In the final Growing Churches video, Revd Paul Lacey, curate at St Martin in the Bullring, shares his journey of growing up in Aston, coming to faith and being called to church leadership.
Paul says Birmingham is, “a place where people love each other, a place where people are neighbours.”
“In my opinion, there’s not really a better place to be from.”
Paul became a Christian after his brother invited him to a Christian festival. He recounts how he “encountered God in a completely life-changing, transformational way.”
This encounter with God naturally translated to serving his community, and Paul became involved with youth work.
“I’ve always loved Aston, but when I became a Christian, I knew that God loved Aston.”
The importance of role models
In 2012, Paul was approached by his vicar to become a mission apprentice, through a funded scheme designed to develop local church leaders. Paul was unsure, believing that “God doesn’t call people like me.”
But when three people from his church trained to be vicars, Paul was proved wrong.
He explains, “it was massive really, because there were examples I could follow and it showed me what was possible.”
Paul explains that while worshipping at Christian festival New Wine in 2019, three things happened that prompted him to begin training as a vicar.
“The first was a picture and it was of me in a dog collar. The second thing was a piece of scripture that came to mind. And then the third thing was this tap on my shoulder.”
“It was a guy I had never met before, never met since, who'd come from the back of a 1,400 person venue and been like, while we were worshipping, God pointed at you and said, that's my church leader.”
Exploring calling
Paul encourages people who might not think leadership is for them to reconsider.
“Don't write yourself off. Don't think because I'm from this place or I sound this way, it can't be me. If God's calling and you're obedient, it will happen. That's been my journey. It's proof that he calls people like me and people like you too.”
Revd Edd Stock, Head of Vocations and Ordinands at Church of England Birmingham agrees: “Paul’s story shows us that God calls people from all different backgrounds and walks of life to serve Him.
“If you’re exploring where God might be calling you, I’d recommend you chat to your local vicar or come to one of our Called to Serve events. We’d love to support you in your journey.”
Serving God in the heart of Birmingham
As he came to the end of his ordination training, Paul became the curate at St Martin in the Bullring.
Right in the heart of the city, the church caters to a diverse group of people, from welcoming those experiencing homelessness and city visitors, to civic occasions, special events and more.
“The life of Birmingham comes to this building, and so for someone who loves Birmingham, to be able to be here and be a part of that is amazing,” says Paul.
Interesting in exploring your calling?
Find out more about vocations at Church of England Birmingham and sign-up to our next Called to Serve event.