We are continuing the series of stories celebrating our soon-to-be Reverends as we head towards the ordination weekend on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June. Today's story comes from Gill Christie.
How was Gill called?
I was brought up a traditional Anglican, with infant baptism. I assisted with Sunday school teaching from the age of 13, was confirmed at 15 and, at 18, was asked if I would like to join the servers’ rota. I remained on this rota for over 10 years until I moved out of the Diocese of Guildford, some 4 years after my marriage in the same church where I was baptised, confirmed and had served on the PCC.
I was a solicitor but, once the mother of two boys, I became immersed in village life, more specifically, church life in the village; leading a Bible study group, setting up Mums’ lunches, engaging with Sunday school, being a school governor, leading after-school club.
During a vacancy, the archdeacon kindly allowed me and my fellow churchwarden to lead Matins and even to administer the reserved sacrament due to a shortage of available clergy.
One Sunday, when hearing a sermon being read, the call came to preach in a way that the congregation might engage with more easily. This led to attending the Diocesan Worship Leaders’ Course and the Occasional Preachers’ course. The archdeacon was very encouraging, but even more so was our new incumbent when discussing with them the possible vocations for leaders within the church. A flame lit up within me at the enunciation of Ordained Local Ministry (OLM), which was undeniable and impossible to ignore – so began the journey to ordination.
The first, old-style Bishop’s Advisory Panel (BAP) was a disappointment, not only for me, but for all those who supported and encouraged me. The sympathy and continued support from not only the team, clergy and church congregation, but also the wider village community, as well as clergy in Lincoln and Manchester, strengthened me to reapply – the call was not imagined!
The Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO) was amazing; starting at the Local Ministry Programme (LMP) before my second “new-style” BAP, meant I was placed with a cohort of gifted, committed Christians who have proved a wonderful group of prayer partners and individuals with whom it has been a great privilege to travel together along the training path. The tutors and teachers during my time at LMP have been encouraging, wise and great thought-provokers.
My spiritual director has consistently encouraged me and been present with me during my journey.
The verse given to me, but which is applicable to everyone: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”
Jeremiah 29:1