The congregations at Ballee and Ballykeel Presbyterian Churches in Ballymena have given an enthusiastic welcome to their new Minister, Rev Steven Woods. Native to Lisburn, Steven, (34) is married to Rachel and the couple are proud parents to Judah, (6) and Jesse, (2).
Sharing a little of his personal testimony, Steven recalled: “I grew up attending church with my parents, and during a summer in my early teenage years I came to a personal faith in Jesus. There wasn’t a single defining moment, but rather a growing awareness throughout the summer of the need for a personal faith. I began to understand that neither church attendance nor my parents’ faith could save me – only a personal relationship with Jesus could. During that time, the Lord opened my eyes to who He is, to the truth of the gospel, and to what it means to know Him personally.”
A past pupil of Friends’ School in Lisburn, Steven went on to study at Belfast Bible College where he achieved a BA & MTh and Union Theological College where he completed an MDiv.
Prior to embarking on training for pulpit ministry, Steven worked as Youth & Family Worker at Railway Street Presbyterian Church, Lisburn. This is a role he very much enjoyed before the Lord called him into a new sphere of service:
“Initially I was reluctant to go into ministry – I was happy with my role as youth and family worker and had no desire to enter training for ministry. However, during the COVID period, I felt a sense of calling into it that I couldn’t deny. After speaking to the Dean of Ministerial Studies, I was encouraged to apply and see how I felt as the process progressed– by the end of which I was so glad to be accepted as I knew it was the right thing to do”, said Steven.
“I had a great experience at UTC. I came in at a time when there were several new members of staff and college had just reverted back to in-person classes after COVID forced them into online learning. I had a brilliant year group and made some very good friends during my time there.”
Reflecting positivity on his Assistantship, which was divided between Ballynure and Dundonald Presbyterian Churches, Steven went on to say:
“I had the unusual experience of moving placements due to my supervising minister (James Rogers) in Ballynure getting a call to Bangor early into my placement. I was then moved to Dundonald Presbyterian where William McCully was my supervising minister. This meant I got to experience a rural context as well as a suburban one. I loved both churches and feel the experience equipped me well.”
Steven admits to being ‘really excited’ as he enters his first solo ‘charge’. He and Rachel are looking forward to starting and getting to know the people in the churches and in the area. The congregations have already been very welcoming.
He added: “I have had good predecessors in both churches, who served faithfully during their time at each. I’m excited to build on the foundations they laid through years of ministry. I am looking forward to getting to know the congregations better, getting to serve and pastor people, and becoming part of the wider church family and local community. I am excited to see where God takes both churches in our future years together, and see how he continues to fulfil that great promise in Matthew 16:18 that he will build his Church.”
Outside Church, Stephen is a keen hockey player who has taken to the field for Parkview Hockey Club.