Emma is to be ordained as a deacon on Sunday 2 July and will serve his her curacy in the parish of Walsall S.Peter
I was born in Bournemouth, raised in North Wales, and have lived in Walsall for over 20 years.
What do you believe God is calling you to do with your ministry?
As a Distinctive Deacon, I very much feel like my ministry is about encouraging and equipping others in their ministries. I feel called to be out in the community, encouraging discipleship, and facilitating stronger ties between local churches and the communities we serve.
What have you found to be the biggest misconception about preparing for ministry?
It’s not just about writing essays and reading lots of book. The formation process at Queen’s (shout out to Queen’s) has completely changed my life. The people who teach who and the people you learn alongside all help to shape you, to challenge you, and support you along the way. The formation process is invaluable!
What did you do before your journey into ministry?
I worked as a substance misuse support worker for the YMCA. I have worked with the homeless community and have also been involved with a number of community action projects. My favourite was probably running a community cinema as part of Government funded community cohesion and integration scheme.
What advice would you give to people exploring what God is calling them to do?
Get involved! Ask lots of questions. Get some hands-on experience, and explore as many aspects of ministry as you can. Perhaps the most important thing is perseverance. It won’t all be plain sailing, but keep going! God will be there with you.