Janet Ruthven is one of the new deacons being ordained at Guildford Cathedral on Sunday 2nd July and shares her story of being called to church ministry.
"A random thought about ordination which appeared by complete surprise to me started a process of prayerful discernment which has brought me to this point. The confirmation of my calling came when I shared my story of discernment with other people, and no one was surprised, except me. At each stage of the journey I have knocked at the door and God has graciously led me through the door onto the next stage.
I was encouraged to respond to the call by a trusted staff team member at church, and a couple of trustworthy friends who I knew were praying for me and affirming of my calling.
A significant Bible story for me during my discernment process comes from 1 Samuel 16 when Samuel was with Jesse’s sons to find a new king of Israel. David was not the obvious choice for Jesse, but he was God’s choice. 1 Samuel 16:7: “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart”. My calling has been a surprise to me but I trust God for the future."
Find out more about the ordination services taking place this year.