Different Gifts, Different Service | Rev. Tau’alofa Anga’aelangi

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.

Wed, 31 Jul 2024

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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 Rev. Tau’alofa Anga’aelangi

Current ministry / Job role:

Tertiary Chaplain/ Visiting Spiritual advisor Charles Sturt University (Port Macquarie)

What you love about being involved in this ministry?

I was ordained into the ministry of Deacons in 2019. The call to ministry for Deacons is inspired by the servanthood of Jesus. Living out one's life in the servanthood of Jesus is a gift that is essential in my life. That is what I bring to the ministry that the church has called me to serve.

What does the discernment of the gift of servanthood involve, and how do you apply it in your role at Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie?

In one's discernment of the gift of servanthood, it is about hospitality, relationships, and meeting people where they are. That is what I love about being in this pioneering ministry of tertiary chaplaincy at Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie. God has given me the gift of servanthood, and this is what I bring to serve, and I love it.

Being called to the scattered and the gathered community is not unique to the diaconate because the whole people of God are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.

In the Basis of Union, paragraph 14C:

"The Uniting Church will structure its operations to stay receptive to the potential that God might summon both men and women to a revitalized diaconate. In these situations, the Church may choose to decide for them as Deacons and Deaconesses, regardless of whether their service takes place within or outside the congregation."

This implies that the ontological nature of an individual's call to the ministry of deacons is inherently open and adaptable. It recognizes that the calling can manifest in various forms and contexts, emphasizing the inclusivity and dynamic nature of the diaconate in the Uniting Church. The Church's openness to this possibility suggests that one's being and vocation as a deacon or deaconess are not confined by traditional boundaries but are instead understood as fluid and responsive to God's call.

I enjoy working in a university setting because the staff, students, and local community participate in our day-to-day operations. There are encounters that take place, and they are unusual for the experience and expectations of the church. At the same time, they become the highlight and a learning opportunity of being in the scattered community.

What do you find most challenging in your pioneering role at the university, and how do you address it?

Building community is always challenging because you are bringing together people from all walks of life. Equipping yourself to be of service is very demanding, and most of the time, you learn as you go, remaining open to learning and listening along the way.

Secondly, this is a pioneering role, and often the church's expectations on paper differ from reality when the rubber hits the road. It is important to have clear communications. However, I have a wonderful group of people in my Presbytery and local church who are willing to listen and learn from our assumptions.

Thirdly, there is an opportunity for all of us as a church to equip ourselves to work with young people. Often, we sit with an agenda once they walk through our church building. I am frequently asked how and where the young people are. Yet, they are obviously sitting right in front of us or, in my case, situated at the university. What the question implies is, why are they not here doing what we want them to do?

Lastly, financial resources always pose a significant challenge for every ministry. This pioneering role emerged from a congregation and presbytery's missional initiative and later received support through the Synod's growth funding project. I believe it is difficult for most local congregations and presbyteries to fully mobilise their resources because the church's approach to God's generosity often resembles a capitalist system.

What you are looking forward to in your ministry/church in the year ahead?

The local congregation has employed one of the young people from the university as the administration officer. This has helped to change some aspects of the church culture by having representation, and my hope is that it will continue this way. Learning to walk together is crucial for the work of the whole people of God. Our God is full of surprises, and that's really exciting because it is a testament to faith.

Anything else you might want to share?

Some of the students in the ministry have been hurt by the church and are very cautious when they come to the church, especially towards those of us in collars. We must take responsibility and accountability for what has happened, or we risk history repeating itself.

May we continue to work closely with young people and intentionally listen to them. Let's be transparent because in the church, young people are the church today, not just the future!