Paul Sumner will be ordained to become a 'distinctive deacon' - someone with a strong call to an outward-looking and community-minded ministry. They prefer to be out and about, making contacts, building relationships, identifying and meeting needs, creating stepping-stones between God and the world. They often have a particular concern for issues of poverty and justice and many minister to those on the margins of church and society.
"Through being a deacon, I believe God has called me to a ministry of serving, not only the local congregation, but also the wider community.
"It is a misconception that we minister in our own power, whereas we need the support of the Holy Spirit and other people around us. As a deacon and not a priest or vicar, some people would not understand the nature of the Permanent or Distinctive Deaconate.
"Before I explored ministry, I was a local government officer on Tyneside, involving revenue collection, interviewing people in times of financial crisis and ensuring that they received the maximum help available.
"Originally, a student in Newcastle Upon Tyne, I joined various part-time theology courses connected to Sunderland and Durham Universities, before taking early retirement and moving to Newcastle-Under-Lyme, where I undertook ministerial formation at the Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham.
"My advice to those exploring vocation is do not give up and always have a support net-work of mentors and vocation groups which will guide you in your exploration.
"I am married to Deborah who is a private music teacher, and we look after two cats. We are settled in a semi-rural area near Newcastle-Under-Lyme and have lived here since 2011."