Revd Reuben Johnston is ordained presbyter
Congratulations to Revd Reuben Johnston who has been ordained presbyter for the curacy of Willowfield. Bishop David ordained Reuben along with five others at a service in Down Cathedral on Sunday 15 June 2025. The preacher was Revd Paul Harcourt, Vicar of All Saints' Woodford Wells in Essex.
Reuben reflects on his deacon year
Serving as deacon in Willowfield Parish has been a privilege and a special time of learning with opportunities for fresh insight and experience of a wide variety of parish life in inner city East Belfast.
Having already been part of the Willowfield Staff team working with young people in the church and the local area, I was extremely grateful to the diocese and Willowfield for enabling me to continue in this role whilst also serving as deacon.
My time as deacon has taught me to refine my juggling skills. I have had the opportunity to preach more regularly, engage in pastoral ministry, be present at vestry meetings, attend a wide variety of training events, lead corporate worship, take part in outreach events and much more. And while I have learnt practical skills and picked up many helpful tips, I believe it has been the deliberate and conscious decision of Revd Clive Atkinson and the wider staff team to actively pursue God’s presence that has marked me most deeply. The hunger and desire for God to move in Willowfield and across this land has been infectious and formative.
It has been incredibly exciting to see what God is doing in the lives of those attending Willowfield and those from the community who are exploring faith. Over the last year it has been my deepest joy to see a significant number of people come to faith; some through Alpha, some through Sunday services, and some through evangelistic events.
I am extremely thankful to Clive, the staff team and the wider Willowfield congregation for all they have taught me and the opportunities they have given me in this last season as I continue to learn and grow in ordained ministry.
