Meet our new deacon (intern) Sam Johnston
Ordination as deacon marks a key moment for me in a journey that began almost twenty five years ago.
As a young boy growing up in Bangor, I attended the annual CSSM beach mission where, at the age of five, I first decided that I wanted to follow Jesus. From that time on, ‘minister’ was always on my list of things I wanted to be. As my Christian faith matured, so did my sense of call.
I grew up just round the corner from Ballyholme Parish, my spiritual home for most of my life. Youth and children’s activities formed an important part of my faith development. As I moved into leadership in these groups, my sense of call was both tested and strengthened. Toward the end of secondary school, I felt it would be helpful to gain some experience working outside of a church setting.
As an undergraduate I studied Music and Sound Recording in England, where I was able to exercise my faith in a diverse, and sometimes challenging context. Eventually I returned home to work as a freelance recording engineer. Finally, I spent two years as a church youth worker in Bangor, before beginning ordination training in Dublin.
After two years in college, moving to Lurgan gives me a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow in a vibrant parish context. Ordination is the beginning of a new phase in my life and I am excited by what God may have in store.
I would like to thank Revd Geoff Wilson and all who work and witness in Shankill Parish for inviting me to be part of their team. Please pray that God will equip me to faithfully serve the people there.