Madeleine Baughen

As a small child growing up in London, I imagined God was a bit like my Australian grandparents – a long-distance relationship, which made time together precious, and required you to speak slowly on the telephone. I have a distinct memory of trying my best not to join the priest in saying “Amen” at the end of the service because then Jesus would know not to leave me. He’d have no choice but to keep listening!

Through the discernment process, I’ve reflected on how I understand God’s call on my life. Being an extrovert and an Enneagram Two, it is perhaps not surprising that my own sense of call has been shaped through the friendships I’ve shared with people who are deeply committed to Jesus. Meeting leaders, both lay and ordained, whose lives embody integrity, creativity and abundance in the service of Jesus has challenged the way I envision my own contribution to His Kingdom. Walking alongside people who are both parents and priests, who care equally deeply about theological discussion and their creative hobbies, who prioritize both community and adventure – these diverse role models have shaped the way I understand God’s care and provision over all the parts of our lives.

What if that desire to carry Jesus with me, which I had as a child, is a glimpse of His invitation to me? It has been humbling and deeply encouraging to share these fragile wonderings with my community. Through much prayer and discussion, I am increasingly sure that God is inviting me – not some future or better version – to use everything I am in serving Him.

I embark on this next chapter of ministry leaning on the words of Jesus in John 10:10 – “I came that you may have life, life in all its fullness.” I hope to bring all I am in the service of sharing Christ’s life with others, that we may know ourselves deeply loved by the God who never leaves us. (Even if we say “Amen” at the end.)