Ask the Nominees: Week 5
Each week leading up to General Council we are asking the nominees for Moderator one question to help everyone get to know each of them a little better. More information about each nominee, their gifts, and their vision for the church can be found on the Moderator Nominees page.
Q: If you were not in your current occupation or vocation, what would you be doing?
Posted: July 11, 2012
Rev. Dr. Ross Bartlett
I would probably be teaching at the university or seminary level.
Rev. Arlen John Bonnar
What a wonderful and privileged professional life I have had! Most of it a healing presence in the psycho-social-spiritual aspect of people's lives: educator with the intellectually challenged; private practice as a psychotherapist; hospital chaplain; director of a mission unit; pastor. To choose to do something other than what I am now doing, would in fact, be a continuation of my life pattern—I would be a physician, a healing presence for the body—specifically, a pediatrician.
Rev. Sally Boyle
Either farming or driving semi or possibly one of the trades like carpentry.
Rev. Gary V. Clark
Social Worker or in the Performing Arts.
Rev. Jeff Cook
I would probably be working as a journalist.
Rev. David Fines
I first studied psychology, so maybe a psychologist. But I also studied French literature for a while, so I guess writing poetry and books was a dream of mine… And in fact, in 15 years or so I did translate over 80 hymns and songs from English to French, and in the last two years I wrote (and co-wrote) four books about Faith and Ecology… And there are two more to come!
Rev. Dr. Orville James
My "dream" job would be playing centre for the Detroit Red Wings, between Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman. Moving out of my fantasy world to reality… I would probably be happy and productive as a broadcast journalist. I'd love to be the CBC's correspondent from London or Washington.
Mr. Moses Kanhai
Writing a book—perhaps about my family. My pet project has always been to record my family's journey, especially for the sake of my children and grandchildren.
Rev. John Lawson
An organic farmer. I already have a large garden and chickens in the backyard, but I dream of playing a bigger part in finding ways of caring for the earth and farming in healthy and sustainable ways to feed my neighbours and the world.
Rev. Gary J. Paterson
Years ago, I taught English Lit. at the University of BC—and I sometimes wonder about "the road not taken"—loved the words, loved the work. But if I were to dream life over—I would be a biologist, wanting to discover how the world works. Then I'd study theology.
Rev. Lisa Potter
My first vocation was a nurse, where I worked in psychiatry. During the years I was a stay at home mom I took the opportunity to further my education, obtaining a BA in political science and a Master's in health administration. When my children were school age I returned to work as a health administrator. Not yet satisfied with my career choice, I answered the call to ministry that I had received many years before and received a Master's in divinity. I was right where I wanted to be! Ministry for me is not a vocation; it is a way of life. I am doing now what I always wanted to do and will continue to serve in this way until I can no longer do so.
Rev. Dr. Barry K. Pridham
Believing one's profession is a calling from God, I am not sure what other profession God might have called me to. In my early years in ordered ministry I spent some time discerning whether God might be calling me into medicine. I was interested in a Theo-medic degree being offered at the time. So maybe I could have been a medical doctor specializing in holistic medicine. What would I like to be doing? What I'm doing right now in ministry. There are days I reminisce about being a farmer, having grown up on a farm. Politician is not far from some of our prophetic calling. It is something I thought about at times. I've often contemplated being a clown and helping the world lighten up. It's fun imagining myself in any number of professions.
Rev. Paul Reed
I like to build. We built our own off-grid energy-efficient home. If I wasn't doing what I am doing I would take seriously the invitation to join a local company promoting sustainable living and building solar systems.
Rev. Dr. Tom Sherwood
It's not a question of what I would do, but of who I am—a learner and a teacher. I have always been engaged in teaching and learning… in congregations, at universities, and in the community. Always will be. I teach because I love to learn (often from my students); but I'm a human being not a human doing.
Rev. Dr. John H. Young
Probably one of two things. I might have chosen to farm. Growing up, I spent summers and most weekends on my grandmother's farm. I developed a love I still retain of growing things and of working with farm animals. The other possibility would be a lawyer.
