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Licenced Lay Ministers: Their stories

Those being ordained for Christian leadership are not ‘perfect’ or ‘superhuman’. They are ordinary people who have said ‘Yes’ to God’s call and are seeking to live their lives in the light of His forgiveness, love and purpose in Jesus Christ. For them to say Yes has meant a call to ordained leadership, which the Church has affirmed in a process of prayerful discernment, selection and training. Let these stories of ordinary Christ Followers, who want to make a difference for God in the world, speak to you today.

See also:
link Deacons stories >>
link Priests stories >>

Licenced 2009:
Jo Selman I became convinced of the reality of God’s love in childhood, which led to a commitment to Christ in my teens. Hopefully, this faith is something which continues to grow and deepen. I have been actively involved in church life since Michael was ordained (in 1973). Although my main energy in early years was directed to our four children, I took on church duties, including cleaning and serving! While a primary school teacher (specialising in teaching English as an additional language) I started to lead assemblies and also led some ‘informal’ services in church. I shared in various aspects of prayer ministry with Michael. In Exeter I completed a course in Theology and one for church leaders (mostly from new churches). Later, in SW France, I took a course on leading worship, and was licensed as a Lay Assistant. I also contributed to our pastoral care training courses, particularly in the area of helping people to learn to listen to others. I am pleased that I can continue to be involved now we have moved to Bristol Diocese, and am looking forward to entering into licensed lay ministry, and whatever new possibilities the Lord leads me into.
Alan Baker Alan was born and brought up in the Scottish Borders, but has now lived in Bristol for 19 years. He is married with two teenage daughters. After graduating with a degree in biology, and a time working in science research, Alan turned Librarian. He is now the manager of the BBC's Information & Archives department in Bristol, this including the world-renowned Natural History Unit archive. His church is St. Aldhelm's in the Bedminster Team Ministry.
Carol Simmons For many years now I have had an ever-growing awareness of God’s call to his service, and I began EGP praying that through the course, he would show me what it was he wanted me to do for him. During my training, and with the help and discernment of others, God has gently but clearly guided me towards an understanding of his calling to service as a Lay Minister. I am deeply humbled and so thankful that our awesome God wants me to help share his love with his world. I go forward into this next stage of ministry trusting him to resource me with whatever I will need to serve and glorify him.
Geoff Iles Does God have a vision for us? Yes, for me I am sure He does and gradually He is revealing it to me. As I get to turn over the pieces of the jigsaw I see it coming together but I haven’t been given all the pieces yet – I am sure He is keeping some back. When I was much younger I remembering thinking that God might have something for me to do one day – always a long time ahead in the future. But now looking back I can see how God has been active in my life for a long time preparing me in different ways for tasks yet to come in ministry. I don’t know how much more of the jigsaw there is or how big the pieces will be but I do know that God is going to be there every step of the way helping me to piece them together.
Rachel Ireland When I first felt called to ‘do more’ for God I simply felt called to share what I know of Him. As I studied the EGP course I’ve got to know more of Him both personally and throughout history; sometimes my existing knowledge was challenged, sometimes reinforced; either way its been an amazing adventure! But I know this has only been the beginning. I’ve never really felt up to the task of being a lay minister, but God has his own plans and as I take this next step of obedience, into the unknown, He has assured me that there is so much more of Him for me to learn and share. I was particularly challenged at our recent retreat by some words I read by Mother Teresa ‘Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things, on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness’. So, here goes!
Lyn Karanjia I was born at the far end of Cornwall and then went to college in London to train as a teacher. The ‘Celtic call’ has always been inside me wherever I have taught. On retirement, as a treat, I visited the Iona Community and was captivated by their way of life; ‘Worship is in everything we do, both inside and outside church, our whole life , we believe, is a search for wholeness’ Family life has always been important to me and I will enjoy being more involved with the church family. I am delighted to have completed the course and am looking forward with excitement to becoming a Lay Minister.
