Blog created from a talk delivered to the Church of Scotland Guild.
I am currently in discernment with the Church of Scotland, hoping to become a full-time minister of Word and Sacrament. This is my story of how faith has shaped my life, the steps that led me here, and what this calling means.
"Faith is often a journey rather than a destination."
Finding My Place in Faith
Before beginning discernment, I worshipped at a local church that has since united with others to form my current home church. I am blessed to have a mentor and I feel very much at home at my placement.
I am preparing for my Local Review, the first step in assessment for ministry. If successful, the next stage is a residential Assessment Conference and then hopefully acceptance as an official candidate.
Alongside this, I am studying for a Theology degree through Aberdeen University via distance learning. I have completed one year part-time and have now left work to focus on study and ministry full-time.
Outside of studies, I am a parent to two lively children and share a home with a spouse, two cats, two dogs and a tortoise. Life is lively and full of energy.
Early Life and Faith
I was born in 1982 and grew up with my parents and a younger sibling. My family was not especially churchgoing, but faith found its way into my life early.
I remember asking for a prayer book for my fourth birthday, which was unusual. I also treasured a picture book about Moses that I borrowed constantly from school. The story of the baby in the bulrushes resonated deeply with me.
"I loved Brownies parades, carol services, and assemblies with hymns."
Later, my family settled near a beautiful abbey, which became a place of significance for important family milestones. It is peaceful, prayerful, and steeped in God’s presence.
From Journalism to Searching for Meaning
By the age of ten, I had decided I wanted to be a journalist. That passion carried me through university, volunteering for hospital radio, writing for the local paper, and gaining every bit of work experience I could. I studied Politics at university but spent most of my energy running the student TV station before completing an MA in Broadcast Journalism.
My first job involved investigative reporting in hospitals and other sensitive environments. Later, I moved to documentary work and news reporting for a national broadcaster. The work was exciting but competitive and often anxiety-inducing.
Throughout this time, I continued exploring faith, attending different meetings and services, and reading Christian books. Despite my efforts, I never quite found a spiritual home.
Life in Edinburgh and Rediscovering Faith
By my early thirties, journalism had lost its appeal. We moved to Edinburgh, a city that held personal significance. Initially, I considered social work, but life had other plans. I became a parent and retrained in digital communications, working with charities supporting families and communities. This work felt meaningful, people-focused, and kind.
Then the pandemic slowed the world, and I found myself drawn back to faith. I signed up for an online Alpha course and loved it. For the first time, I studied faith in a structured way. Later, I joined a discipleship course and a small online house group. While helpful, it was not exactly the style of worship that spoke to me. My prayers needed to focus on God’s strength and guidance rather than material outcomes.
Finding My Tribe
Through work with an international Christian charity, I met a friend who became a mentor and spiritual guide. She spoke warmly about her church community, and I asked to join her one Sunday. I immediately felt at home.
She even gifted me her theology books, a generous and encouraging gesture. Later, at the final service before a minister retired, a moment of clarity struck. A sermon featuring a place dear to my family prompted me to speak my call aloud. I told the minister that I wanted to be a minister too. His warm response affirmed my sense of direction.
"God has opened door after door."
Answering the Call
Since then, opportunities have opened in unexpected ways. Joining my current church, beginning discernment, and enrolling in theology studies have all felt like confirmation that I am on the right path.
At my placement, I have discovered the joy of leading worship, writing and preaching sermons, and praying with people. My mentor and assessor have been unwavering sources of guidance and encouragement.
Though I approach the assessment process with nerves, there is also a deep peace, an awareness that this is where God is calling me.
Reflections
Looking back, I can see God’s presence throughout every stage of my life. From a little child clutching a prayer book, to a journalist searching for truth, to a parent rediscovering faith through structured study, and now standing in discernment for ministry.
I am grateful to my family, friends who have encouraged me, my church communities, and above all, to God.
"I share my story in the hope that it might encourage others to reflect on their own paths and callings."
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