Called to Reader ministry: Emma Fleming
We’re thrilled that 18 new diocesan readers will be commissioned at a service in Dromore Cathedral on Friday 21 September. It’s a varied group of people, all of whom have successfully completed the 2 year training course, and each with their own sense of call to the reader ministry.
We’ve asked several of them to share their journey. Meet Emma Fleming from St John’s, Moira.
I was born in Ballymoney nearly 30 years ago, but we moved to Moira and my Christian journey began as a child growing up in St John’s Parish there. I attended Sunday school, was confirmed and consequently realised the need to fully participate in all kinds of Christian service and to put Jesus at the centre of my life.
Throughout my journey to date, I am continuing to grow spiritually and striving to mature by centring my life on God’s word, prayer and being led by the Holy Spirit.
Having attended Belfast Bible College and after obtaining my degree, I took on the daunting task of applying for the Foundation Course and survived! On its completion, I felt God calling me to serve him more fully in ministry. This call was confirmed through my friends, family and my own rector, Revd Joanne Megarrell, who gently encouraged me to take the next step and begin training for reader ministry. To all of them I say thanks for your encouragement and prayers.
These words have helped me throughout my training and it is good to remember that God does not call the equipped; he equips the called, and as Christians, we are all called to share what Christ has done. “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Sharing our faith isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a command. And God is with us when we obey Him.
I enjoyed the challenging classes at CITI and also our preaching tutor groups – participating, listening and learning from others. I met a wonderful group of readers in training, from whom, along with our course leaders, I learnt a lot. I know this will prove invaluable as I go forward in my journey.
As I prepare for commissioning, I look forward to fulfilling my role as a diocesan reader with great enthusiasm, both in my own parish of St John’s, Moira, and further afield if required. I feel very privileged to be called to serve God, his people and church in this ministry.
Emma