Author: Dina Morton

What does it mean to be a ‘professional’? Should those engaged in, or exploring a call to ministry seek such a label? Does it matter? 

These are all big and important questions to wrestle with. 

Historically, the notion of ‘profession’ was attached to three spheres of work: medicine, law, and, you’ve guessed it, ministry, or more specifically, the priesthood. Over time, as societies, work and economies have shifted, notions of ‘profession’ have (often helpfully) diversified. You can look at most job adverts nowadays and the requirements and language will indicate, or at least infer, the need to be ‘professional’. 

Of course, notions of ‘professionalism’ are contested. Traditionally, at least, being ‘professional’ sits between regulation and autonomy – in one sense, those occupations which claim some form of professional status, tend to be regulated by bodies that are often governmentally approved or, in some instances, directed. Ostensibly, this is in order that they enjoy public trust to practice ‘autonomously’. For some of us, who are interested in working in different types of ‘people ministry’, forms of control like this might feel more than a little challenging – especially as this type of work has traditionally been thought of as being under the banner of ‘civil society’ – a buffer zone between people and the state.  

And there is another issue. If everything and everyone is called in their work to ‘be professional’, has the term become a catch-all devoid of any real meaning? For some thinkers in this field, ‘project professionalisation’ has become a means by which capitalist states, and other organisations (subtly) control their workforces through bureaucratic regulation, marketisation and possibly even pay cuts. This is especially the case in respect of the ‘people professions’ in which many people are motivated by a deep sense of vocation. In this view, ‘professionalisation’ might be seen as the very opposite – ‘deprofessionalisation’ – wherein work is devalued, and where there is control, but without real autonomy.  So, perhaps those of us engaged in ministry should reject notions of ‘profession’ and see through them for what they are – clinical, controlling and ‘of the world’.

Maybe, but I would suggest another option – the need to ‘name’, reject, ‘be playful with’ but ultimately redeem the best aspects of what it means to be professional. This may help us reorientate our thinking towards new possibilities – to consider again who it is we seek to serve and what it is in terms of kingdom, society and justice that we join God in building. Colossians 3v23 comes to mind: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters’. This, I think, calls us to ‘do all things well’ and to continually engage in honest, shared dialogue and reflection regarding what this means in developing ministerial praxis.

It’s this connection that brings me to something that was suggested recently during exploration of these themes with CYM students – that we might explore what it means for us to be ‘God’s professionals’ – a space where we are empowered and given autonomy by the Holy Spirit to be who God has called us to be in the context of communities and people’s lives. To be Christ to people and to do so ethically in ways that enjoy freedom and accountability. 

Yet we need to also recognise that the complexities of practice mean that we don’t minister in isolated bubbles – we are often called to work and minister in situations that are complicated and involve multiple stakeholders including other professionals. This reminds me of the story of one of my PhD interviewees who had been a Christian youth worker for many years before studying for a degree. ‘Steve’ said that completing his degree helped him gain credibility in representing the church in his work alongside a range of professionals including police officers, social workers and NHS and Youth Offending Team staff. For me, that’s significant in being one of ‘God’s professionals’ – in being the best we can be in serving others and God’s kingdom.  

Why not have a chat with us if you’re exploring that call? 

Twenty-five years ago, I took my first steps into working with children and young people.  I did it because I wanted to help young people find wholeness, or to use the Hebrew word, Shalom.  I didn’t know that was what I was doing at the time, but after a while I realised that if I wanted to do better for these young people, I would need some training, so I did CYM’s youth work degree. 

The course opened my mind and heart to what God wanted for these young people, indeed for all people, and that’s when I learned about Shalom.  It’s the word we often translate as peace, but it means much more than that. Another word to describe it might be wellbeing.  This is the word we use at Renew Wellbeing, where I work when I’m not working with CYM.  My role at Renew is to help people working with children and young people in their churches and communities to set up Renew spaces: Safe places where it’s OK not to be OK.  

You could argue that what CYM does is a similar thing – equipping youth workers, children and family workers, community workers to create spaces that are welcoming, inclusive and safe. Places where people can connect with one another, learn different ways to take care of their wellbeing, to take action about challenges in their lives, to pay attention to what is happening in their souls and to share their lives with one another. 

