We are continuing the series of stories celebrating our soon-to-be Reverends as we head towards the ordination weekend on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June. Today's story comes from Will Ingle.
How was Will called?
I was born in Essex but we moved to Jersey in the Channel Islands when I was 2. My mum is a Christian and my dad is not, so I always had the option to go to church. I went with my mum, partly because she was more persuasive and there was cake at church! She has been an influential person in my faith ever since.
When I was 10 years old, I attended Spring Harvest at Butlins and gave my life to Christ. We later celebrated with a baptism in the sea in Jersey when we got home. At 15, I confirmed what I believed at my baptism.
Being a Christian during my teenage years was challenging, especially at school. Each day became a lesson in apologetics as I had to defend my faith from my peers. I am thankful for this, as it made me delve deeper into why I believe in Jesus. It also taught me that you cannot argue someone into faith.
I powerfully felt the Holy Spirit at the age of 15. It was then that I knew God was calling me to leadership in the Christian world, though I didn't really know what that looked like and did not consider myself a leader.
At 17, God reminded me of what he had said and I decided to take a gap year and be part of a church running a leadership course. At a Bible study evening in a friend’s living room, while doubting my call to leadership, I again felt the Holy Spirit intensely. In that experience, God made it clear for me to go down the ordination route.
Initially, my response was “no” - I thought I would do that much later in my life. But in preparation, I decided to do a theology degree to set some good foundations. After much prayer and conversations with wiser individuals, I said “yes” to God and started the discernment process. It became evident over that time that this is what God has called me to do.
During the discernment process, which was over 3 years, I lived in East London where I worked for a couple of different churches: I organised rotas, Alpha courses and other behind-the-scenes work. I moved a lot of chairs in this time and I’m sure I will move many more in my future! I was also given a few opportunities to preach, lead services, and help with and lead student, youth and kids’ work.
One encouragement I offer for those exploring is: when you don't feel good enough, don't worry - He is enough. Stick close to Him and follow where He leads, echoed in the Great Commission next to my photo.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20