It’s a while since a thought appeared here so, when I should be reading to prepare for my co-leadership of a class session on Thursday, I found myself drawn back here.

Today’s class has me notice that I have stopped using this space as my journal. Instead these days I tend to leave the mark of my day on my Facebook page. It does not necessarily speak of the faith journey that I wander, but after about 20 years of continued use there is an almost daily reminder of significant moments in life shared with others.

This week’s course seems more comprehensible that last week’s as we focus on Reformed Spirituality and particularly 16th Century Puritanism. The aim of the course is to review the literature and experiences of the past, and to recognise whether there are elements of past experience of faith that can be lifted into present and future ministry. The particular focus today was on Jonathan Edwards and Sarah Osbourne. Both of their stories are in the public domain, and offer an opportunity to see how faithful people were caring and supporting their communities in past generations. Their faith was supported by the personal experiences of encountering grace through scripture, worship, mediation and prayer.

My question prior to today was how willing are those of us who have the roles of leaders are willing to allow those to whom we minister insight into our private devotions. How willingly do we share the highs and lows of our own spiritual journeys, so that others encounter what it means to be vulnerable and uncertain in faith? Leadership in many spheres of life so often captures the image of someone who has the answers, and yet the reality is that often the answers are found in the relationships we building the places we work.

Particular in my thoughts are the printed diaries of one of my predecessors. Even today when chatting to members of the congregation about this man there is a real sense of the love and respect in which they hold him, and he allowed them insight into how is faith was shaped by the real experiences of his life.

Much to ponder on today, and not the thoughts I had planned to leave for my return to the space. Strange what studying sparks again.