Profiles

Hilary Morton, Pastoral Worker

In June 2003 I took my first steps into Stratton Green Baptist Church I found a warm welcome, good worship and a minister I instantly related to. I was soon convinced that this was the place God wanted me to be. Not long afterwards I became a member and have never questioned or regretted my decision.

My journey began in Purton, on the outskirts of Swindon, where I was born and raised. My brothers and I attended the Methodist church with our parents 3 times every Sunday. At the age of 14 I rebelled and went on to live life my own way until, as a young wife and mother in 1977, I was born again and Baptised in the Spirit; I was baptised in water in Butlins swimming pool during a conference in 1979.

I was divorced in 1981 and became a single parent. From 1980 to 1985 I was accepted as a Methodist lay preacher, taking services in the Swindon ‘circuit’. In 1990 I married Ken and eventually became involved in a New Frontiers International church.

After 10 years I was restless for a new challenge so after much prayer I found myself in SGBC. In February 2007 I was elected as a deacon and became Church Secretary. Throughout the year as our minister took time off I was left to ‘hold the fort’. At the end of that year he moved on to pastures new. The challenge was there so I picked up the reigns. This challenge was huge as we were left with no pastor, preacher, musician or children’s worker. The perils of having a ‘one man and his wife’ ministry!

Since 1 September 2009 I have been employed by the church as the Pastoral Worker whilst studying at the Baptist College in Bristol to become a Regionally Recognised Minister. I start my 3rd and final year in Sept ’10.