From Edinburgh to London to Newcastle, from bank apprenticeship to PhD and university researcher, Ann Sinclair’s journey to Non-Stipendiary Ministry has been one of faith, growth, and divine choreography.
Ann, a member of St Andrew’s URC Monkseaton in the Northern Synod, likens her journey to a dance with God. Sometimes, she says, they sway on opposite sides of the room, but God always remains close.
In this reflection, Ann shares how her call to ministry has developed through a variety of life experiences:
“I had no opportunity to study beyond age 16, so went straight into work. Like many working-class women of the time, my life followed a familiar pattern; marriage and a family. We moved to London then to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the closest we could get to Scotland with my husband’s job, and where we could afford a house. I joined a local Presbyterian church, which became part of the URC in 1972.
“I attended with my daughters and became a leader in the Brownies, and later the Ranger Guides. Sunday worship took a back seat for a time as I accompanied my daughters to athletic competitions, and I even trained as a Senior Throws Coach.
Looking back, although God and I sometimes seemed on opposite sides of the dancefloor, I was always in the Lord’s presence. Teaching and coaching people of all ages and abilities, those with no relationship with God, and that was all was of how my faith matured.”
As her daughters grew up and needed her less, Ann returned to church life, helping with junior church and serving as an Elder. Her daughters went on to train as nurses, and Ann took her own bold step in leaving her bank job to study Sociology and Social Research at Northumbria University as a mature student. She later extended her studies to complete a PhD in socio-legal studies on child custody law, while working as a researcher at Newcastle University.
“But there was a niggling call in my life,” Ann reflects, “one that couldn’t be filled by catching up on all the TV I’d missed while studying—like Michael Palin’s Around the World in 80 Days.”
A new season opened when she began helping with the children’s address at church. Around that time, an Elder suggested she consider training as an Assembly Accredited Lay Preacher (AALP). She enrolled on the Training, Learning and Serving course, attending sessions at the Windermere Centre, Luther King House, and the Church of England Training Centre in Ely.
“Exploring my faith and examining my beliefs from childhood was profound,” she shares. “Essay writing deepened my biblical knowledge and allowed me to apply it across faith and life.”
Once accredited, Ann led worship across Northern Synod, walking with God’s people and deepening her theology.
Her first approach to candidacy was diverted, education and learning was where she was called. She supported the training of AALPs and Worship Leaders and served as Interim Moderator for four churches in vacancy, navigating a steep learning curve during the Covid-19 pandemic.
But the call to ministry never left her.
“My second approach fell at the starting blocks due to family circumstances. But two years ago, a door slid open. I’d applied for a place on the Church Leadership Programme, and at an Elders’ Meeting, the minister and another elder suggested I consider candidacy as a Non-Stipendiary Ministry 4 (now Non-Stipendiary Ministry Local) . This time, the door swung wide open.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by how many people I’ve walked alongside who have said the same thing to me: ‘I’ve been waiting for this—what took you so long?’ This affirms my call.”
Ann’s journey through candidacy has required patience and grace, but it is one she treasures. She will soon begin her formal training at the Scottish College.
“As one of my daughters said, I’m going back to my roots.”
Her dance with God continues.
“Sometimes it’s a Quickstep,” says Ann, “sometimes it’s a slow Waltz. At other times it’s even the Eightsome Reel. But no matter the rhythm, God leads, and my cup overflows with joy.”