We are continuing to celebrate our soon-to-be-Reverends, who are being ordained this week. We are sharing two stories a day in the lead-up to the Ordination of Deacons service on Sunday. This afternoon’s story comes from Chris Garner.
How was Chris called?
I came to faith relatively recently, in 2015, through the help of a small group. My journey started when we moved to our new home and my wife wanted to start going back to church. I accompanied her so she wasn’t lonely, and one thing led to another.
Life before training for ordination had more free time! I have had to balance study around working full time as an accountant and raising two adopted children with my wife. One change I have made recently is to move to a compressed working week, so that I work four days a week, allowing me a little more space to study and, once ordained, to work within the church.
When not working or studying, you will often find me out and about with our dog and, in the warmer months, I have been giving open water swimming a go.
Through training, my wife has been amazing and has done huge amounts to support me. I have also had wonderful support from friends, family, my training supervisor, the church community, and all the team, past and present, of St Martha’s College.
Lots of little things have nudged me to take this journey: words from wise church members, the joy I have experienced in volunteering with older persons’ ministry and children’s work; the love and unity that is felt when helping distribute communion. Over the last three years, I have found I really enjoy preaching. It’s an area that needs care and a deep love for the congregation and, though not often seen as such, is very pastoral.
Discernment and training haven’t always been easy, interrupted by lockdown and unexpected challenges, but God has put things in place that have confirmed my call.
As I become a deacon, I look forward serving the church community, being with them and learning from them.
If you are considering a call to ministry, of any kind, I encourage you to listen and to talk to people and see where it takes you.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29