Curate, ordained to deacon in 2025
On 21 June 2025, David Adah was ordained as a deacon at Liverpool Cathedral, a moment of extreme importance to David whose faith helped him overcome significant events in his life.
Originally from Nigeria, David moved to the UK in 2016. Not long after arriving, he faced the devastating loss of his wife, who passed away in Woolton Village’s Marie Curie Hospice. Leaving him to solely look after his children, David leaned into his faith, which had always been a strong part of his life.
David grew up in a church-centred family, his father was a church elder, his mother a deacon, with such a strong family influence of the church he was involved from a young age in youth ministry, Sunday school and the Boys’ Brigade. He says, ‘I basically grew up in church.’
His sense of calling had long been present, and was echoed by his brother, a reverend, who often told David that God had work for him to do. Tragically, David’s brother was killed in 2015 by activists in Nigeria, a loss that, alongside the death of his wife the following year, left David in deep grief and confusion. But he claims it also brought him back to the church, where he found comfort and community.
At the hospice, he was deeply moved by the care and faith of Rev Rose, and through her, began to understand God’s love in a new way. He found hope again in a local church, where he became a regular and active member, volunteering in almost every role except those reserved for the ordained.
It was through this regular engagement that others saw and recognised David’s potential and see his calling.
In 2021, he began his formal journey towards becoming a deacon, studying with Emmanuel College. As someone still relatively new to the Church of England, David took on an additional short course to immerse himself in its culture and structure. He moved between churches to gain experience, and found the process both enriching and essential.
David speaks warmly of the support he received from the Diocese of Liverpool, saying, ‘They were truly fantastic. If you need help in any capacity, they are there for you.’ He credits their encouragement and guidance as crucial to his journey.
As his studies progressed, the pressure of working full-time, raising children and preparing for ordained ministry grew. He approached the vocations team for help, and they provided a maintenance grant that allowed him to step away from his corporate role at Heineken International and focus on his calling. That support, he says, was crucial to his journey.
David now serves at St Peter’s in Woolton Village, the same village where his wife passed away. The decision to be placed there came late, but felt right. For David, it was more than a coincidence, it was God placing him where he could feel close to his wife and serve a community that had supported us both.
To anyone considering ordained ministry, David offers reassurance: ‘The journey might seem daunting but if you feel God calling you, speak to him and he will guide you. You’re never alone on this path.’ He said there will always be the odd feeling of anxiety towards this big journey, but if you pray to God he will listen and guide you. No one can do this on their own and the support from God, the college and the diocese make this journey as easy as it can be.
David’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the belief that God calls people from every background and every walk of life. His journey shows that whatever your story, God can use it to shape a future rooted in hope, purpose, and service.
