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.
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!