Meet our new Deacon (intern) Colin Darling
Although it’s more than six years since I took the first formal steps and started out down the road towards ordained ministry (in fact my structured training does not actually finish until, all being well, I complete the Masters of Theology course in summer 2013) the final stages in the run–up to my ordination as a deacon on August 26 have whizzed by. It only seems like yesterday that Bishop Harold was informing me that I had been selected to commence at the Church of Ireland Theological Institution.
And yet, here we are. I know I still have much to learn and I am looking forward to my intern year in Saintfield Parish, where I have already been warmly welcomed. I feel blessed to be on this amazing journey and thank Chris Pollock, vicar and intern supervisor that he has agreed to take on the inescapable additional legwork that goes with overseeing a trainee. I’m convinced I will benefit from that supervision and only pray that in return, I will be able to bring something to the parish.
I am deeply indebted to all those who have given me such a firm Christian foundation and to those who have helped in so many ways to allow me to undertake this training. Strong foundations don’t always mean that the construction withstands the storms of life, but as Jesus taught, with God as the rock, we are better equipped. I know now with hindsight that I was a little slow to build on those foundations, but truly hope I can make up lost ground now as I work to grow God’s kingdom.
Having worked for 25 years for 2 different banks in a number of roles, including a spell in London, I am committed to spending the remainder of my life in trying to bring heaven to at least a small part of earth. If I am to make a difference, I know that, with God’s help, I must encourage people not only to belong to, but be more committed to their local church. Then when understanding and faith deepens, behaviours begin to change and the Kingdom spreads. I feel the key to making the most of this wonderful world that God has created for us is to change behaviours, hopefully becoming more like Jesus.
Emotions are very mixed at this time – apprehension, nervousness, eagerness, excitement about the year in Saintfield are combined with feelings of unworthiness, privilege and joy about the upcoming ordination, but most of all I am deeply grateful to have this opportunity to return in a small way the amazing love that God has for us all.