Introducing our New Interim Moderator
While our search process for our new Senior Minister continues, we’ve had a change on our committee: The Rev. Stephen Kendall retired this summer! Rev. Stephen was serving as our Interim Moderator and so we have a newly appointed Interim Moderator to introduce you to: The Rev. Dr. William Ingram.
Rev. Will currently serves as the Senior Minister of St. Andrew’s (just downtown by St. Andrew’s Station). In past years he’s served as Moderator of the Presbytery of West Toronto, Moderator of the Presbytery of East Toronto, and on the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches. He is husband to Lesley and father of three kids who are quickly becoming young adults—Kate, Madeline and Spencer. And we are delighted to welcome him into our community for this season as we’ve joked together “for a good time and hopefully not a long time!”
Here’s a little more about Rev. Will.
We’ve shared a little bit about you above, but I hear you have some connections to Knox — tell us a little about that.
It is really great to have this chance to work with Knox Spadina at this important moment in your life and ministry. My own connections with the congregation go back a fairly long time. When I was a student at Knox College in the early 1990s, I lived in the grey house at the corner of Harbord and Spadina (at the same time as Alex McLeod who subsequently served on staff at Knox). I was invited to preach, a few times, at evening services in 2005 and 2006 while I was at my previous congregation in the Presbytery of West Toronto. In 2009, I was asked to chair a Presbytery committee to review and evaluate the work of the Shenzhou Mission which had been meeting at Knox Spadina. In 2012, I offered the “charge” during the Presbytery induction service for Phil Reinders; and for Nick Renaud in 2021 (although it was by Zoom because of the pandemic!) And, along the way, I have enjoyed worshipping at Knox from time to time…but almost always at the evening services as I am usually otherwise occupied on Sunday mornings!
You’ve been serving as a minister in Toronto for as long as you’ve been ordained. Tell us something you love about ministering in the city.
I was born in Toronto – at the Western Hospital – and grew up in Cambridge Ontario from the time I was about 2. I came back to Toronto for university at 18, and have been here ever since, so I can honestly claim that I am a Torontonian both by birth AND by choice. I still love the city more and more each year – the variety and vibrancy of its neighbourhoods, the incredible opportunities for learning and leisure, the food and entertainment options, the chance to interact with and experience people of different backgrounds and perspectives.
What is remarkable about ministering in the city – especially in congregations like St. Andrew’s and Knox Spadina – is the sense of being part of historic and enduring communities of faith that have made tremendous contributions to the city, to the denomination, to the church and to the world. It is inspiring to know that these communities have had a “presence” in the city that predated any of us, and that will outlive all of us, and that we – in our time – are invited to find new ways to provide blessing and benefit, and to announce good news in this city in the name of Christ.
What is something you’ve witnessed recently that’s reminded you that the Kingdom of God is near?
Hmmmm. Daily conversations which remind me that God works in mysterious, unexpected and gracious ways; the ways that churches have worked diligently and faithfully to adapt their ministries to the changes caused by the pandemic; moments when I have seen Christ’s followers transcending the labels and categories that they placed each other into and actually listening to each other, and realizing both how much they have in common AND that they can love each other in spite of the differences…nothing huge or momentous, but rather the small seeds that can grow and flourish, just as Jesus promised.
What are 3 books you’d recommend to young adults hoping to grow in their knowledge of the Christian faith?
A lot depends on the level of understanding and interest of the young person, but some of the books that I have found helpful – and sometimes lent to others! – have included Thomas Merton’s The Seven Story Mountain and Thoughts in Solitude; Kenneth Leech’s Experiencing God: Theology as Spirituality and even Anne Lamott’s Travelling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith. And all for different reasons…
As you’ve served as Interim Moderator in other churches, is there any advice you have for our leaders or community?
Since I was ordained in 1996, I have had the chance to serve as an interim moderator in about 10 different congregations. Although each congregation and each vacancy has unique aspects, there are some interesting similarities to ponder.
First, vacancies can be important moments for congregations to reflect on who they are, where they have been, and where they are going. Search committees are entrusted with the responsibility to articulate these reflections in order to discern the skills and gifts that will be needed in potential candidates, but these reflections are important for the whole community to share together.
Second, as Presbyterians, it is good for us to remember that our structure and theology emphasizes that the gifts of all members need to be honoured and embraced, and that we are all a part of the priesthood of believers with important roles and responsibilities to fulfill in the ministry of the church. As such, vacancies can be good times for a congregation’s elders (the presbuteros, from which we get the word “Presbyterian”) to remember that they hold important ongoing responsibilities for the care and mission of the congregation, as well as for all members of a congregation to step forward to explore new opportunities to offer their gifts in service and leadership. It can be good to remember that – in spite of the amount of time and attention that is dedicated to seeking a new minister – the continuing life and ministry of a congregation has never been, and will never be, dependent on the abilities or gifts of one single individual.
Third, and perhaps most importantly, it is humbling to remember and realize that God is at work in the entire process. At times, there can be hurdles or “bumps” or unanticipated delays in the search process, but it is often remarkable to realize – with the benefit of hindsight -- that what was perceived as a “delay” was, in fact, used so that the timing could be perfect for the congregation and the called individual to discern that there was an alignment of needs, visions and availability for the call to be issued and a new ministry to begin.
In short, vacancies can be profound times for new vision, commitment, service and patience…and a great reminder that the task of the Search Committee and the congregation is not to “call” a minister, but to prayerfully discern and prepare to welcome and work alongside the person who God is calling into that ministry.
