Kirsty Fazakerley’s story is one of God’s persistence, patient encouragement, and the power of saying yes.
Although originally from Liverpool, Kirsty spent much of her early life growing up in North London. Over the years she lived in different parts of the UK – London, Bristol, and finally back home in Liverpool, where she returned to study for a Master’s in Psychology. Her time in Liverpool became permanent when she married a fellow Liverpudlian and settled in the city. Today, Kirsty serves as curate at St Andrew’s Clubmoor, part of Christ our Hope Liverpool.
Faith was always part of Kirsty’s upbringing – her dad is an ordained minister in the United Reformed Church – but it was never something she saw for herself. “I avoided it at all costs,” she admits. After completing her master’s degree in Merseyside, her church offered her role to support her while she applied for psychology related jobs. What she thought would be a stopgap turned into ten years of supporting ministry and mission whilst working as a vicar’s secretary, during which she became affectionately known as the “Queen of Operations”.
Through that role, Kirsty often worked alongside the Diocese of Liverpool’s Vocations Team, helping to organise events and identify others with gifts for ministry. But she was determined that this path wasn’t for her – even as God gently nudged her and the vocations team patiently encouraged her.
Everything changed at a Church Operations Managers event, where, during a prophetic song, she experienced what she describes as “unusual for me.” She felt God’s voice speaking directly to her, calling her to step into that vision. “From that moment, I knew I couldn’t keep avoiding it.”
With the support of the Vocations Team, Kirsty enrolled at Emmanuel Theological College. At first, the challenges felt overwhelming. Returning to academic study after many years away from it, balancing study and placement with home life, and caring for a four-year-old and a one-year-old often felt like too much. “Essay deadlines clashed with chickenpox outbreaks, and weekends away for residentials were hard to juggle,” she recalls. But gradually, Kirsty discovered that the journey was not just about theology – it was about formation. She learned to live her faith more deeply, to listen well, to disagree graciously, and to grow into the person God was calling her to be.
By the time she completed her three years, Kirsty “would have happily stayed longer.” She left not only with new confidence but also with a network of close friends who continue to encourage and support her. “I was encouraged not just in study, but in who I am – as a wife, a mum, and someone passionate about mission.,” Kirsty says.
Reflecting on her journey, Kirsty offers this advice to anyone who feels the slightest nudge towards ministry: “If you start down this path and discover it’s not where God is calling you, you won’t have wasted your time. There will be moments when you doubt everything, and moments when you feel so in step with Jesus that you know you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Either way, there’s nothing to lose and so much to gain. If this is where God is calling you, then, even though it might be difficult (and it definitely will be at times), we are always better off when we are where God wants us to be.”
If you, like Kirsty, are wondering whether God might be calling you to ministry, our Vocations Team are here to walk with you every step of the way. Get in touch today to explore where God might be leading you.
