Liz’s call to serve has never waivered

It was a weekend activity during her university studies which set the pattern for Rev Liz Henderson's future ministry career.

Having decided at just age 10 that she wanted to be a minister – despite her own minister advising her against it – she was studying theology at New College in Edinburgh where she joined her fellow students in a group called the Missionary Society (now Paxis) at a Saturday morning club in West Pilton, one of the most economically deprived areas in the capital.

"At the time it was just a fun thing to do, but working with children who had so much less than I had growing up had a profound impact," she commented while being interviewed for our monthly Talking Ministry feature.

"It was the beginning of a sense of call to work with the poor which has never left and has always been rewarding.

"I have always believed that Jesus gave us a lead in caring for everyone, but particularly the poor and those disenfranchised from society in any way. I felt strongly that was where my ministry would lie."

It was an aspect of ministry that Mrs Henderson developed in her first charge at Granton, but was to properly furnish when she moved on to Richmond Craigmillar in 1997.

The church was at the centre of a community with its own challenges, but helped by a congregation which was welcoming, willing to experiment with what Christian worship might look like in the modern day and ready to demonstrate their faith in practical ways, she saw Richmond Craigmillar become a focal point for the people of the area.

"My office was in the church and I was there six days a week. We were open, we were available and people would come in looking for help or needing something and the church responded as best we could with practical help," she said.

"It humbles you and teaches you so much about valuing what you have and also learning, as Jesus taught us, to see Him in others.

"It's an exercise in faith that takes you to the very heart of what scripture is.

"As a church, we walked alongside people and they walked alongside us. We learnt from them and were better for it and I think we gave something back: I know that when I left how many people talked about what the church meant for them and will continue to mean."

Hope for the grieving

Perhaps the most significant legacy from this desire to walk alongside those in need of support and show Jesus' love in action was the creation of the charity Richmond's Hope, which Mrs Henderson co-founded with Jessie Douglas, one of her parishioners, and has now spread beyond Craigmillar to offer support to bereaved families in East Lothian, Fife and Glasgow.

Set up with the aim for supporting children and young people who had lost family members, Richmond's Hope was established following a series of deaths in the community, among them Jessie Douglas's own son who was killed in a motorcycle accident.

Mrs Henderson said: "We did some research and found there was nowhere in Scotland to help with bereaved children. I discovered that my understanding of grief was outdated, so myself and others in the church went on a journey to understand up to date grief theories.

"Something like 5,000 children have now accessed support as a result. When I retired, young people came to me to say they would not have managed their bereavements or grown into the adults they are without that support. I found that very moving."

By Royal appointment

In contrast to Mrs Henderson's day-to-day work in a parish covering one of the poorer parts of Edinburgh – which led to her being awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her commitment to her community – her ministry has also seen her move in very different social circles as a Royal Chaplain.

"Being a Queen's Chaplain and now a King's Chaplain is also a huge privilege, particularly for a priority area ministry," she acknowledged.

"It always seemed to me to be an honour for the church and its work, and not just for me. I know the church was very proud and did see it as their honour."

"We have had some lovely times. Throughout my career, people have said to me ‘you could do better' or ‘your skills can be better utilised.' But I can look back and say: ‘I had a ball: ministry was fun and I have had these wonderful honours which wouldn't have come if I had been anywhere else.'

Each month, the Talking Ministry series shares a personal story from those serving or who have served in Christian ministry, as well as discernment resources filled with questions, prayers and reflections to help encourage your own reflection on how God might be calling you.

You can read Rev Liz Henderson's full interview and access the resources for August on our Talking Ministry page.