Minister is finding a new way to follow in the family tradition

Even coming from a long line of ministers – she is the fifth generation of her family to have entered the ministry – it was never a certainty that Ruth Kennedy would follow in their footsteps.

However, growing up in Dalkeith and going to church every Sunday in the church where her great-grandfather was minister for half a century, Ruth had long been aware of that legacy, especially as one of the kirk's beautiful stained-glass windows was dedicated to his memory.

Those weekly visits may never have suggested she was destined to follow in the family tradition, but they did ensure an early commitment to Christ.

"I found that being there weekly, encountering and surrendering all to Jesus at a young age, and being faithfully discipled as a child of the manse, all grew a deep appreciation and awe in me about how God brings lots of different types of people together across the generations," Ruth explained in an interview for the Church of Scotland's monthly Talking Ministry series.

"But we haven't to stay in history, the future is ahead of us, and growth is change. So, no, following the same calling was the last God-plan I expected!"

Instead, Ruth chose a path of service which saw her working in the charity sector for 20 years, using her ability to think creatively to disrupt established practices and improve support and care for individuals and groups in need of that extra help.

It is a background which helped prepare her for a new role when Ruth finally decided to enter the ministry herself, a decision she describes as a natural next step in the faith-adventure of following Jesus.

"Looking back, I can see how God was preparing me for ministry all along. Nothing was nor is wasted – not pieces of bread when Jesus fed the crowds, and not our experiences," Ruth said.

A digital parish

Ruth may have been following her ancestors' path into ministry in one way, but as someone who admits she is "not wired to maintain the norm", Ruth opted not for traditional parish ministry, but instead one of the Church of Scotland's new pioneer minister roles designed to be a bridge between church and wider community and demonstrate that Christianity is not just something for a Sunday morning service.

Ruth explained: "I have such a passion for those who haven't met Jesus yet, especially those who have never heard or seen anything about Him and pioneering ministry fits so well with this.

"It meant most of my time was out in the community, not in church on a Sunday morning, but exploring how we can lovingly respond with the Gospel where people are at now and remain there with them.

"I guess this is a pretty good reflection of my approach to faith in that I see Jesus being wildly unconventional, relevant and relatable to people whom He gets out to meet and yet compassionate and nurturing towards His established followers."

Last October, Ruth's Kirk career took another turn, taking her into the digital sphere as leader of the Church of Scotland's Sanctuary First online ministry and worshipping community.

This offers a unique opportunity to take the Gospel message to people who might not consider going into a church building, whether they are in Scotland or further afield.

"We offer not a window for the world into faith, but a doorway where you can enter into the presence of God in a whole host of creative ways, encounter the Living Jesus and engage with others who are doing likewise," Ruth said.

"Sanctuary First is a pioneering ministry birthed from the local church with creative people determined to work with what they see God doing, and this is in the realm of digital ministry. I do think there is in this a blueprint for the Church, but it was and is always there.

"Notice what God is doing and partner with Him. To do this we must keep our hearts open and soft to the new, the different, the creative and the curve ball! To be comfortable in taking fearless, faithful risks for Jesus."

Read more

Each month, the Talking Ministry series will share a personal story from those serving in Christian ministry, as well as discernment resources filled with questions, prayers and reflections to help encourage your own reflection on how God might be calling you.

You can read Rev Ruth Kennedy's full interview and access the resources for March on our Talking Ministry page.