Mersey Synod Ministers’ Away Day Play in Ministry: What it enables, what it reveals

Sixteen ministers and the Mersey Synod Children and Youth Development Officer (CYDO) recently gathered at Foxhill House and Gardens to share ministries and support one another. Led by Mission Tutor, Ian Macdonald, "Play in Ministry: What it enables, what it reveals", used LEGO® to promote theory and practice through creativity.

Dr Emma E Howarth, Mersey Synod Training and Development Officer, said: “The day was a mix of theory and practice, starting with making a duck and ending with the ministers creating their own perception of their ministry out of LEGO®.  The purpose of the Ministers’ Away Days is to foster peer support and allow a safe space for ministers to step away from the daily business of their pastorate for a few hours.”

Revd Stuart Radcliffe, Mersey Synod Missional Discipleship Enabler, commented: “It is always good to spend time with colleagues, but I was particularly looking forward to exploring the theme of ‘play in ministry’. However, I was pleasantly surprised by content that helped us to explore ‘missional imagination’ and think beyond where we are, to a realm of what might be and how this could help share the Gospel and grow the church.”

Ian Macdonald is the Mission Tutor at Sarum College in Salisbury where he also focusses on Human Flourishing.  He is fascinated by the relationship between Spirituality, Play and Creativity; and enjoys using play to open up engagement in this arena.  He is a Certified in ‘LEGO® Serious Play®,’ a Stand-Up Comedian, and a Storyteller (and has a Masters degree in Theology).