In the first of our Local Preacher Series, meet Emma Fawcett a member of Dundrum Methodist, Dublin, as she writes about her experience of becoming a fully accredited Local Preacher.

“I had zero intention of doing the Local Preacher's course, but it's hard to ignore God's promptings when He has different plans! All the practicalities of the course were well worked out by the amazing Ministries Team, and with the course classes being on Zoom, the weekly time commitment was lessened as I could take part from the comfort of my home.

The course learning was varied, and I enjoyed hearing from the other participants and lecturers on the course. This really broadened my learning and my approach to speaking, as I have lots of experience giving a talk to teenagers and young adults in an Irish context, but less experience speaking to people from different countries, of different ages and different life experiences and church backgrounds.

I've only recently become an accredited Local Preacher, but already I have been presented with more ministry opportunities in this area, and more opportunities to learn, to grow and to serve God.

I'm a firm believer that if God has called us to take part in his work, then we should always be open to learning and bettering ourselves. If we are open to being taught, then we are open to admitting we are willing to learn and humble enough to take direction and guidance from others. If you feel that God is calling you to preach and teach, then absolutely do the Local Preachers course.”