You may be wondering about the name localpreacherforkliftdriver! Well I started that name a few years ago when I was a local preacher who drove a forklift truck for a living. In a way I’m glad I cannot change it, as it reminds me of where I come from and the people who have helped shape me into who I am now.
My path to ministry – I have been a Methodist Student Minister, training at The Wesley Study Centre in Durham. Going through the candidating process was tough… worth it though!
How did I get here….
I have been immersed in Methodism all my life, being born and brought up in a Methodist family in rural North Yorkshire. My mum was a local preacher and my dad has held many positions within the church. My parents, extended family and church family, were a steady influence in my Christian formation, and guided me to the point of being able to make decisions about my own personal faith as I grew up…
The rest is a much longer story…
I’ve worked as a:
Furniture Maker
Mount Maker for a Picture Framer
Forklift Truck Driver for a couple of companies
In between times I have done some voluntary work in Ghana, West Africa.
My First Degree was in:
Three Dimensional Design, specializing in Fine Wood Working at Northumbria University in Newcastle.
Since, I have studied Theology at:
Cliff College in Derbyshire.
York St John University.
During my time at the Wesley Study Centre, I had the privileged to go on a placement to Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary in India. It was an amazing experience, one I will never forget.
I have been a Methodist Minister in the Huddersfield Circuit with pastoral charge of Bradley, Hade Edge, Parkwood & Scholes churches.
I was Ordained in July 2016 at St Marylebone Parish Church in London.
I am about to take up my new appointment in the North Cheshire Circuit with pastoral charge of 8 churches. Yes 8 churches! It seems quite daunting at times but I’m really looking forward to the new challenges, meeting new people and building up relationships to share in God’s mission in the area.
Thanks John we are looking forward to meeting you all.
I quite like the look of flat hats and my Grandad used to have a ferret so I think we should fit in ok!