Q&A with St Francis College formation student, intrepid traveller, former expat accountant, and St Paul’s School graduate, Richard Butler
Spotlight Q&A
Meet formation student Richard Butler and find out why he feels called to ordained ministry, what person of faith inspires him the most, his favourite scripture, hobbies, where he has travelled to and his go-to karaoke song, as Seekers Day approaches
Where do you currently live and where do you worship?
I live in Toowoomba, and for my second year in Formation I am placed in The Parish of Warwick.
The St Mark’s, Warwick sanctuary team with Archbishop Jeremy during the Jumpers & Jazz in July 2024 festival, with, left to right, John Corcut, formation student Richard Butler, The Ven. Lizzie Gaitskell, Archbishop Jeremy Greaves and Jeffery Rogers
How long have you been involved in the Anglican Church and in what roles?
I was confirmed in Grade 9 at St Paul’s School, Bald Hills, and was co-sacristan in Grade 12. After moving to Toowoomba several years later, I became involved in one of the parishes there and became a server, a liturgical assistant, treasurer, a warden, and a Synod representative over a period of five years. I then spent the next 24 years abroad as an expat accountant, and upon returning, commenced my theological studies at St Francis College.
What does your role involve?
As a formation student in Warwick this year, one of my learning goals is to develop my capacity to provide spiritual and emotional support to those in need. Providing pastoral care as part of aged care ministry this year has been one of immense value for me as I get to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to residents in aged care in a way that they understand and appreciate.
What has been one of the highlights or best memories of your time?
I conduct a regular service of worship in the advanced dementia wing of an aged care home, and through the use of carefully selected hymns, residents who can be non-responsive much of the time, start singing with gusto when they hear a familiar tune. Recently, when I played “How Great Thou Art”, several residents started singing passionately and holding their arms out. I felt privileged to see the impact such ministry can have on the lives of these residents — that through music a door opens up to allow us to see part of their real personality.
What projects or activities are you currently working on?
I am currently working on an aged care concert that will see residents of various aged care homes in the region come to St Mark’s Anglican Church in Warwick to enjoy a morning of listening and singing to favourite songs and hymns on the large pipe organ, followed by morning tea. It is an opportunity to provide community fellowship to aged care residents as they enjoy time outside of the care home facilities.
Formation student Richard Butler is a member of the pastoral care volunteer team at Toowoomba Hospital
Why and when did you become drawn to ordained ministry?
I have always possessed a strong desire to serve God; however, the specific feeling of calling towards ordained ministry strengthened around five years ago to the extent that I need to specifically follow this path to see where it leads me. To be able to convey the word of God to others in a way that the message can be received and understood by them is key for me.
What advice do you have for people considering ordained ministry?
It is okay to feel unsure — I initially wrestled with what I felt was a “pull towards the Church”. Remember to talk to those people in your life whose opinions you value, including your parish priest. Most importantly, share your intimate concerns with God through prayer.
High Mass at St James’, Toowoomba in 2021 with full sanctuary party, from left to right, Ben Gott, Graham Biggs, The Ven. Mark Carlyon, The Rev’d David Snape and formation student Richard Butler
What do you enjoy most about studying at St Francis College?
Having lived as an expat for over 20 years, life could become a lonely experience at times, so I have appreciated the opportunity St Francis College has provided to make such good friends with those who are travelling a similar path to my own. And I know some of these people will be friends for life.
Formation friends for life: Richard Butler, Courtney Smith, Kate Littmann-Kelly and Arian Miller at Courtney’s ordination as deacon
Can you tell us a little about your Christian faith journey?
Ever since Confirmation, I have possessed a strong Christian faith, and whilst some more remote expat locations have meant regular church worship was not possible, being exposed to different cultures and social systems, has enabled me to gain a broader understanding of where we can find God in these cultures.
How does your Christian faith inspire you and shape your outlook, life choices and character?
