Meet new Diocesan Bible Teacher/Catechist, Sharon Porter
Sharon Porter is one of 11 Diocesan Bible Teachers/Catechist commissioned by Bishop David on Sunday 30 March in Holy Trinity, Banbridge. She is part of the team at the West Winds church plant in Newtownards.
I must start with a confession – I was not brought up a Church of Ireland girl, so am still new to many Church of Ireland ways. However, I was raised hearing about God and His plan to bring us back into a right relationship with Him, through His Son Jesus. At a young age I prayed one night and asked God for His forgiveness, to come into my life and make me a new person. A few years later I was baptised.
My walk with Jesus has been close at times but rather off track at too many other times. Thankfully it is God who has promised He will never fail me or abandon me.
I have served within churches in many roles, from administration to Christianity Explored leader, children and young person’s leader to car park attendant, desserts provider and small group leader!
After listening to Bishop David’s daily reflections during Lent a few years ago, my husband Keith and I ended up at Glen Community Church. We moved to West Winds Community Church as this second church plant from St Mark’s, Newtownards started. As with all new, small, churches my role has been to serve wherever is needed and then I found myself enrolled with 10 others on the Diocesan Bible Teachers and Catechist Course!
My faith journey had never involved a formal “catechism” as such, so I was feeling rather nervous but the topics being covered really excited me. There is always something new to learn, and in my case constant refreshing is also needed. I do have to say a big thank you to all those involved in taking the course and their patience with me as I asked so many questions!
It was brilliant to spend time with others of God’s family, all wanting to learn more and improve our skills, enabling us to help and encourage others within our parishes, as together we try to follow the example of Jesus, be a blessing, and bring the love and hope of God into our communities.
Might this be your calling too? The course will run again in autumn 2025. Find out more in our Training Section HERE.
