Meet one of our new deacons, Revd Jack Kinkead
Revd Jack Kinkead was recently ordained Deacon and is serving his curacy in St Finnian's, Cregagh. He tells us about himself:
I was born and raised in the Lisburn area and attended church (Legacurry Presbyterian) with my family from an early age. As a member of most of the youth organisations on offer, much of my social time was spent at church, involved in church activities. I have always had an awareness of God's interest in my life - I don’t ever remember a time of having no faith – and my Christian faith has always been particularly important to me.
After A levels, I moved to Dublin, to study History at Trinity College. By this stage I had moved from being Presbyterian to Anglican, through joining the choir of St. Peter’s church in Belfast (Antrim Road). The rich diversity of choral music led me to develop a great love of Anglican liturgy. On arriving in Dublin, I joined the choir of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and spent six very happy years there, singing at seven services per week.
It was during my second year as an undergraduate that I first felt a strong call to ministry. The idea of ordained ministry had never been one that I would have completely ruled out, but that notwithstanding, it did come as quite a surprise! I was in an advantageous position, as I had two more years to complete my degree, so had plenty of time to think and pray about my strengthening vocation.
After completing my degree, I spent a year as a member of staff at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and attended the Bishops’ Selection Conference. I entered the Theological College (now Institute) in September 2007 and have never really looked back.
As I prepare for ordination, I feel a great sense of excitement, to be able to do that to which I have been called. Although I am also slightly nervous of entering the unknown, I know that God will continue to journey with me, and will equip me with all I need.