Written by Revd Michael Newey, Assistant Curate, Dereham and District Team Ministry and Group Chief Executive, Broadland Housing.
“It’s never too late to think about what God might want for our lives. We should always be ready to step out of our comfort zone if that’s where God leads us.
I was ordained a Deacon last June—a milestone on a journey that began nearly 45 years ago. Back then, I wondered if God was calling me to ministry, but at the time concluded my path lay elsewhere. I subsequently married Catherine; qualified as a chartered surveyor; and moved to Norfolk in 1997 to work in social housing —I still work full-time, with no plans to retire just yet. Catherine and I now have two adult children, Sarah and Tom.
During Covid, I felt God gently nudging me towards ordained ministry again. I became an Authorised Worship Assistant in North Elmham, taking a more active role in leading services —a learning experience for both me and our church family.
God continued to nudge me and I restarted my journey through the discernment process, finally being supported for ordination training in June 2024.
My life now involves three main callings: being there for my family, working a full-time secular job, and serving as a Deacon in the Dereham District. Rather than competing with one another, these roles support each other and each one’s shown me a bit more about what it really means to live with purpose.”