Name
Reverend Becky Roberts.
Occupation
Vicar of Harnham Parish Churches.
Is this your own enterprise?
No.
How many years have you been doing this job?
I qualified to be a priest in 2002 and have worked in Chelmsford, Winchester and Salisbury Diocese. In 2013 I moved to Harnham and have been here since. A Diocese is the regional area in which churches are grouped into.
How did it all start?
That's a long story! I knew from the age of 17 that I had a nagging feeling I was meant to be a priest. Partly because I enjoyed helping people, listening to their concerns and taking up causes for social justice. And partly because when I prayed this is what kept coming to me. I knew it would be a difficult job and it was not legal for women to be priests at that time, so I avoided it until I was in my late 20's. Before undertaking the priesthood, I began my career by training to be a school teacher and first taught in London and abroad. On my return I met with the appointed persons who discern if you would make a good priest, and got accepted through the selection process. When I heard I had been selected it was daunting but I celebrated by going night clubbing in Leicester Square!
What does the job involve?
The job has many aspects from the management of trustees and budgets to governance in schools. From leading worship in churches to supporting those who have been bereaved or who are getting married. No two days are ever the same and my diary is always full. One day I could be at assemblies with over 300 children, that usually involve acting and singing. And another, I'm providing quiet pastoral support, by visiting people who have lived on their own or in care and need a listening ear.
There is a job description described in the Service of Ordination, which is both legal and worship, which includes: "Serving the community in love, helping the poor and sick and lonely, listening and speaking out for the oppressed and powerless. So - ‘that the love of God may be made visible’ - ".
Additionally, I help people to grow in their faith and enjoy helping people learn. I pray daily for the members of the church, the wider community and the world. Some people I come across feel lost, or that life is unfair. I try and help them get back on the right track, and enable others to go out and show them the love of God. One of the hard parts of the job is sometimes you never know what happens to the people you've tried to help. It’s a big task and love that each day is different.
 |
| All Saints Church. |
 |
| St George's Church |
What qualifications do you need?
The official line is - To be in good standing in the community. However, once selected, you will need to have a diploma or degree in theology, (how to talk about God and interpret the scriptures in the light of when they were written, and apply them in today’s context). I studied applied theology that included both Black and Feminist Theology. As well as Pastoral Care and did a dissertation on how overseas experiences of different cultures, can aid social justice in home nations. I've also recently completed an MA on leadership and the church.
What’s the best part of the job?
It's got to be the people. I love meeting different people from all walks of life and enabling others. I also enjoy seeing them grow in their understanding and experience of God.
What’s the worst part of the job?
I think this varies according to your personality, but for me I find the worst parts are administration. Getting the balance between rules and appropriate care. In difficult times my role sometimes represents what people are angry about, and like many other leaders, I can get the brunt of it.
What advice would you give to someone who was looking to do this as a career?
Start by belonging to a worshipping community and explore with the leadership of that community a way forward. Get experience in life. Pray!
Additional resources.
Click here for Harnham Parish Community.
Click here for Church of England Common Worship Ordination Services.
Click here for Church of Scotland Ordination Booklet.
About the interviewer:
David Walker spent over thirty years working as a technician with the Theatre, Film and TV industry before deciding to change career and move into journalism. He studied with the BCJ and received his Diploma in 2016. Now he works freelance covering online, print and radio broadcast. His specialist areas are Motorsport, Travel, The Arts and the Mars One Project, although he is never afraid to try anything new and relishes a challenge wherever possible.
To contact David please email davidwalkerfj@gmail.com
Click here for David’s LinkedIn profile.
Click here if you want to take part in this blog.
