Local Preacher Series - Ruth Alderdice

In the fourth of our Local Preacher Series, meet Ruth Alderdice a recently fully accredited Local Preacher and a member of Ballynafeigh Circuit. Ruth reflects on parts of her training before becoming a fully accredited Local Preacher.

“During the course I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people through online tutorials, I was able to listen and learn from people in different contexts from across the island of Ireland.

 The Biblical Studies element of the course taught me the importance of good background knowledge when looking at bible passages; thinking about the time, the place, the culture, and the language of what took place and how to interpret meanings for today in our cultural contexts.

 I attended worship leading and preaching online tutorials led by the Ministries team. This was all very practical learning for the preparation of our services. It was helpful to look at what constitutes Christian worship and the ways in which we encounter God. It was good to reflect on how we prepare as members of a congregation to worship God and then how we prepare to lead others in the worship of God. It was good to be challenged to be creative in all aspects of a worship service. 

 Completing my Local Preacher’s Portfolio in my local context stretched me in a good way. As I reflected on services I had led, it helped me realise how I could develop all the different aspects of leading a worship service.

 I have learnt to allow myself the time and space to prepare thoroughly for leading services to hear what God is saying. I have to manage my time well to allow for that. There are often many things that can distract us away from time with God, not just when we are preparing a sermon. I continue to find it a challenge to carve out time and space for silence and stillness before God. It is however something I keep pursuing in my walk with God as I believe it is what we are called to as his disciples. 

 Naturally, I was nervous before I led my first service, but as I reflected on the service, I was encouraged by the feedback I received from the congregation. This helped me as I prepared for more services and I want to continue to ensure that each service I prepare allows the Holy Spirit to speak into people’s hearts and lives and bring transformation, including to my own.”

 For more information on the Local Preacher application process and training please visit the website https://irishmethodist.org/ministries-local-preachers