Different Gifts, Different Service | James Ellis

Ever wondered how your unique gifts could be a blessing to others in mission and ministry? In our new series we feature the many faces across our Church who are serving where they are, with what God has given them. We hope that it will be a blessing and an inspiration. 

Meet James Ellis

I am a candidate for Ministry (Minister of the Word) currently serving as Student Minister at Yarralumla Uniting Church.

What you love about being involved in this church?

I love the Uniting Church so much, and to be able to be in ministry is such a privilege and blessing. I’ve been in the student practicum placement with the Yarralumla Congregation for about 18 months now and it’s been a wonderful experience to journey with this beautiful community of people. I love the way that the people here just seek to follow Jesus and love everyone the best they can. I love how they’re willing to give new things a go and be challenged. 

What do you find most challenging?

Being half time there is a desire to try and do everything and be everywhere - which is just not achievable. So it’s been a challenge to learn how to curb my own inner expectations. We’re situated in an interesting area of Canberra which is known for a lot of wealth and high income households. The congregation has strong historical links to Yarralumla of the early years but the members are fairly spread across different suburbs these days. So there’s a challenge on how to relate to a community which most of the congregation doesn’t ‘belong’ as such but wishes deeply to be more apart. This is something we are working through together through some intentional conversations. 

On a personal level, I found it quite challenging living in a suburb which was fairly removed from my upbringing and usual experience. However it’s been good building relationships with the community and seeking to know the area. 

What you are looking forward to in your ministry ahead?

I’m looking forward to learning more. I’m about to enter my third year of ministry formation. So while I’m not sure what next year will look like just yet, I’m here for the journey and for continuing to learn and grow as much as possible. 

For Yarralumla, I’m excited about some of the opportunities the next year will have. We’ve been partnering with the local residents association to build relationships with the community and have just been successful in securing a missional grant from UME. 

Anything else you might want to share?

For all the talk of a “dying church” I see evidence of thriving life throughout the Uniting Church. We’ve recently been reading “The Church as Salt” as a group and while the church has some work to do in reframing the way it sees communities of faith and growth, there are vibrant and growing communities in places we don’t expect. I am increasingly becoming drawn to a church that is “salty” and I see beautiful, tasty salt all over the Uniting Church. Big decisions have to be made for sure, but I think we need to remember that it’s Jesus Christ that’s Lord of the Church and there’s a point where it’s out of our hands and control - and we should just lean into the joy of dwelling together in God’s love. 

We'd love to tell your story

We would love to tell the story of your ministry in your Congregation. Simply get in touch and we'll send you some questions.

If you are interested in telling us your story, simply send an email to contactus@nswact.uca.org.au.