Sue Clements A few years ago a letter from Derek Chedzey arrived that would change the direction of my Christian life. It was an invitation to breakfast and a talk exploring the EGP course. Something or someone was nudging me to go! The idea of Licensed Lay Ministry was the last thing I was thinking about. After some discussion I agreed to join the EGP course on the condition that I would not have to do assignments or preach sermons. Wrong! Now many assignments and several sermons later I am embarking on my role as LLM at St. Stephen’s Church, Soundwell. God really does have a wonderful sense of humour in choosing me! He has been with me every step of the way. I await the future with nervous anticipation, but know that whatever direction God leads me in my ministry he will be with me holding my hand, gently continually nudging me and yes always laughing with me. LLM will give me the opportunity to nurture others as they too grow in faith and who have shown me such love, encouragement and support.
Dawn Beresford I am grateful for the love and support of my wonderful family and friends who have helped and encouraged me every step of the way. Also a special thanks to my vicar Geoff Hewitt, Rev Evelyn Bone and Audrey Palmer who had confidence in me and gave me the gentle ‘shove’ I needed to apply for the EPG course. Their experience and advice was invaluable during my training and it feels as if my journey with God is just beginning......



Licenced 2007:
Kirsty Hulbert It is such a beautiful feeling to know God loves me and that through him and his love for me all things are and have been possible. This for me has been the most amazing yet exciting spiritual journey. One of discovery, trust and love. I truly thank God that he called me to be a Lay Minister. It hasn't been easy and at times I have felt like I have been on a roller coaster, but through prayer and faith in God I came through to take on this role he had planned for me. I would really like to thank my wonderful husband Andrew for his support and also to my family and friends, all the folk and Clergy at Holy Trinity Kingswood for their support, friendship and prayers. This is a truly awesome moment.
Trevor Day I never dreamed of being involved in Lay Ministry until our family summer holiday near Den Haag in 2004 ... then with spiritual guidance from our clergy team and much prayer I started the EGP course and now realise how much more I have to learn ... but with God's help of God I will.
Rachel Oates I worship at St Aldhelm's in Bedminster and it's there over the last few years that I have come to realise God is calling me to Lay Ministry in a way that complements my daily life: building spiritual bridges to help people in their faith journeys, and helping nurture others as they grow in their Christian faith.
Anne Macmillan It has been my recent work in a Hospice which has made me look at my faith more closely and this, along with the encouragement of friends at Christ Church and St Mary’s, led to me enrolling in the EGP course. The course has helped me focus on my faith more clearly and develop my knowledge and understanding more thoroughly. I look forward to the future with enthusiasm!
Bronwyn Pagram Bronwyn’s journey to lay ministry has taken a varied path through several countries and exploring her faith in many contexts. For several years she has felt the call to ministry but was unclear how she should proceed. The challenge and support she received from St Sampson’s Cricklade and the diocese, combined with similar support from the Swindon group of the EGP course helped her to come to a firm commitment to be a lay minister. She is very much looking forward to serving in whatever capacity God calls forth.
Chris Coombs I committed my life to Christ on 19th December 1960 when I was 12 years of age. God became very real to me at that time. I believe that Christ calls us to a life full of adventure and risk taking (faith) for him.
Clive Carey Open to all forms of faithful worship, Clive sees his role as a Lay-minister as an opportunity to serve God more fully within a church, work and secular environment.
Tracey Pool As a child I spent many hours creating wild and wacky characters from allsorts of odd materials. Well, the journey still continues, as I work my handmade felt and fibre into stories. I will continue to re-visit Isaiah 45 which the Lord has put on my heart. " I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord the God of Israel, who summons you by name." I will be developing mythical stories to reveal deep truths and biblical characters for storytelling to share the Gospel with those who are searching for a love that is eternal.
Anjali Kanagaratnam Having been brought up in a Christian family, I have always known the love of God and have been involved in the life of the church in a variety of roles, but never imagined that I would be involved in lay ministry. However, over the course of the last two years, as I followed the EGP course, I have gradually come to realise that God was leading me to be a Lay Minister and that I could best serve him within this role.
