I think the church generally is quite diligent in training up leaders for ministry. We are generally well focused on theology, liturgy, hermeneutics, the sacraments, church history, leadership (sort of) and a bunch of etc’s. 

However, I am becoming more aware that we seem to have a gap in our teaching and that is in the area of warmth and touch. No, not necessarily physical touch, but that does help!

It was the first day of the year for our Scripture in Schools lesson and while Scripture was never my strong suit, I was pretty good with really young ones. Recess finished as I approached my first class of a new year when I was suddenly swamped by a bunch of kids giving hugs of welcome. 

Next week I was ushered into the principal’s office. Not an uncommon thing in my school days. Some rotter had dobbed me in!! ‘John’, said the kindly boss, ‘you know you mustn’t make close contact with the children.’ Yes sir’, said I, ‘but it wasn’t my fault. I was the huggee – not the hugger,”

If I was ever asked to identify a gap in how we perceive leadership in the church, it would be in the lack of the human touch. Churches have a thing called liturgy. It is not an order of service as such, indeed it is much more important than that. 

A good liturgy has to tell the story – the gospel – the good news of Jesus. My concern is that we get so stuck in making sure that the words are in the right place and time that we forget the story of Jesus is much more than words. A good liturgy is a lived-out drama.

Take my favourite bugbear at present; the Baptism service. Now I used to love it when we had a baptism, adult or infant, but most of all infants. It is such a special and often an opportune moment for good liturgy – story telling. 

I do not know if COVID has sacred us off, or the increasingly poor perception of men in general, but we appear to be reluctant to touch the baptismal candidate.

It would be a key part of any baptism service of mine that I quickly took hold of the child and more often than not take him or her for an introductory ‘G’day’ into the gathered mob.  

Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it. And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10:15-16

There is a lovely part of the baptism service where we find the words: may the lord open your ears to hear his word and your mouth to proclaim his praise. 

Oh dear friends in ministry, as you speak these words DO TOUCH the candidates’ ears and mouth if you are not already doing so. This is a sacred moment. How often does the touch of Jesus bring about healing?

A man with a skin disease came to him, and kneeling he said to him, Íf you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, Í am willing. Be made clean!’ Mark 1:40-41

Touching is an important part of healing. When you are given permission to touch, please touch! 

By all means, do sanitise your hands – COVID had some positive outcomes – but act out this beautiful drama. It is Jesus stuff. The most important and memorable moments in ministry for me, when I was ordained, or inducted into a new place was when hands were laid on me and people blessed and prayed. Do touch.

Let us not just talk it. Let us live out the drama of Christ among us, include everyone there in the story. It is such a good one! 

I have said these things to you so that my joy may b.e in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11

Yes, I have focussed on infants, but the same principles apply no matter the age. Though I admit carrying an adult around is hardly practical!

Now, onto Holy Communion … next time perhaps.