On Sunday 30 June, Rachael, Heather, Nicholas, Stuart and Cameron were ordained Deacons at a service in Leicester Cathedral.
A few days before, during their ordination retreat at Launde Abbey, they shared with us their stories of how their sense of God's calling developed, how their lives have changed, and what it means for them to be stepping into the next chapter of their ministry.
Each has been on a unique journey. Stuart gave up his own HGV company to begin his training, Rachael left her career in Graphic Design, and Cameron laid down his plans for a high-flying job when God spoke to him during a youth club. Nicholas, a former GP and Heather, an ex-headteacher, both felt called to ordained ministry later in life, and were trained though St Mellitus College's Caleb Stream.
Their varied life experiences serve as a reminder that God calls people from every walk of life.
The Revd Sue Willetts, Diocesan Director of Ordinands, has walked alongside these five and shared her joy in seeing them ordained: “What a privilege it has been to journey with these people, right from the beginnings of their consideration of how God might be asking them to change their vocational journey – from being teachers, doctors and lorry drivers – to following His lead and enabling His church to be His church,” she said.
“It’s great watching people flourish, and I look forward to watching them enable others to flourish, too.”
Being ordained Deacon was a significant moment for each of them, but one that felt very ‘right’.
Nicholas said: “I feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness; a sense that this is very much part of God's call on my life, and an adventure.”
Cameron added: “It's a bit surreal to be stood here, ready to be ordained, but it feels like I'm fulfilling what God is calling me to."
If you’d like to explore your sense of God’s calling, visit: www.leicester.anglican.org/vocations/
Or why not consider joining our Journey in Faith Course, starting in September: www.leicester.anglican.org/discipleship-courses/