For many, the path to ministry is one of profound personal and spiritual discovery, often beginning in unexpected places. This was certainly the case for Sam Thompson whose journey from a career in engineering to becoming an ordained minister in the Church of England is both inspiring and unique.
Sam started his professional life at Airbus, one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers. Unlike many of his peers, he chose not to follow the traditional university route. Instead, he embarked on a degree apprenticeship program at the age of 18. After completing the apprenticeship, Sam trained as a fuel systems engineer and worked in that role for about a year. This period coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of significant upheaval and reflection for many.
It was during this time that Sam began to really listen to what God was calling him to do. "I think I first felt a call to ministry probably when I was about 21. I was becoming more and more involved within the life of the church at Christchurch in Clevedon. Up until that point I never really evaluated or thought about what my calling was, what God was calling me to do.”
Sam increased his involvement with the church he became a member of the prayer ministry team, and occasionally assisted the youth worker with various activities. Through these experiences, he started to explore what it meant to be called by God and to serve the church community in a deeper capacity.
A significant influence on his discernment was the community at Christchurch, particularly the presence of several Trinity Ordinands and the youth worker, who were also navigating their paths to ministry. "There was a lot of focus around calling," he notes. During his discernment Sam’s approach was “I believe that I am being called to something and I am open to discover what God wants me to do.” Through conversations with Revd Clive Jennings, vicar at Christchurch Sam began to understand his call and to navigate the formal discernment process that would eventually lead him to ordination.
Sam, who is going to spend his curacy at Holy Trinity Frome and says he is “excited to make Frome his home and to meet everyone, joining with them in with their vision to see a “Jesus filled Frome;” to know Christ and make him known across the town.”