The Blackpool Ministry Experience is an annual volunteer scheme for those young adults, between the ages of 18-29, to explore ministry within the Christian faith, in the context of the many faceted Church of England. Indeed, it is one of many localized Ministry Experience Schemes planted throughout the country. This year, starting from the very end of September, I (Thomas Henley) have been granted the honor of serving as that volunteer; I will be working in St Thomas, Freedom Church, St Paul’s & St Annes churches respectively across the following ten months. Unlike previous years, only I am in attendance here – normally there would be three volunteers. Hopefully the numbers will recover in the coming years.

As for my background, I come from Windsor, where I attended the church of St Michael’s in Bray for all my life. I have been a chorister there for 15 years, and have sung in others at churches in Plymouth and Birmingham whilst studying at the universities there respectively. Faith has been a strong component of my upbringing and life for many years, and it is faith which has guided me here.

Having felt the encouragement of the LORD’s calling to ministry, I hope that being in service to the good people of Blackpool I may grow and learn in the ways of discipleship, pastoral care, and spiritual leadership, and ultimately to discern my calling within the church. Since I have little experience with these matters, I trust and pray that the guidance and teaching of those who support me in this journey are well-placed and firmly made through the grace of the holy spirit. Amen.

Faith, hope and love go with you. Amen.

Thomas.