My name is Moni Babatunde, a proud mother, businesswoman and an Associate Priest at St Andrew’s Church, Cobham. I was born in Nigeria, into a family with strong Christian values, and was raised an Anglican. I am not totally sure whether I had a strong faith as a child, but I knew God and being a Christian was important to me. I do know though that it was my faith that got me through some difficult challenges in my life which included the loss of my father before I left University and my husband when I was just in my early 30s. All through these difficult and lonely times, I know that felt truly held and loved by God.
Although I never entertained a desire to go into ordained ministry, without really thinking it through properly, I knew I always wanted to serve God. It was a prayer point for me for many years even though I did not know which capacity I wanted to ‘serve’ in.
My work in the church began after my husband died, I started helping in crèche, before being asked to join other committees - I served as a Safeguarding Officer as well as a member of the PCC. My role as Churchwarden stood out for me – my service took me beyond just looking after the fabric of the church or making sure that services ran smoothly, I also got to know the members of the congregation well and it became more for me about looking after the Church, the body of Christ.
With hindsight, maybe that was where my calling – my love and desire to serve the members of the church, began. Shared conversations about their lives, their concerns and prayers, walking alongside people, serving as a church leader, and working alongside the vicar. Along with my love for God, came the love for God’s people and a desire to serve God and make the love and joy of being in Christ known to others.
Whilst I’d discovered a love for serving in church, I did not consider a vocation to the priesthood. I felt unworthy and surely had too many faults! My call to priesthood was initially discerned by my vicar and then others within the church and my family were also in full support. My daughter stunned me when she said that since I was already spending so much time in church, I might as well make it official! Through prayer and reflection, I gradually discovered the futility of my fears, that God already knows who I am and really I did not need to be perfect. My life experiences had led me to that moment and given me skills that will prove useful for ministry life. I just needed to open the door and respond to His call.
I was ordained deacon in the Church of England at Petertide in 2019, a truly joyful day and an awesome privilege. I now proudly serve my parish as a self-supporting Ordained (Local) Minister with the same joy and humility that I felt when the bishops laid their hands on me at ordination.
- Rev. Dr Moni Babatunde