Charles Berger
In a few months, I will have been engaged in pastoral ministry for five years.
Faculté Jean Calvin (FJC) crossed my path 9 years ago, when I was a Political Sciences student in Aix-en-Provence, newly baptized – although born to two Christian parents. My wife and I were gradually returning to the Lord after several years of wandering and doubts.
While I was finishing my studies, we considered moving to Geneva to pursue careers, she as a financial auditor and me as a teacher-researcher. But taking advantage of a slow year during which my wife had to complete her contract, I enrolled at FJC with the aim of deepening my understanding of God and faith. It was there, in the first year of theology, that I received what I believe was a call to a pastoral vocation. This was a shock: it seemed unthinkable to me to dedicate my life to anything else. At the same time, various circumstances destroyed our plans to move to Switzerland. There remained the question of financing, but each year the Lord provided everything that was necessary. “What shall I render to the Lord for all these benefits to me?” (Ps 116:12)
Five years of study at FJC were blessings upon blessings. Among these I can cite the meetings with students from different backgrounds, all rich in experiences with the Lord; the immersion courses with experienced pastors; but also the exemplary faith of the FJC teachers, their availability, their accessibility and the sincere concern they showed in the educational and spiritual support of students. I can also cite the teaching which is alive, solid, rich and profound, truly reformed, faithful to the faith transmitted once and for all to the saints (Jude 1:3). Every time I think about it, I realize the extent to which certain courses, particularly those in New Testament, Systematic Theology, pastoral support and helping relationships, have built my personal faith and my understanding of ministry.
After serving two years as interim pastor in my local church in Aix-en-Provence, I was accepted by the commission of ministries of the Evangelical Reformed Churches of France (Unepref). My first assignment was in a rural environment, in the Cévennes mountains, to be pastor of two parishes – that of Saint Jean de Maruejols and that of Les Vans – 45 minutes apart, straddling the Ardèche and Gard. This is where I continue to serve the Lord. The beginning was far from easy, but I was able to follow the advice given to me by Gilles Boucomont, the pastor with whom I had completed my internship: “For a year, don’t touch anything, don’t change anything. Don't even move a flower pot. Observe everything, preach the heart of the message and rely on the Lord.” Three years later, the collaboration with these two communities is harmonious. Both communities are in strong renewal, recording conversions and returns to the faith, despite a difficult social and demographic context.
In France, spiritual poverty, particularly in rural areas, is immense. But I remain convinced of the Lord’s love for this country and its inhabitants. In five years of service, I can testify to the goodness of our Lord, who is faithful to his Church, which he patiently preserves and establishes among all the families of the earth, as he has promised.
Charles Berger