We are continuing the series of stories celebrating our soon-to-be Reverends from our Caleb Stream as we head towards their ordination on Sunday 28 September. Today's story comes from Andy Beattie.
How was Andy called?
Being born into a loving Christian Salvation Army household with three siblings gave me a strong foundation in the basics of the Christian faith. This also helped me see the importance of looking out for those less fortunate than ourselves.
Despite this grounding, I rejected God and decided to walk my own path in life. However, I’m now aware that God has been working all through my life, placing people, experiences and opportunities in my way to guide me back.
The sight of my parents by their bedside on their knees every night before they went to bed stayed with me as a model of devotion. They prayed for me daily. I was so thankful that my dad lived to see me become a Christian, 11 days before he unexpectedly passed away in April 2011.
I retired in 2023, having taken advantage of an opportunity to take early retirement from a 26-year career working for the South Downs National Park Authority, and I remain active, playing tennis, Real Tennis, walking our two Ridgeback dogs, and have taken up a new hobby in woodworking, making garden furniture and custom items for friends and family.
One of my most cherished roles in retirement has been looking after our grandson once a week. That chapter comes to an end in September as he starts school. God’s timing is perfect, as this coincides with my ordination and the beginning of new responsibilities.
Throughout my journey, others have seen things in me that I hadn’t seen in myself. The vicar of our then church invited me to lead evening services, preach, and deliver music over several years. It was the curate and rector of our church who ultimately set me on the path to ordination, affirming ‘words’ spoken over me about becoming a ‘vicar’.
My calling began with a simple tap on the shoulder from the curate, followed by the rector’s guidance. As our home group prayed through Luke’s gospel, asking God to show us where He wanted to send us, I felt a deep peace and excitement about exploring this calling further.
There were many moments of doubt – feeling unqualified or inexperienced – but I’ve come to understand that God doesn’t call us for what we can do, but for who we are. I’ve seen the Holy Spirit at work in my life, changing my heart, expanding my understanding, and filling me with passion, peace, and purpose for ministry. Experiencing different traditions has also been very beneficial for my development.
Within the church, I have held various roles, including home group leader, worship leader, preacher, care team, car parking team, hospitality team, etc., putting myself forward where there has been a need. Now, I look forward to what God has in store for me, maybe using my experiences to date, or giving me new ones to help the rector and curate and free up their time.
To anyone considering their call, I’d say: push at the door and see if it opens. The rewards are immense. And if it doesn’t open, trust that God has something even better planned for you.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
- Romans 8:1-2