I genuinely care about others, and I always strive to see the good in others. I believe both of these qualities stem from my Christian faith. When faced with a dilemma, I often find I am asking myself “What would Jesus do?” and this generally guides my decision making.
What are the primary strengths of the Church and what is the best way to make the most of these for the benefit of our communities?
The Church is a source of Love and a source of Hope. Today, we live in a world where we are used to an economy of exchange — you do something for me, and I will do something for you. Yet, in these troubled times, there is such a huge opportunity for the Church to be a beacon of that love and hope, by reaching out to the local community with welcoming arms of faith and grace, conveying the message to simply trust in God’s love. To do this in a way that the wider community can understand is paramount.
Accountant Richard Butler celebrating Diwali in 2011 with the finance team in Fiji
What is your favourite Bible scripture and why?
Luke 24.13-35 — “The Road to Emmaus” story always makes me smile. It is a journey from sadness to joy, darkness to light, as the two disciples finally see their companion as Jesus. In this story, Word and sacrament – scripture and meal – feed off each other. Put them together, and you have the centre of Christian living — you have the structure of our Eucharist service.
What person of faith inspires you the most and why?
On Christmas Day each year, the Queen would give a Christmas message, including a summary of major events that took place in that year. The telecast would often include positive reflections on differing faiths without criticism, and she would always draw on her own Christian faith with a reflection of the Christmas story and the works of Jesus. The strength of her Christian faith was evident — it was something I always drew inspiration from as she would, in her unique way, spread the good news of the Gospel, which is what I am currently being formed to do.
Why is it important for Christians to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples towards Reconciliation?
I believe the importance comes back to the two great Commandments. To love your neighbour as yourself, there needs to be Reconciliation, as well as recognition of past wrongs, with a genuine desire to care for all. To love the Lord your God, there is so much Christians can learn from the spirituality of First Nations people. The nature of God is such that it surpasses all understanding; however, by listening to each other, we can gain more knowledge and awareness, and that can only be a good thing.
What is the bravest or kindest gesture you have ever received or witnessed?
I attended a Christian worship service in another language and another culture. At the end of the service, I was handed a plant and an envelope. When I arrived home, I discovered that the envelope contained a cash gift. I was overwhelmed with emotion because I felt unworthy of this gift from those who seemed less well-off than I was. However, I accepted the gift because to refuse would be disrespectful to this congregation’s culture.
What do you do in your free time to recharge and relax?
I go to gym, though I don’t particularly enjoy it. However, I am a firm believer in “healthy body, healthy mind”, and I feel this pays dividends for me in this regard. I also enjoy playing tennis and listening to classical music.
What would you describe as your greatest achievement?
Completing the four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru before my 40th birthday.
Richard Butler after completing the four-day Inca Trail hike at Machu Picchu in 2009
If you could have a billboard with any text on it, what would it say and why?
“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46.10).
Where do you do your best thinking?
Laying down in bed.
What’s your best childhood memory?
School holidays at my grandparents’ cattle farm in Central Queensland.
Formation student Richard Butler celebrating the 60th wedding anniversary of his parents, Barbara and John, in Toowoomba in 2023
What is your karaoke go-to song?
“Groovy Kind of Love”, by Phil Collins.
What is your earliest memory?
I was being carried by my mother down a hospital corridor to visit my grandfather who had broken his leg. We did the Maths, and I would have only been six months old. But I have that memory.
“My talent with a paintbrush has not improved since this day at Kindergarten” (formation student Richard Butler in 1974 in Brisbane)
Of all the countries you have lived in, which one was your favourite?
Fiji tops the list. There is something about its simplicity that I find so peaceful and relaxing — great weather, great people, great lifestyle.
Editor’s note: Explore your vocation at Seekers Day 2024, which will be held between 1pm and 3pm on Saturday 31 August as part of the St Francis College Open Day. Visit the St Francis College website for more information.
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