‘At St Hild, I’m studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission, and most of my modules this year are about getting a good introduction to everything. My journey to studying at St Hild has been developing over a few years as I have explored my call to Baptist ministry. I had already had the privilege of serving my church on the leadership team and as a worship leader and occasional preacher, and I began to lean into that and ask the question, ‘Is God calling me to be a Baptist minister?’
Once I had explored that question and had been recommended to start ministerial training, I looked at where it would be best to study. St Hild seemed a good place because it was fairly close to home and Monday as the regular college day works well. It was the warm welcome that really encouraged me to come to St Hild.. I felt really welcomed at both the Open Days I came in and really enjoyed getting to join in worship and lectures on those days. The atmosphere and everyone seemed welcoming, and I felt excited at the idea of studying here.
The highlight of my training so far has probably been the opportunity to connect with lots of different people and gain encouragement, wisdom, and inspiration from them. I feel privileged to be able to hear testimony from others, share our experiences of ministry together and to be inspired by the work they are doing for Christ as well as their responses to the Bible and to the call of Jesus in their lives and the lives of those around them. I have appreciated the Baptist Leadership Programme weekends away to be able to do this. At the weekend away in January, we had a scratch communion, and I loved the creativity displayed in the prayer, sung worship, and reflection that was put together for our communion.
I was born in Wakefield and have lived happily in Wakefield all my life. I love the diversity we have at Wakefield Baptist Church and pray for more and more connections and relationships between the different groups. This Christmas provided some opportunities for that and it made for joyous moments in the busy season. One of our families from the toddler group provided a huge Christmas tree from their garden for church. They were helped to get the tree in the building and standing securely by a couple of Drop-In and Night Shelter volunteers. Some of our Iranian congregation decorated the tree – the first Christmas tree they had ever decorated, as they celebrated their first-ever Christmas. Paper chains for the tree were made by children from the church, both UK residents and asylum seekers. At Drop-In, a group of Drop-In guests and Drop-In volunteers (including Iranians with little English) sat together chatting and making Christmas rag wreaths. At times like this, it feels like the kingdom of heaven.’
Eleanor Brennan
Baptist Minister-In-Training