Neil Fisher Like a lot of young children, I experienced Sunday school and left to join the local church choir. It was during these year’s that I really found my faith, but didn’t realise that it would have the impact it has on my life. So far, my church life has mainly centred on music, and I always thought that playing the organ would be my main contribution to the church and Kingdom, but God obviously has a different plan in mind for me! Becoming a Lay Minister has been an interesting and spiritually fulfilling journey so far and has opened my eyes to things sometimes I didn’t even notice. I know God has a journey planned for me, but with personal prayer and His guidance, it is a journey I look forward to taking.
Norma McKemey I worship at Christ Church, Swindon and following my retirement from a long teaching career in July 2007, I have started spending more time working in the parish.
Pete Campbell I'm married to Katharine and we have 3 primary school aged children. We live in malmesbury, north wiltshire and have attended malmesbury abbey since 1997. Katharine and I run the junior church, and i also have a particular interest in men's ministry - using sport and both breakfast and bar-b-q events to point others to Jesus. My paid job is in working with social services in bath and north east somerset.
Rob Stewart I have been a Christian for over 26 years and have taken most of the last 10 years to realise the direction and strength of my calling and complete the required training, via several false starts. God is very persistent, tolerant and faithful with me, for which I am exceedingly grateful.
Daphne Hardwick I believe that my life should reflect my personal faith in the way I interact with people. In my professional life I have encountered many people in need of God's healing and I hope that my lay ministry will give me the opportunity to serve my Lord by serving His people.
Angela Panes A couple of years ago a suggestion was made to me that I should look at the EGP course, as I felt that I needed to do more. I did not think I could possibly complete the course through to become a Lay Minister, but not only did I complete, but here I am now being Licensed. I await the future with a nervous, but excited anticipation knowing that whatever God has planned for me, he will be there holding my hand, and also my family and friends are there for me.
Barbara Sheppard The local community is close to my heart, working together with the schools, Pre-school and various voluntary organisations as I am very much a ‘people-person’. I am renowned for my keen sense of humour and for my total lack of culinary skills! I look forward to the ministry to which I feel called – whatever direction that may turn out to be.
Jacqueline Jones I’m a full time primary school teacher, wife and mother of two teenage girls. I have experienced a close, loving and personal friendship with my Lord Jesus Christ since I was thirteen. Jesus completely changed my life! There have been many miracles and healings in my life which have been testimony to the power and glory of Christ and have enabled me to trust in God and to mature in faith. Since the age of 18, God persistently called me to enter the ministry. I was a bit like Jonah though. I finally stopped running in 2004 and haven’t looked back since. I love Jesus and I want everybody else to know him too! I thank God for the honour of being able to preach, teach and witness for Him and look forward to whatever He has in store for me for I know that I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.
Nick Shepherd I am a freelance researcher, writer and trainer in youth Ministry Development. I moved to Bristol in 2006, following my wife Bridget who started training as an ordinand at Trinity College in September 2006. Both of us were active in our previous church in southeast London (St John’s Blackheath) and we are now seeking to see how best to serve our new church community at Bristol Cathedral.
Pam Cowler I have always been an Anglican and for most of my teaching career taught in Church schools. I became an active member of St Sampson’s 10 years ago. For many years I have been an active member of the Girls Guide Association and still retain a link with it. Outside my voluntary activities I enjoy walking, needlework and watercolour painting.
Viv Robertson I have been a member of Stapleton Parish Church since childhood and have grown in my commitment to Christ through the nurture of the church here over many years. In church, I am particularly interested in pastoral and outreach work and have found to my surprise that I really enjoy preaching. It has taken me a long time to respond to the call and urgings of others to become a Lay Minister and my one regret is that I didn’t do it sooner!
Genevieve Williams The EGP course has given me greater confidence in my ability to share my faith both with adults and children. In the future I intend to use my skills as a teacher of Maths to help children in countries where education for all has still to be established.
Beryl Lines Attended local church since childhood, but came late to the concept of Lay Ministry. I love music, dancing and gardening, and too many meals out! Experienced in leading study groups, which I enjoy.
Martin Stanisstreet He is the co-ordinator of an international team who are researching people's perceptions about climate change. Martin is married to Dr Sue Howard, a Community Paediatrician who works in Bristol. Martin and Sue attend St Matthew's Church, Kingsdown, where they play in the band and generally make a nuisance of themselves.