This week I went to Ngatiawa just out of Wellington to participate in the farewell event for Bishop Tom. This particular occassion was for the Young people of the diocese to acknowledge Tom and what he had helped facilitate in this area while he has been Bishop. I was there as a former Archdeacon for young people ( I was 22 when I was made an archdeacon, a world record at that time).
Attending that event raised lots of feelings in me - as with most things, it wasn't all good times and it wasn't all bad either. But what I realised as I listened to the speeches made, was that one leader can make a difference just by being who they are.
He hasn't always been on the good side of youth - but he changed, and that came about because he listened and worked with those who passionately wanted to see change. As a result, the Diocese of Wellington were pioneers in establishing diocesan roles specifically for Youth and Children's Ministry.
I look on with interest to see who is the next to hold the role of Bishop of Wellington. I have heard it said that leaders grow leaders that have similar giftings to themselves. Tom was a permission giver, he believed anything was possible, and he gave you enough rope to potentially fly a kite or tie yourself up in knots. I wonder what gifts the next Bishop will develop...
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