Hello, I’m a Parish Priest. No, I’m not superman

It’s often impossible for church leaders to live up to the lofty expectations placed on them by their congregations, says Rev Jamie Sewell. Your local vicar can’t do it all

In 2018, after 20 years of working in Christian ministry as a youth worker and serving on various leadership teams, I felt the call to priesthood. At the time, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what being a priest meant. But now, in my third year of curacy as curate-in-charge, I’ve come to realise that the true meaning of priesthood is something God continues to reveal to me daily. It has been one of the most joyous, and at times one of the most painful, adventures of my life. 

Hebrews 5:1 says, “For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.” Being a priest is no small order. The reality of stepping into a position where you hold responsibility for the spiritual well-being of others, or in my case, when you carry the cure of souls for a parish, is a daunting task. As much as it is a huge privilege, it can also at times feel overwhelming. 

Part of that sense of being overwhelmed comes from the sheer number of elements tied up with a person’s spiritual well-being. There are innumerable facets to the role. And the truth is, it is ultimately an impossible job to fulfil. Because my task is never to save or transform anyone, that is Christ’s work alone. I can only ever point people to the great high priest, Jesus Christ. As 1 Timothy 2:5 reminds us: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” 

Still, the weight of the role is real. On paper, I am responsible for both the pastoral care of those who gather in our church community and the missional task of reaching the whole parish. In White City, that’s over 4,000 households, alongside nearly 100 people on our electoral roll. I hold the tension of discipling those who are committed, while also trying to reach those who have never set foot in the church. 

And with that come the expectations, some realistic, some bordering on the impossible!