In the fifth of our Local Preacher Series, meet Elizabeth Curran, a recently accredited Local Preacher, and a member of Ballynure Methodist Church.  Elizabeth tells us about her experiences in training and the impact of worship leading and preaching on her own journey of faith.

 “My call to preach came many years ago and was answered unofficially when I lived in a different district.  It was only when I moved and settled into retirement, I knew that the call to preach still remained and I had the desire and time to do it officially, through the training that was provided by the Ministries Team and with the support of my local circuit.

 The units that I completed as part of my training were very helpful.  They were practical, relevant and encouraging.  It was good to be a part of a group of Local Preachers in Training from across the Ireland while engaging in our online teaching and tutorials.  The group were so insightful which made our discussions enjoyable and very engaging.  We completed assignments for each unit and I personally learnt so much from the work and research involved in completing them.

 I would say that the greatest impact the course had was on my Christian discipleship.  I gained so much from my preparation and planning of services and sermons.  There is invariably a point when I wonder how I am going to organise my thoughts into a coherent structure.  But when it finally comes together and I have a clear understanding of the message, I believe it passionately and want others to believe it too.

 I am very aware of the privilege and responsibility of conducting a service of worship. The support of the congregation really encouraged and blessed me. At the end of the training process, my sense of calling was greater than ever.  I really appreciate the responsibility of speaking to people who have chosen to come to worship God.  There is always a sense when I have completed a task that it’s not enough.  I am learning to depend more and more on the Holy Spirit to breathe life into what I offer in sincerity, in order to bless people and inspire them to walk with Him.” For more information on the Local Preacher application process and training please visit the website https://irishmethodist.org/ministries-local-preachers