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 morning’s story comes from Emily Lissaman.
How was Emily called?
I grew up in both a Christian family and community – my dad is a Methodist Minister and Theological Educator, so I grew up at a Bible College in Derbyshire. Although I can’t remember a time I haven’t known God with me, I gave my life to Jesus at the age of 6 during a festival, inspired to live my life for Him like those students I looked up to.
I met my husband at university and, after getting married, we moved to Oxford and then Bedford for his work. I did a range of different things, from admin to an interior design diploma, before being prompted to train as a Secondary Music Teacher. Whilst completing my PGCE, I had a sense that this wasn’t the right path and God had other things in store, so we began exploring other options and that summer moved to London, where I began a worship internship.
A few months later, our vicar encouraged me to meet with the Diocesan Director of Ordinands and, for the first time, I felt like I might be on the right path! Then, about a year later, following some difficult situations at work, I decided to stop the discernment process – if this was what God was calling me to, I would get there eventually, but I needed more time. I remember Bishop Graham Tomlin saying at a conference: “If you can do anything else [instead of getting ordained], go and do it!” I had dreamed of being a worship pastor from a young age and that summer we moved to Dorking, where I became a Worship Pastor just before the pandemic.
Initially, this brought a deep sense of fulfilment – maybe I wasn’t called to ordination after all! Yet, over time, particularly through leadership opportunities during the interregnum, I began to sense God prompting me again toward ordination. Just before maternity leave, I finally shared this with my vicar, who wasn’t at all surprised.
Returning to the discernment process was a bit scary, but it was also so encouraging to reflect on how I had grown and how God had continued to use my gifts and talents to serve His church. It’s not been the smoothest journey since, but I have known God with me and my family every step of the way, and I know He will be there with us as I begin curacy too!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6