The sun was still shining at 7.30pm for the licensing service of our new Team Vicar, the Revd Ben Williams. The Bishop of Tewkesbury, Bishop Robert, came to St Michael's to lead this special service and people from across the worshipping community came to welcome Ben and his family.

Ben is 33 and married to Emily, who was born in Gloucester but both were raised in Leicestershire. They have two young sons, Judah and Jesse.

Below, Ben shares more about his journey to joining us here in our benefice.

Where did faith begin for you, and how did you come to be ordained?
"Faith has always been a part of my life. My parents are Christians and made church a weekly fixture in our diaries. I loved the community and service aspects of church life, and in many ways these things kept me involved for many years. However, at university when I became untethered from those activities, I found myself walking away from an active faith. It wasn't until one of my best friends visited me that he said 'something was different or missing' – it was my relationship with Jesus. I knew he was right and so from that point on I made that relationship a priority. Jesus is the source of great joy and transformation in my life.

"The journey to ordination was an interesting time. After studying Theology part-time, I realised I loved the Bible and how it applies to modern life, so I was keen to continue learning and sought a way to continue study. I also witnessed the variety of things my vicar got to do in day-to-day life and was intrigued how I might do likewise. So, through a process of discernment, with God speaking through prayer and people, I began studying at St Mellitus College in London, in 2019. I was ordained a deacon in 2022 and priested the following year. 

What was it about this Benefice that made you apply for the role of Team Vicar?

"After agreeing with Emily that I wouldn't look for work until January 2024, I found myself sitting alone in my lounge in December 2023 when a Gloucester Diocese email pinged into my inbox. As a swiped to delete, the urge to look at the roles available got the better of me, and I clicked on the middle listing of three, which was this Benefice. I read the person specification and instantly resonated, and the more I read, the more I felt I could be part of the family here and contribute. So, after some conversations and a visit, we applied. I will say that on the final page of the parish profile there was this phrase: 'We are not a perfect benefice'. That won me over, because I'm also not a 'perfect priest' but with a whole heap of grace for one another, I hope this can be the start of something wonderful. 

"I'm looking forward to supporting what is already going on in the benefice and the people who are working so diligently to support the life and work of our churches. Plus, thinking innovatively and collaboratively about our vision for 2030. I'm looking forward to getting to know as many people as possible and have lots of positive interactions with those inside the church and in our communities. I am excited to worship with you all." 

Is there an area(s) of ministry you have a particular heart for?

"I resonate with the following St Vincent's quote: "Go to the poor, there you will find God". In our communities there will be people struggling, not only with physical poverty but also depths of loneliness, health issues, work crisis and anything else we could possibly imagine. I am keen to be a minister who, as the ordination to the deaconate reads: 'work with their fellow members in searching out the poor and weak, the sick and lonely and those who are oppressed and powerless, reaching into the forgotten corners of the world, that the love of God may be made visible'.

"I also love what it says in the Priest service: 'Tell the story of God’s love' and through all we do together, I hope that remains our focus, because the story of Jesus in our world is a powerful one and still much needed." 

What do you do to unwind when you're not being a vicar?
"When I'm not working, I enjoy running and am trying out gym membership again. I play with the kids and we love to visit the theatre when we do get a date night." 

What's your favourite church bake treat?
"I love anything Biscoff!"

If you see Ben or Emily around, please do say hello, and continue to hold them in your prayers as they settle in to their new life here.