Ordination of Peter Balchin as Deacon
It was great to be in St Michael’s Church, Farnsfield on Sunday morning as Peter Balchin was ordained deacon by Bishop Paul.
Peter was born and raised in Devon and became a Christian in his teenage years, with his faith deepening through attending summer youth festivals. He has gradually made his way northward—first studying Geography at Swansea University, then spending seven years in London, where he completed an MSc at UCL, worked as a Student Worker, and later pursued a career in politics. Towards the end of his time in London, Peter and his family attended HTB, where he discerned a call to ordained ministry in the Church of England. This calling was particularly shaped by a growing desire to disciple others and help people grow in their faith. In 2022, Peter began training for ordination at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He is married to Evie, whom he met at university, and they have three young children: Beulah, Selah, and Elisha. Peter still enjoys keeping up with politics, watching rugby, and cycling.
Bishop Paul shared from 2 Corinthians 4, asking some of the younger members of the congregation to unroll a scroll and hold up a key verse for all to see, ‘For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Christ’s sake’. It was a reminder that each of us is called to follow Christ’s example and to serve each other, and this is particularly the role of a deacon, who is to be a servant to the servants. It caused much delight when it was explained that immediately after the service Peter would begin his diaconal ministry by serving all present – by giving out chocolate and sweets! It was then explained that the primary way that each of us serves is not the distribution of treats but through praying with and for others – but it was a fun start to what we pray will be a ministry that God uses to serve and bless many others.
Peter will serve his title with the Revd Chris Pearse in the Benefice of Farnsfield, the Benefice of Kirklington with Hockerton, the Benefice of Maplebeck, and the parish of Winkburn. Please join us in praying for Pete and his family as they begin this new season of ministry.
