‘God Calls Everyone’ – Revd. Canon Derek Walmsley
One of the challenges of any form of studying is the number of books on your reading list. Even for those of us who love reading this can be a huge task.
Every challenge comes with opportunity and for me, the breadth of my reading for this study has led me to books that sit outside my usual faith stream. I came to faith and have remained in an Independent Pentecostal Church setting for almost 50 years. I am comfortable with the authors I know who come from a similar faith background but during the last five years of study, I have benefited from reading books from different streams of the Christian faith.
This week I have been particularly blessed by Revd. Canon Derek Walmsley’s book ‘God Calls Everyone’(1). I particularly enjoyed the readability of the book, the touches of humour and the meaningful personal and practical examples scattered throughout the text.
Revd. Canon Walmsley is clearly a person steeped in the bible but with an ability to present his theology in a clear, simple way. I was particularly touched by the grace he applies when discussing areas where views may differ such as the infilling of the Holy Spirit and interpreting the book of Revelation. I have much to learn when talking to people whose faith position is different to my own.
The book takes readers on a journey through the whole bible narrative, exploring vocation and how God calls everyone. Once we understand the pivotal concept that God has a plan and amazingly He invites us to get involved in what He is already doing, we become less preoccupied with ourselves and what our individual plan might look like. As well as encouraging us to take our eyes off ourselves, the author creates a wonderful sense of purpose as we realize God wants us to be involved in His great plan and there is a place for everyone.
The book re-centres our lives on being a follower of Jesus before we are anything else.
There were definitely some ‘ouch’ moments in this book as my myths about vocation were gently but clearly challenged. There we also some beautiful poignant moments where the reality of the simplicity of God’s calling permeated my heart in a very special way. So thank you Revd. Canon Walmsley(2).
References
(1)Published by Authentic Media Ltd. 2020.
(2) Revd. Canon Derek Walmsley is the Diocesan Director of Ordinands & Vocations for the Anglican Diocese of Leeds and a residentiary canon of Wakefield Cathedral
Appreciating Theology 