The Lifecall team is excited to announce that a new Directions course will start in September.
We spoke to some recent attendees about what they gained from completing the course. This week Gill shares her experience:
Your background
I live in South Liverpool with my family, where I am an active member of my community resident’s association and also my church. When I have spare time, I paint and sketch and do some photography.
For years, I was distant from God. Church, faith, and prayer were not a part of my life. I climbed the corporate career ladder, but my spirit crumbled under the pressures of a demanding job and a toxic work environment. I have been on my faith journey for about 12 years. It has been a gradual, yet profound, opening to faith. Becoming a Christian has renewed my spirit and given me a profound sense of hope and direction.
Recently, I have been actively job hunting following redundancy from my previous position in non-profit science and medical communications. While this transition has been challenging, it has also provided me with an opportunity to reflect on my career goals and now seek opportunities that align with my faith. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead in my growing personal ministry following the Directions Course.
Why did you decide to take part in the Directions course?
Rev. Rachel Archer and Rev. Sally Mason at Mossley Hill Church encouraged me to enroll on the Directions course. They recognized my passion for deepening my faith and my commitment to serving our community in lay ministry. They believed the course would help me grow spiritually and enhance my ability to support and guide others in their faith journeys. The suggestion was rooted in their desire to see me flourish both personally and in my role within the church.
What have you gained from completing the Directions course?
The Directions course has been a transformative experience in my faith journey. It has equipped me with the tools and ignited a passion to live out my faith more deeply. The course emphasized the importance of the Christian community, and I formed strong connections with the other participants. These discussions and group activities were incredibly encouraging, fostering a strong sense of belonging and support. I remain in touch with these fabulous people in my small group, and we regularly provide prayer and encouragement as we grow in our lay ministry together. I'm particularly grateful for the honest challenges presented, as they pushed me outside my comfort zone and prepared me for a more committed faith walk.
Empowered by the Directions course, I discovered a deeper purpose in my faith and a renewed passion to grow closer to God while sharing my faith with others. Armed with the knowledge and support from the Directions Team, I'm excited to use my creativity, professional skills, and newfound confidence to develop innovative ways to connect with people, share the faith, and contribute to our church's vision to be a fresh and innovative ministry, actively seeking new ways to connect with our community and putting our faith in action.
My next step is to build on the Directions experience by completing the Introduction to Preaching course at Liverpool Diocese.
Would you recommend the Directions course and why?
I absolutely recommend the Directions course!
If you're even a little curious about growing your faith life, it's worth it. The course is open-minded, with inspiring speakers and helpful guidance. They won't pressure you into a church career but will guide you to explore your ideas and learn new ways to share your faith.
Plus, you'll meet great people on a similar journey. It's encouraging to share experiences and grow together. The course helped me feel more confident to take a bigger role in my church.
This course is a great way to explore what that might look like for you!