An interview with Simon Walters
In an effort to explain what he is going to be doing in the future, I recently interviewed a good friend of mine.
Hi Simon!
Hi me. This seems somewhat contrived.
I have no idea what you’re talking about. Could you give our readers at home a quick summary of what you’ve been up to?
I’m reaching the end of a pretty chilled out summer after graduating from studying Physics in Bath. It’s been a nice break but I am definitely ready to get cracking with what’s coming next!
And what is coming next?
At the beginning of October I will start 3 years of training in Theology, Ministry, and Mission at Cranmer Hall in Durham as an ordinand.
Theology? Cranmer Hall? Ordinand?
In normal speak: an ordinand is someone training to become ordained in the Church of England (like a vicar). Cranmer Hall is part of one of the colleges of Durham University and is where I’ll be training. Theology means its about God n stuff (to a first approximation for this ‘interview’).
So you’re gonna be a bloke who walks around with a funny collar?
I am undecided on how collared I will be but essentially yes, God willing.
This seems like quite a change from what you were doing before.
Yes in many ways. I’m moving to the North East which it turns out is quite a long way from home and from where lots of my current friends live. Although superficially I suppose it looks as though I’m continuing the life of a perpetual student, my day-to-day will be different and the purpose of what I’m going to be doing is quite different to studying physics as I have before.
How come you’re doing this? Is this a way of avoiding tackling the housing ladder by being provided a free house?
Despite appearances, housing provision is not why I am training for ordination. The full version is a long story, and I’m well aware that for many people physics and theology seem opposite things. I personally have never seen the two being in conflict. The shortest answer to ‘why’ is because I believe that God is calling me to do it! I’ve been exploring the idea in one form or another since I was 16, and many friends, family members, and strangers have confirmed this sense of call as being true. If you ever want to hear the full story then let me know, I’d be happy to share.
I personally have a pretty good idea of what the full story is…
Of course you do.
…but I’ll be sure to pass that sentiment on to our viewers at home. How are you feeling about the future?
Excited and scared in equal measure! I’m looking forward to cracking on with where I feel God is calling me, and for all that I’m going to learn about Him, and also for all the new friends that I’m going to make in Durham. At the same time, it is a big change. Part of moving to somewhere new means moving on from where I was before and therefore away from many of the friends and family who have previously been an important part of my life. There is also an ever present sense of ‘who am I to serve God in this way?’ I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find the idea daunting, at least occasionally.
I can sympathise. I’m going through something similar myself.
…
How can our listeners at home best support you? Are you asking for money?
This is not a plea for money at all — I am fortunately provided for by the Church for the coming years — although I will never object to someone buying me a meal or a drink. I’d love to hear from you at any time so please do drop me a message whenever. I can’t promise my replies will always be super speedy, but I’ll do my best! For those of you who are of the praying sort, I’d appreciate your prayers as I settle in over the next few months. And if you’re ever in Durham then drop me a line, it’d be great to see you.
Any final comments?
I’d like to thank those who have listened to me trying to work this sense of call out over the past few years — I haven’t totally arrived anywhere yet, but it’s nice to have companions for the journey. I’d also like to say that this isn’t a scheme to make me super holy. I am going to change over the next few years (for the better, all being well), but I am sure that I will never cease to be the sort of Simon who thinks puns are great, owns too many books and board games, and thinks writing an interview with himself is the easiest and most entertaining way of laying out his future.
Thank you Simon — I think this interview has been a great success!
Of course you do.
Thanks for reading. This blog may well be used again in future, hopefully with less stupid things — watch this space! If you do want to read more stupid things, you can find me on Twitter.