No limousines
A couple of years ago I was speaking on a church weekend at a large Christian conference center. Ours was not the only group on the site, and car parking was not easy. When at last I found a space it was at the far end of the car park from our group – nestled in amongst a collection of high end luxury cars from those attending another conference. When I found at later to whom they belonged – it turned out to be a group of ministers from a tradition which might widely be termed ‘the prosperity Gospel’. I am delighted to say that the arrival of my car lowered the tone no end!
As thoughts of pilgrimage continue to circle round my head, I am struck by the oft repeated urge to exchange simplicity and humility with complexity and status. When I turn up to a conference, either to speak or to attend, I like to do so with my old battered leather briefcase. Its not that I need everything in it, but I like to have it there as proof that I am a serious person.
Next week I am attending the PilgrimageUK event in Sheffield. I shall try my hardest to go each day equipped only with the notebook you see below, and a pen. It is all part of a deliberate ‘slimming down’ of pace, status and paraphernalia in this sabbatical period. I wonder whether it will work?
One of the books I have been reading is R. S Thomas’ collection of poetry Counterpoint. Can’t get these lines out of my head:
We have over-furnished
our faith. Our churches
are as limousines in the procession
towards heaven.
CLICK image to find out more about the book
