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. Today's story comes from Sarah Murphy.
How was Sarah called?
My family of origin was not churchgoing, but I had a praying grandmother who ran Sunday school in her Welsh church. As a child, I attended a Catholic prep school where Raphael’s Madonna and Child watched over us. Weekly recitations of the Lord’s Prayer and the Magnificat moved me so deeply that I began attending Evensong with a school friend. Around age 10, I asked to be confirmed, but was told I was too young. That rejection left me disheartened, and I stepped away from church until I was 28.
At that time, while working in banking, I met some Christians who encouraged me to attend Alpha, which led to confirmation. However, my faith was more intellectual than personal. It took another 10 years before I realised that all I had previously valued – success, status, achievement – was ultimately meaningless. Only a life submitted to God made sense. I threw myself into church life, attending courses and events, eager to grow and make up for lost time.
Fifteen years later, while juggling work and single parenthood, I sensed God calling me out of the workplace to deepen my discipleship. I completed a year-long training with Ellel Ministries in Prayer Ministry and Discipleship, joined their team, and began studying Theology. During this time, I met and married a wonderful Christian man. Together, we felt called to support our local church and, by God’s providence, found a tiny spirit-filled church in the woods near our new home.
We quickly became involved in leadership, preaching, and supporting others, and I joined the Diocese’s Local Ministry Programme to train as a Licensed Lay Minister. In my second year, during a work placement, I felt God calling me to a fully sacramental ministry. Initially, I thought I could simply shift to Ordained Local Ministry, but the discernment process was required. Thankfully, the Caleb Stream opened the following year, allowing me to pursue both paths concurrently, which has been tough at times but very rewarding, as each has their virtues.
I had once dreamed of being a vicar’s wife – before women could be ordained – so in hindsight, that may have been an early calling to the priesthood. Though I was advised against studying Theology as an undergraduate and read Maths instead, I eventually returned to my first love. It has been a winding road, but I truly believe I am now where God wants me to be!
Ordination is not to be rushed! Journal the ‘nudges’, seek out a spiritual director who might help you explore what God is saying, and though it might feel uncomfortable, keep pushing doors. You never know which one might open.
I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.
- Isaiah 49:6