Seeing Behind the Scenes

Friday September 25 2015

A teenage student reflects on a work experience placement with his minister. By Lynne McNeil.

Greeting his congregation following Sunday worship earlier this year, the Rev Derek Gunn was taken aback when a teenager asked: ‘Do you think I could do my work experience with you?’

Unlike most youngsters of his age looking to businesses large and small for their work experience placements, 15-year-old Calum Harrison of Airdrie was determined to learn more about the work of his minister at Clarkston Church.

Reflecting on his week, he explained: “I thought doing shadow ministry would be enjoyable. I was expecting to do a fair bit of work.

“It was even more enjoyable than I thought it would be, which was really good. I helped with a primary school assembly, planned a church service, attended a Board Meeting and a Kirk Session, visited the Presbytery Office, went to a Funeral director’s office and saw how they linked with ministry. I also led parts of the Sunday service that had been planned with my minister. I enjoyed all the work but felt I did it more because I wanted to rather than because I had to.

“I was surprised about the amount of preparation and administrative work that is done by the minister and how much time takes to prepare for worship.”

Looking ahead, he said he was going to do more with his minister and that the experience had already helped him make key decisions about his future in the Church.

“I am going to become a full communicant member of the Church and though I don’t think at present that I would become a full-time minister, I am already interested in the future possibility of part-time Ordained Local Ministry.”

Derek, who has been minister at Clarkston since December 2009, after his initial surprise found that he too gained surprising insights during the week.

“One of my main hopes was to let Calum see ‘behind the scenes’ to understand the range of work that is part of ministry – to see different aspects of ministry including the planning of worship and the leadership role of the minister.

“It was extremely enjoyable! It also made me rethink some of the ways that I do things. I think that I had underestimated just how much understanding and willingness to learn our young people can have.

“Calum’s enthusiasm and willingness to do so much more than ‘observe’ but to get really involved made it a very special experience.”

He said he had felt it unfair to involve the teenager in funeral visits and had not had the opportunity to take him on hospital visits, but as a result of Calum’s continuing interest and maturity, this would now be possible.

“I discovered than when young people choose a work experience placement that interests them, they will put a lot of effort in and get a lot more out of the experience. It was as enjoyable for me as it was for Calum. I am delighted that he found it so interesting the he’s coming back for more!”

Derek added: “As we start on the Decade of Ministry I cherish the hope that areas such as ‘work experience’ may help us move to a future where more people learn that there may be a place for them in ministry. I thank Calum for sharing his time with me.”