Called to Reader Ministry –James Henderson
James, a parishioner of Kilkeel, is one of four Diocesan Readers commissioned by Bishop David on Tuesday 21 April in Drumgooland Parish Church.
I grew up in Kilkeel with my mum and dad as the youngest of four. They were active members of Christ Church Kilkeel, and as children we were brought along to everything—from Sunday school to Boys’ Brigade. It was there I first learned about Jesus.
Around the age of 5 or 6, I realised I needed Jesus as my Saviour and took that step of faith. Some years later, my dad passed away through illness. It was a difficult time, and although I didn’t turn away from God, I didn’t truly seek Him either. At around 16, I came to understand what Jesus had done for me and experienced His peace and assurance.
Philippians 4:6–7:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Since then, I’ve wanted to know Jesus more through His Word and prayer. As an adult, I became a Boys’ Brigade leader in Christ Church and have subsequently also served as Captain for the past 12 years. It’s been a privilege to work with young people and see lives changed by Jesus. My wife Lindsey serves in Anchor Boys, and our two sons Joshua and Levi are part of the B.B company.
In recent years, I felt God calling me to more. At first, I didn’t really know what that would look like until I saw a Down and Dromore post on Facebook saying that the Diocesan Lay Reader course was closed for entries. On reading this, it came with a sense of disappointment that I had missed out, without having realised that this was where God wanted me to be. With a lot of prayer and confirmation from God, I applied the following year.
Although I have no formal academic qualifications, with God’s help and a few hoops to go through to get in, I have now completed the course, attending training weekends in Dublin at the CITI. It was challenging at times, with the essays and work, but a real blessing to dig deeper into God’s word. I’ve made great friendships and grown in faith. It reminded me that when God calls, He equips.
I’m excited for the next step, to serve as a Diocesan Lay Reader in my home parish in Kilkeel, sharing what Jesus has done in my life and encouraging others to know Him, grow in faith, and share their own story.
John 20:21–22:
“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.’ And with that He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”