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Ruth Gookey


RuthGookeyMy call into ordained ministry was definitely a process.  After a few years ministering in Albania together with my husband and family I was back in the UK and God spoke to me in a very clear and (for me) unusual way about going to Bible college.  This wasn’t even on my radar at the time – however, I went and while I was there I felt an increasing sense of call into becoming a minister.  It took a couple of years for me to do anything about it or speak to anyone – I think because I found it hard to believe God would really want me as a minister.
 
There were some obstacles – the foremost one being my own insecurity and doubt.  No-one that I can remember from my church family had ever suggested I might be gifted in this way, or encouraged me to think about it – so while they were supportive of my journey once I had embarked on it (and they were!) no one was opening doors for me.  I had to push at them all myself.  It was quite a lonely process at times, although the encouragement I received from my friends and lecturers at college was incredibly empowering.
 
I have had the privilege of living and ministering in a different language and culture, and I think this is of huge value, both personally and for the church.  I am genuinely interested in people, getting to know them, listening to their stories and helping them discover their God-given gifts and abilities, and then finding a place where they can use them, whether in the church family or outside of it.
 
In terms of encouraging younger women to consider a call to ministry I  think that giving opportunity is key and allowing both young women and men to grow up seeing as diverse a group of people as possible leading different areas in church life.  It is hard to imagine being something you cannot see!  Consider being a mentor for a young women who ask you or offer it to someone who you think would benefit from one.  I have to say that I am passionate that older women consider a call to ministry too, not just younger women.  I was 39 when I began my ministerial formation so would not have fallen into any initiatives for younger people.
 
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