).After much prayer and heart searching our lives took a different course, and David commenced Baptist Ministry formation at RegentsParkCollege, Oxford.I took time off, if that’s what you can call having our third child, Esther in 1994.
Those people who know us best knew it was only a matter of time before I followed David down the Baptist Ministry road.In 2000 I also studied for Baptist Ministry at RegentsParkCollege, Oxford.I was part of the RegentsPark In Pastorate Training Programme, which allowed me to both study and serve in a local church.Two days of the week in Oxford, and the rest of the week working alongside my husband who was then the minister of BorehamwoodBaptistChurch and Elstree Free Church.
At the end of my time in Oxford, the Lord had already clearly opened the door for Service in Leytonstone.The church support RegentsParkCollege each year, and I was the student assigned to lead their 2002 College Sunday.From this point onwards, there was no looking back.The Lord made it clear that this was the way ahead for us as a family, and Dave made a move into Hospital Chaplaincy, where he now serves as the Trust Chaplain at KingGeorgeHospital, part of the Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals Trust.
I was inducted into the pastorate, and ordained as a Baptist Minister (and recognised by the URC church) in September 2003.
No flaming option!Well - I really don’t think I would have had it any other way.
Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica: “The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it!”
I believe this now more than ever!
ALISON’S WEEK – A CRY FROM THE HEART
I recently made a pastoral visit and was surprised by a a a conversation I had where it was assumed I was "always available 24-7-52". Obviously for emergencies, I am. But for general matters, can I outline the following structure to my "normal" working week.
I do try to take Saturdays as my "day off" (jumble sales permitting!) , and so other than the odd conference or church event that means having to reschedule things, I am not usually around on a Saturday.
In addition to this, whilst I am still a Probationary Minister, I am required to take a Study Day each week (something I have been very slack in keeping during my first 12 months with you). But I wondered if you could help me with this by allowing me Tuesdays to devote to academia and to get on top again of my Probationary Study Course.
Because of family commitments I have a policy of not taking business (that means “church”) phone calls before 9:30 am or after 10:00 pm. The answerphone will get all calls out of these hours, and I will pick up those as soon as possible.
Forgive me that these guidelines were not set twelve months ago. In many ways the last year has been a learning curve for me, and I would like to thank you all for the way you have allowed me to minister among you in this time. But I fear there is still much I need to learn about being kind to myself!
Recently I attended the Baptist Union Assembly in 
At the end of my time in 
I recently made a pastoral visit and was surprised by a a a conversation I had where it was assumed I was "always available 24-7-52". Obviously for emergencies, I am. But for general matters, can I outline the following structure to my "normal" working week.