Reflecting on one’s journey through life and ministry is always a fascinating exercise, helping us see where God has been actively working beyond our efforts.
In 2014, I joined the Church of the Cross (Thamesmead), which is in an area of significant deprivation, at a time when it was facing significant challenges, and I quickly realised that my college hadn’t prepared me for the realities I was now stepping into.
At General Synod in July 2024, I pointed out a stark truth: churches with the fewest resources face the highest and most complex needs. Unlike those in wealthier areas, churches in places of deprivation are ministering to many who are focused on simply meeting their most basic daily needs. Pursuing personal fulfilment often feels like a distant dream.
