God put it on our hearts to explore Derby

Jeff Golding: ordained deacon in June 2021 - to be ordained priest in July 2022

My name is Jeff Golding, I am married to Kim, and we have two children, Phoebe (3) and Jesse(1).

I grew up in South East London but have spent the last three years in Cambridge, studying at Ridley Hall.

My family was non-religious when I was growing up (although most have come to faith now).

I came to faith when I was 18 years old.

My faith journey started when I was ten when I was diagnosed with cancer.

Although I had no idea who God was, it was the beginning of thinking about whether there was more to life.

However, after several years of being in remission, at 18, I had a second cancer scare.

Fortunately, it was not cancer this time, but I nonetheless found Jesus in this experience.

At my baptism, someone prophesied that I would one day be “wearing a dog collar!”

I placed these words on the back burner and decided to study computer animation at university.

After completing my studies, I went on to do many jobs, including youth work for my local council and my church.

However, training for ordained ministry never disappeared.

When I was in my late twenties, while I was a pen salesman (I sold really posh fountain pens!), God brought this calling to the forefront.

After getting through my BAP, my wife and I packed up and moved to Cambridge with a two-month old baby.

Although we always intended to return to our sending diocese, God put it on our hearts to explore Derby.

After several months of praying and listening, we knew this was where God was calling us.

We are so excited to be moving to Derby and being part of what God is doing in the East Midlands, seeing the Kingdom grow, and seeing people’s lives transformed by God.

Looking after two little children have meant some of my hobbies have taken a back seat.

However, I still really enjoy cooking a delicious curry for new and old friends, cosying up on the sofa with a good boxset, and chilling in coffee shops talking about life with friends.

Favourite Bible verse - Matthew 14:22-31, where Jesus calls Peter to walk to Him on the water. It reminds me of Jesus’ call for all of us to a life of water-walking. However, stepping out ofthe boat is often scary, but we must “take courage!” and trust that Jesus is always there,whatever we might face.

Favourite song: “Oceans” by Hillsong, because it encapsulates my call to ordination.