Open Minds, by the Grace of God

My education at VST prepared me for life in a congregational setting by giving me a sense of confidence in scripture, the Christian tradition, and the power of the gospel to change lives. This is not a usual thing for mainline seminaries, which can overemphasize deconstruction and contemporary political issues. I was taught the importance of inclusiveness and open-mindedness, but always as the product of the grace of God revealed in Jesus Christ. This opened an endless treasure trove of riches in preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and social justice that are closed off when “the faith once delivered to the saints” is seen as an obstacle to ministry rather than an ally.

The challenges and delights of congregational ministry are many! The challenges are the usual: fewer financial resources and less willingness, energy, and availability on behalf of volunteers. But the delights vastly outweigh the challenges. They are often the little things: an a-cappella verse of “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” while more than a dozen candidates processed to the baptismal font at our Easter Vigil to be baptized or renew their baptisms. I think about a note from the parents of a young man who is gay and therefore unable to be a part of the church he grew up in, expressing how meaningful it is to them that their son has found a place of love and acceptance. And I think about the tears of joy when proclaiming forgiveness to a woman on her death bed. Again this goes back to my formation at VST: God is real, life itself is God’s project. Once you think like that, you begin to see God’s work everywhere.

VST can continue to support my work and congregational life in two ways: the first is to continue keeping “the main thing the main thing,” and to not give in to pressure from denominations or the culture in general to elevate anything else over forming strong preachers, teachers, and other leaders for pastoral ministry. The second would be to consider ways that VST could support the formation of lay leaders in congregations that hold these similar convictions. Without congregations forming faithful disciples, there will be no leaders to enroll at the school in the first place.

Ryan Slifka shepherds St. George’s United Church (Courtenay, BC) as Minister of Word, Sacrament, and Pastoral Care. He previously served as Campus Minister for the United Church of Canada at UBC, and as Associate Minister at University Hill Congregation. He is also a grateful alumnus of VST (MDiv, 2013), and is currently a United Church appointee to the VST Board. Ryan received the TEG Award in 2019.