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 Matt Regan.
How was Matt called?
Before I started training for ordination, my life looked very different. I was working with secondhand diggers at JCB Greenshields, so very hands-on physical work. It was then a real culture shock going back to school to train for ordination after leaving at 16! It is the best thing and the hardest thing I have ever done. I think I’m finally surrendering to God’s call on my life, and in that, I found a peace I have never felt, a comfort in my own skin. I really want to be an evangelist and training is equipping me to do that.
At around the age of five, my father took me to be baptised so I could go to Catholic school. That was my first contact with the Church. I loved learning about Jesus. After my parents divorced, my mother became a Christian and the transformation was radical. Faith was always around; at school I learnt the knowledge, but at church with my mum, faith really touched my heart.
I started feeling a call to ministry around the age of 11, but more clearly around 21. I didn’t think I could do the training required because I couldn’t write essays, I struggled with school and never pictured myself as a pillar of the community! I think there was a lot less grace for differences back then.
I became involved in worship teams, supporting youth work and teaching young people the Bible became the highlight of my week. I felt that God wanted more and more, and I was running out of hours in the week. I knew I needed to work for a church.
In my job, I was offered the opportunity to go to university and study, but youth work mattered more. That showed me what really mattered to me; it was a real alarm bell. I felt God speaking to me in a service about the future He had for me, so I spoke to my priest, and he and my church family were so supportive, they carried me.
Leaving them behind is the hardest thing I have had to do during training. Studying has been challenging but really rewarding, and I can see the difference in myself. I don’t think I have ever grown so much, so quickly. They taught us how to learn for ourselves. I love studying Scripture with new lenses. I really want to do more.
Looking ahead, I am really looking forward to working with people in all communities and sharing the Gospel
But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.Isaiah 43. 1-2: