An interview with Marian

Photo: Marian Olsen

I was looking forward to interviewing Marian Olsen, who finished her placement with York University chaplaincy just before Easter. She had been a familiar and welcoming face at chaplaincy events and society meetings during the two terms she spent here. She was the speaker at the first Christian Focus meeting of term, talking about envy; this term’s theme is the “seven deadly sins”. It was a good meeting, more of a debate than a talk, with Marian encouraging us to think about things. I cornered her in the bar afterwards, with the debate still going on in the background, to ask about her experiences at the University, and what it was that drew her to the ministry.

Marian lives just round the corner from the university, and already knew Graham, the Methodist chaplain, so she says the placement seemed like a con to start with, it almost seemed too easy. It was considerably different from Marian’s previous placements, which included working alongside a hospital chaplain, in Haxby Methodist church, and as lay chaplain at Field Court sheltered housing, Heworth.

I was looking forward to hearing what Marian thought of the chaplaincy, as someone coming from the outside, and new to ministry. I had never really thought about the importance of what the chaplaincy does before, it’s just there. She found it interesting coming and seeing what the chaplaincy does, and described their role within the university as being different from other roles as it requires just being there as much as doing things, representing the Church and God within the University, like a signpost. She discovered the importance within the chaplaincy of getting to know people, something which isn’t easy on a part time placement. One of the other challenges she found is keeping a balance within the university, respecting the university’s boundaries and not stepping on too many toes.

Marian found the ecumenical team in the chaplaincy here interesting, the way the team is more than a sum of the parts, demonstrating a willingness and ability to work together. We discussed how there are two sides to the different denominations within Christianity — there is the theology and the practice. Although people’s theological ideas may differ considerably, we can still learn a mutual respect and value. Theology often differs as much within churches as between them.

It was strange coming to work at the university, as Marian had forgotten what a bubble university life is. She said that students are less a part of real life; we have our own little world, as that is what is needed at this time in life, but found it a challenge balancing university life with her family, picking children up then dashing out to night prayer!

It was clear that Marian enjoyed the time she spent with us; she had difficulty in deciding what she had enjoyed the most, other than the meals! She eventually decided on the sense of welcome and informality, and the chance to talk with and meet different people.

We also discussed why Marian decided to train for the ministry, and her training so far. I was curious abut this — the idea of vocation, and how it is found, intrigues me, as I am so indecisive!

Marian described how she had been called by God not at any specific moment, but over the course of ten or twelve years. She was training to be a lay preacher, but knew that wasn’t where she wanted to be, and wasn’t sure where she was going. After a lot of prayer and reading she got a sense of what she wanted to do, but for the future. Later, after she had married and her youngest child was starting school, she began to get nudges from her readings. It was her mum who finally prompted her to do something about it, and Marian approached her minister, who wasn’t surprised at all. Marian was then referred to the superintendent, and began the process of being accepted.

Marian found that her training broadened her views, as we are constrained by our experiences. Although she tried out different denominations when at university, and attended a charismatic church, her experiences of the Methodist church were narrow when she returned to it. Marian was asked frequently during her training ‘why the Methodist church?’ She says that she recognised something that appeals to her, and she likes the lack of hierarchy.

The Church is still Marian’s main hobby as well as her career, and her young children take a lot of attention, but she enjoys a good book when she finds the time.

I left the interview feeling refreshed — it is always thought-provoking to meet someone with a different view on the things you see every day, and who is so sure of their place in the world.

Lizzie Freear