The Rev David Guest interviews the Rev Tosh Lynch, who was ordained deacon earlier in the summer, serving a curacy at St Mary’s, Hamilton and St Andrew’s, Uddingston.

Tosh, could you tell us a little about yourself and your journey to ordained ministry.
I was born in Glasgow (Drumchapel) and brought up in a large family. For most of my career I have been in the caring profession working in the NHS initially as a registered nurse and during my nursing career I qualified as a counsellor and for the last 12 years worked as a registered chaplain. I started as a mental health chaplain to then becoming the Head of Spiritual Care.

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, I became unwell. At one point I was sitting up (easier to breathe) downstairs at about 3am and the Ignatian Spirituality questions came to me. You reflect on these questions during the meditation on Christ’s passion while doing the Spiritual Exercises: what have I done for Christ? Moving from gratitude concerning my past.What am I doing for Christ? My current examined commitment in the present to, what will I do for Christ? To resolve my future.

I am no stranger to wondering about my vocation in ordained ministry but at that point I was resolved to discern God’s desire for me and to act on it.

So what first drew you to the Scottish Episcopal Church?
This question is easy to answer. I was drawn to the liturgy of the Scottish Episcopal Church and the language of inclusion. There was a feeling of coming home, to be congruent in a congruent space.

While you have not been in ordained ministry before now you would see your previous roles very much as having a ministry. What did you enjoy most about your previous work?
This is a difficult question to answer. I am thankful however of the gifts God has given me to engage in these roles.

I have loved all my ministries, first as a nurse and then as a counsellor in the NHS and private practice and finally for the last 12 years I have been an NHS chaplain.

It has been an immense privilege to journey, walk alongside people who are exploring who they are in the world.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
To engage in parish ministry in all its forms, getting to know both congregations and the wider community.

Is there a particular aspect of ministry that you feel especially passionate about?
I am quite a relational person and being with people is important. I hope that I can be of help to people who continue to discern their discipleship, mission and ministry in the world.  I am welcoming and I regard hospitality as being important. I see evidence of that in the Scottish Episcopal Church all the time and others who come to the church who are curious and are finding a place to worship have commented on that as well.

Is there a Bible passage that has been especially important in your life?
There are so many verses in scripture that resonate with me.

One of the gifts I received from my worship leader when I started in first year of the Scottish Episcopal Institute as an ordinand was a table mat and it said, ‘I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’ (Psalm 139: 14). This was perfect as it confirmed what has kept me grounded for many years in a harsh and judgemental world, the unconditional love of God.

This also comes into my meditation often, ‘Be still, and know that I am God!’ (Psalm 46: 10). We live in a pressured and chaotic world and to hear the invitation from God to be still is so important.

What do you think is the Church’s greatest opportunity in today’s world?
I hope that we are meeting people in the ‘in-between spaces’, creating a sacred space for people to be curious, to understand God’s desire for them.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Catching up with friends.

Do you have any favourite books, films, music, or podcasts?
My favourite book has to be The Velveteen Rabbit by Marjory Williams.

Favourite films are Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Beautiful Thing.

My favourite music: Eurythmics, Annie Lennox and Alison Moyet.

The podcast I especially enjoy listening to is by Nadia Bolz-Weber (an ordained Lutheran Pastor, founder of House for All Sinners & Saints in Denver, Colorado, the creator and host of The Confessional and  the author of three New York Times bestselling memoirs).

Do you have any hidden talents or unusual hobbies?
I have enjoyed doing art since school, mostly painting.

Before the pandemic, I performed stand-up comedy though less so now.

Would you say you are an early bird or night owl?
A night owl. I was that child that wanted to stay up late as I didn’t want to miss anything.

Tunnocks teacake or haggis?
It must be vegetarian haggis.

Beach or mountains?
Beach, but walking rather than sunbathing.

Favourite season?
Autumn. I didn’t think much about seasons when I was younger — until I heard Annie Lennox of Eurythmics sing Julia (from the album 1984) and Angel (from We Too Are One). Both videos were set against an autumn theme, and something about that stayed with me.

Reflecting on it since, autumn has come to hold so many connotations for me. For me, autumn is a turning point — a transition from abundance to rest. It’s a time of letting go, psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually, of what is no longer necessary or helpful, just as the trees shed their leaves to conserve their energy.

Let me say more about that. Autumn prompts us to reflect inwardly; it’s the more contemplative counterpart to spring’s emerging energy, a season to prepare for winter’s stillness.

It also reminds me of Advent — that time of waiting to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and of his return.

It’s a season to be thankful for all that summer offered, and to prepare for winter with hope for the spring to come.

Have you a favourite hymn?
I particularly like Be Still for the Presence of the Lord by David J. Evans. This links, of course, to one of my favourite Bible verses and hearing God’s voice in the busyness.

Favourite saint?
To be honest, it is difficult to choose between Saint Ignatius and Saint Francis.

One word that describes you?
Funny.

One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
For someone who is rubbish at quizzes, I was once a contestant on the TV quiz show Eggheads.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be yourself and the world will take notice.

What are your hopes and prayers for your ministry over the coming years?
I pray that I continue to spread the Good News, and hope that in some way, I can help to make a difference and share with others the unconditional love of God.

The post More Tea and Chat with the Rev Tosh Lynch appeared first on United Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway.