Published on: 17/03/2026
I still remember the first Sunday I had to lead something in my new role as Youth, Children’s and Families Worker at St Lawrence Church in Hatfield. As part of Messy Church, I was asked to lead the congregation in the actions for the song “My Lighthouse”. I nervously stepped to the front, looked out at the sea of faces, and asked my four year old son (dressed as Spider-man, obviously!) to help me! I did not feel confident at all. But for the sake of the children, the watching adults, and my four year old, I put on a brave face and as enthusiastically as I could danced at the front for all to see.
Fast forward 6 and a bit years, and if my vicar plans an action song in our all-age cafe church, I am the first one up at the front, confidently leading actions, not a second thought in my head about who is watching, what my now 10 year old son will think (probably how embarrassing I am!) or if I am making a mistake. Perhaps the thought of ever stepping up to do something like that fills you with horror! Maybe you’d like to take that step of faith into leading something in your own church but you just don’t feel confident enough to do it.
Well I’m here to tell you that 1. You can and 2. You should.
In Galatians 3:27 Paul reminds us that we are “clothed with Christ” and I really love this analogy. Many times in my ministry I have felt anxious, worried, unworthy and unable to lead the groups that Christ has called me to and put me in charge of. When I’ve had to step onto a stage in front of a hundred youth at an event or lead of big community Christmas service for example. But in those moments when my confidence falters, I remind myself who called me to this role and who prepares me for it. I often picture myself “Stepping in to” the role like a big pair of trousers, shrugging into it like a jacket and being clothed and covered in Jesus who gives me the confidence that I don’t have. He gives me the words to say and the enthusiasm to be “Children’s Worker Rachel” instead of just “everyday Rachel”.
It has certainly been a journey over the last 6 years. Every time I am successful in achieving something it makes me just a little bit more confident and ready for the next challenge. I thank God for helping me through and ask him to prepare me for what’s next. Because believe me, there is always another challenge to come that we don’t quite feel ready for, but that God knows we are!
This week’s Blog post was written by Rachel Ridler, Centenary Project Worker and Doncaster Hub Coordinator