What do you believe God is calling you to do with your ministry?
"The interesting thing is that what I think God is calling me to do and what God is actually calling me to do could well be quite different! I have learned that just when you think that you have nailed it and you are where you are supposed to be, then be prepared to have that realisation quashed and except God is calling you elsewhere.
"I thought I was called to ordination for the sacrament and through the sacrament bring people into the very presents of God. Also called to evangelize and share my faith openly to all. The important roll of the Sentinal has always been apart of me, speaking truth to power has always been a fundamental element of who I am, and God emboldens me in that pursuit.
"My ministry will have all the elements listed above running through it but now I feel that I am being called to Children’s Ministry which believe me was never on MY agenda, just goes to show that God moves in mysterious ways!"
What have you found to be the biggest misconception about preparing for ministry?
"One of the biggest misconceptions that I have found while training for ordained ministry is that the primarily focus will be on theological knowledge and scriptural study. While understanding theology and biblical texts is crucial, ministerial training heavily engaged with a wide range of skills, including pastoral care, community engagement, leadership, and conflict resolution. Additionally, many programs emphasize practical experience through placements. I learned more about myself and what ordination might look like through the placements and moving out of my “Home Church” and into my Link Churches.
What did you do before your journey into ministry?
"I grew up on a farm, and farming has been apart of me all my life. Over the last 27 years I have been co-owner of a dairy engineering business fitting and maintaining milking machines around Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire. This has brought me into contact with a lot of farmers and the people who work for them. The farming life can be quite isolating and the insights I have gleaned over the years about human nature in a rural context have help guide me as I walk along the path to ministry.
What advice would you give to people exploring what God is calling them to do?
"Listen to the calling and discuss it with people who know you well. I spent years twisting and turning trying to avoid the “call”. You can find a hundred excuses why not to answer God, pointless as that is because God is impossible to resist. When you except the call all those excuses melt away and whatever hoops are placed in front of you (there will be hoops) don’t be disheartened, you will jump them, because the peace of God awaits you."