Deacon, ordained to priest in 2022
Now four years into ordained ministry, Kirsty White is serving at All Souls Springwood, a church plant from Penny Lane Church. Her work in this community is driven by a deep calling to introduce people, especially young families to Jesus and to the life of the church. With Springwood’s 100-year anniversary approaching in 2027, Kirsty has a personal goal to build a thriving church community filled with new faces and a congregation made up of young people and young families.
Kirsty’s story is one which is probably similar to most people out there across our diocese but due to the support of others she was able to find her path. She didn’t grow up in a Christian household, but was introduced to faith through one of her brothers, who had recently become a Christian himself. Curious, she began attending a church youth group. It was there that she encountered stories that deeply moved her, including that of a former armed robber who had found Christ. That moment opened Kirsty’s eyes to the reality that the church is truly for everyone, regardless of past, race or background and not just reserved for a select group within society.
This realisation laid the foundations for a future she never anticipated. Kirsty had grown up in a family affected by anxiety and depression, but she felt Jesus had broken the cycle for her. She had found a path to freedom and hope.
Her early journey with church wasn’t without setbacks. The first church she attended eventually closed down, due to various issues which meant that church could no longer remain open this therefore left Kirsty disheartened. Years later, at 16, a friend revealed she too had a faith. That moment rekindled Kirsty’s passion, and with renewed confidence, she returned to church life with someone to share it with.
Kirsty later pursued a degree in theology and drama at a Pentecostal Bible college. After university, she felt increasingly drawn to the Church of England and took part in a summer internship that confirmed this was the right path for her.
Her training journey was unique. Instead of starting in a traditional parish setting, Kirsty began residential training, paired with placements that gave her the confidence and experience she needed. She described the discernment process as ‘beautiful but hard’, but one that shaped her in all the right ways.
The Diocese of Liverpool supported Kirsty throughout her training, including when she got married. They helped her and her husband secure accommodation and offered encouragement every step of the way. When it came time to find a curacy, Kirsty was offered a place at Penny Lane by Suzann Matthews, Director of Vocations at the Diocese of Liverpool. That curacy eventually led to her current role at Springwood.
Kirsty’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to fit a certain mould to explore a calling to ordained ministry. Her path was shaped by faith, openness, and courage to take the next step, even when it was unfamiliar or daunting.
Her journey demonstrates that anyone, regardless of their background or experience can be called to ministry. With God’s guidance and the support of the diocese, what begins as curiosity can grow into a lifelong calling.
