A new chapter begins for Brussels church as OLM is ordained

New Ordained Local Minister (OLM) Rev David Lloyd, celebrated his ordination at an opportune time for his Brussels kirk.

Mr Lloyd's ordination coincided with the announcement from Interim Moderator, Rev. Jimmy Brown, that Brussels St Andrew's Church was now vacant following Rev. Eric Foggitt leading his final service the previous Sunday.

As an OLM, Mr Lloyd, together with Reader Sia Van den Bremt, will ensure that the Church of Scotland's only Belgian congregation and any locum ministers who step in are well supported during the vacancy period.

Originally from South Shields in Tyneside, Mr Lloyd moved to Brussels for work reasons more than 30 years ago and began attending St Andrew's Church, an English-speaking congregation with a style of worship not dissimilar to the low Anglican tradition in which he had been brought up.

Eventually becoming an elder with the congregation, Mr Lloyd had considered training as a Reader until he discovered that he could become an OLM. OLMs within the Church of Scotland are qualified, though unpaid and voluntary, ministers who can perform the sacraments, enabling them to support Ministers of Word and Sacrament as part of a ministry team or provide cover where charges are vacant or the minister is absent for any reason.

Mr Lloyd said: "My journey to ordination was both challenging and rewarding.

"Learning to write effective sermons, prepare services that bring the congregation closer to God, and navigating challenging pastoral situations and funerals often pushed me beyond my comfort zone.

"Through it all, I discovered the importance of relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to see me through.

"Unusually, most of my practical placements were at my home church of St. Andrew's, as we are the only Church of Scotland in Belgium. The congregation has been incredibly encouraging and I am deeply grateful for their support. I also completed a placement at the International Protestant Church, which follows the Presbyterian Church of the USA tradition. They were very welcoming, and it was fascinating to experience a different style of Presbyterian church."

A Church in revival

Mr Lloyd added that his training had introduced him to a wonderful group of people from across the Church, including his fellow probationers, who have been a great source of support and guidance.

"Their friendship and advice have been invaluable to me, and it is great to have them as a support group for the future," Mr Lloyd stated.

"The conferences organised by the ministry training team were also great fun and a source of inspiration."

As he begins his ministry, Mr Lloyd is looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to share his faith further.

"I enjoy arranging Bible studies and I work with the International Presbytery education and training committee to plan and deliver online Bible studies," Mr Lloyd commented.

"It is a good way for people from the different countries of our presbytery to get to meet each other.

"There is always talk of the declining church, but I think we are a church in renewal – finding new ways to deliver the Good News and to reach people where they are. The people I have met during training will make a big contribution to the Church's mission.

"I would encourage anyone who feels a sense of call to one of the paths to ministry to give the training team a call. You never know where it will lead!"