Lay Pastor appointed to To Strabane and Newbuildings

He is Michael Shiel, who took up the reins during the summer months.

Originally from Dublin, Michael was based at Coleraine for almost six years, where he was a member of Coleraine Methodist Church.

“It is the same old story,” he joked: “I met a girl and moved up here and became a member of Coleraine Methodist Church.”

That ‘girl’ happened to be Alison, who is a member of the midwifery staff at Altnagelvin Area Hospital and the couple have now taken up their places in the congregations of Strabane and Newbuildings courtesy of Michael successfully applying for the post of Lay Pastor.

“The Minister had gone back to America and there weren’t any ministers available to take his place, so they advertised for a Lay Pastor to serve in the interim,” said Michael.

Describing the role of ‘Lay Pastor’ as “a bit of a funny position”, Michael said there was no official job specifically for a Lay Pastor, but most have had some study and training, because a lay Pastor will take Sunday morning services and preach, and training to help equip them to do so involves a two-year course.

Michael did his Lay Pastor training in 2010 and 2011, and has a BA honours degree in theology and pastoral care, which he undertook at Dublin University, at the Milltown Institute.

His posting to Strabane and Newbuildings is for two years and will involve not only preaching but also visiting the congregation and undertaking hospital pastoral care and visits.