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 Philomena Evans.
How was Philomena called?
My sense of calling began during a church service in 2011, when the Director of the Local Ministry Programme (LMP) explained how God calls each of us, inviting us to use our gifts and skills for His kingdom in a variety of ways. During the talk, my heart began to race as I felt the Holy Spirit and realised that God was actually calling me!
Afterwards, I began speaking to others about my sense of call and I met with the Diocesan Vocations Advisor, who advised me to become more involved with different ministries within my church. Over the next few years, my calling was tested as I served as the church’s Children and Families Worker, a volunteer Hospital Chaplain and a Pastoral Team Leader. Each role and responsibility was different, but they developed my giftings and brought me into a closer, deeper relationship with God.
It was a long road and I faced discouragement along the way. However, this only strengthened my original inner sense of call, which grew, becoming clear and obvious to others. On the church noticeboard in 2019, my son saw a poster celebrating 25 years of women’s ordination to the priesthood and photos of every female priest in the diocese were featured. After looking at the photos, my son asked when my photo would be included. His words acted as both a gentle push to pursue my calling and also as a prophetic message that I never forget and always makes me smile!
After that day, things became clearer as the Lord opened new doors for my discernment journey to continue. In 2022, when I was accepted for ordination training with LMP, everything finally came full circle.
One encouragement I would like to share is to be honest about any sense of calling and to hold on, trusting that God will fully equip you and make things very clear.
My key Bible verse is
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10
The Lord is my shepherd and has nourished, protected, led and guided me and my family, ensuring that no matter what obstacles we face or threats come upon us, He is always with us, offering a full, abundant, everlasting life. I also love the worship song 'Build My Life' by Pat Barrett. It’s a special song I regularly sing, which I feel sums up my calling and future ministry.