Christian was born in Uttoxeter and grew up in Stoke-on-Trent where he and his mum still live. His beloved dad passed away in 2023. Christian is a Chartered Engineer and has worked at JCB for many years. Christian looks forward to continuing in this role as part of his self-supporting ministry calling, recognisingthat God is interested and present in all ofour daily ‘frontlines’, wherever that may be. Serving, equipping, shaping.
Christian believes that it is God’s ministry and that will look unique to each calling and context. He says that, for him it will involve a foundation of prayer, deep listening and will be incarnational – being with God and with ‘neighbour’. For Christian, he returns repeatedly to some words taken from the Ordinal which declare that ‘Deacons are to be faithful in prayer, expectant and watchful for the signs of God’s presence, as he reveals his kingdom among us... they are to work with their fellow members in searching out the poor and weak, the sick and lonely and those who are oppressed and powerless, reaching into the forgotten corners of the world, that the love of God may be made visible’.
Christian has found the biggest misconception to be about the often-heard term, ‘vicar factory’. He says that whilst acknowledging that stereotypes have always existed, God is much more diverse and bigger than that. His training withThe Queen’s Foundation has helped to bust that myth, once and for all!
Christian would advise anyone wondering about their journey through life with God to pray and be open to God’s guidance through the Holy Spirit from all kinds of people and sources. God calls all sorts of people to all sorts of callings and nothing is impossible with God when God is the One doing the calling!