Jim Wilkinson

(Youth Pastor, Renewal Christian Centre, Solihull, West Midlands)

 

I became a Christian at 8 years old in Sunday School upon reading Psalm 27:10 which speaks of the Father heart of God.  This meant a lot to me at this age as my dad left when I was a young boy.  Since becoming a Christian I have found a strength in God which I didn't find elsewhere in life .  

 

I first heard the call of God when I was 15 years old.  For 5 or 6 years I ran from this call but still asked God to confirm what I thought He was asking of me.  I had 3 separate confirmations of a call to ministry from 3 individuals who didn't know what I was praying about! This was a clear indication to me that God was gracious enough to show me patience even amongst my own personal doubt.  I spoke with Pastor David Carr at this time in my life who advised for me to go and work for a couple of years to get some life experience and understand where people are coming from and how to serve God in ministry as a volunteer while employed in a full time job.  This was hard advice to swallow but in hindsight certainly good advice.

 

After working for a couple of years I then went to Bible College at Birmingham Christian College and then London School of Theology. I believed all these years that God was calling me back to my home town of Solihull but I hadn't shared this with anyone.  Eventually by the end of my course God had opened the door and I began serving God in ministry at Renewal Christian Centre.  This has been a fantastic opportunity; one with many learning curves, growing points and opportunities that I am very grateful for.