This week is Mental Health Awareness week and after this ‘unprecedented’ year we know that more than ever we all need to find those safe places and people who will help us through.  It takes people with skill and passion to create those kinds of spaces in our communities and if you are one of those people, CYM’s short courses, BAs and MAs can play a part in equipping you with those skills, shaping and fuelling your passion and calling, to help people find Shalom.

If you want to know more about CYM’s courses you can browse through the rest of the site –  www.cym.ac.uk – or contact us to arrange an informal discussion about our offering. 

If you want to know more about Renew Wellbeing go to www.renewwellbeing.org.uk

This past year has been a crazy, hasn’t it? I only joined CYM in September 2020 and so have spent most of the time learning online. Last week was only the second time I’d met these people I’ve been calling friends, face to face!

Although this year has been tough, my experience of studying has been amazing. CYM adapted to meeting online incredibly, we are even undertaking some of the modules with the Irish students as well, who we likely would not have met otherwise.

I think one of the things I love most about studying with CYM is the focus on self. Being given the opportunity to reflect and grow in our own practice and theologies in a safe environment, be that online or in person, has been an extremely valuable lesson, one which has definitely impacted my practice as a Youth Pastor.

I particularly loved the diversity module we studied this year. This is because it challenged my theology and thinking towards people that are different to me. It gave me an opportunity to truly learn about and love my neighbour through the lens of Jesus. As part of that module, I was able to interview a local Imam via zoom. I learnt so much about him and Islam, all whilst been rooted in my own faith. We may not always have the same opinion on the course, but that is ok, because we are all learning together and working towards to the same goal, to help children, youth or adults, encounter the love of Jesus Christ.

What a year it has been.

This week we had some students at college.

That should not sound interesting, but it’s only been the 8^th day this unique academic year and the first time since October that we have seen students face to face. While we’ve thanked God regularly for Zoom and other digital technologies it was a joy to see that students still had legs and hear more than one voice at a time. As students moved round the CYM teaching centre (socially distanced of course) and even removed masks to sit down and eat together outside in the campus coffee shop I found that I was moved to see our little community come to life again.

They shared amazing stories of creative children’s ministry activities, engaging families at their doorsteps and experimenting in detached youth work the first time but at the same time were so excited that they were starting to see groups of young people again in parks and church grounds. They also shared their fears about meeting together again, the nervousness of relationships lost and their experiences of lateral flow tests and jabs.

When we redesigned our BA and MA courses last year we explored whether distance or online learning might be the way forward – it would help students at a distance engage with us for the first time and to learn how to learn in new ways for both staff and students. However the beauty of a community eating together, the informal walking along side people and creativity of shared activities reminded me that this is all part of our identity as individuals and as a community. We copy our created identity by meeting together face to face.

The power of sharing space with each other echoes God looking for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, meeting Elijah with his face covering in the cave and a trembling Isaiah in the envisioned throne room. It’s Jesus sharing food in the upper room, and later returning to face to face meetings in the locked room after the resurrection. It’s the church as body, vine, family and gathered multitude anticipated in Revelation. We are designed to be together.

CYM has always been a strong community – our students tell us that each year. It’s been beautiful seeing the community meet together again.

A personal reflection from Linda on life as a CYM BA degree student:

Travelling up the motorway, bags packed with books, notepads, stationary (I love my stationary) laptop and my head swapping from nursery rhymes and action songs to thoughts of management theories and theology.

Looking forward to seeing friends and catching up. How’s everyone doing? Any progress on essays, placements, portfolio?

Arriving early to avoid heavy traffic there’s time for a quiet coffee and a browse in the library. The rest of the students arrive in fits and starts, laughter and tears are shared.

I hear the usual questions: “When do we start? What room are we in? Has the tuckshop been restocked?” all essential questions of course!

I love the lectures and the opportunity to learn and by the end of the day my brain is buzzing.

I stay with my host family who provide a peaceful haven for the evening which sets me up well for day 2.

More learning, worship together in chapel, food together and chatter and laughter. Home on the motorway gives me time for quiet and reflection.

Toddler group, schools work, Sunday school, study, planning, family, reading, research. Applying what I’ve learnt, meet with line manager – sleep.

The two weeks have passed by and it’s time to pack my bag and head back to Nottingham.

Never a dull moment.