Five Probationer Ministers were ordained during the Service of Ordination at the Irish Methodist Conference on Saturday 10th June 2023 which took place at Assembly Buildings in Belfast.

We asked each of them to tell us a little about themselves, their call and their journey.

SUSAN GALLAGHER

Born in Northern England, Rev Susan Gallagher has never lost her accent. Before candidating for ordained ministry she had a variety of jobs in restaurants, offices, shops and hospitals. 

She worked on the Cork South & Kerry Circuit before starting in formation studies and has served the last three years on the Kilkenny and Carlow Circuit as a probationer minister.  

The ordination service was special to her because the sermon points of calling, sending, and sustaining had the backdrop of NE England where Susan spent her summers at beach missions as a child. 

TANITA LEE

Rev Tanita Lee is currently stationed to the Ballynafeigh Circuit. She is married to Andy, and they have a daughter, Carrigan, and a dog called Luna.

For a number of years, Tanita worked as a children and family worker in both Northern Ireland and England. However, her candidating journey began in 2017 when she couldn’t put off testing God’s calling into ordained ministry any longer.   

LEAH MCKIBBEN

Rev Leah McKibben is stationed to the Omagh and Fintona Circuit.

Leah grew up in the Methodist Church in Ireland, enjoying exploring her gifts in local churches and across the Connexion, especially in children’s ministry and prayer.

She worked for the Bible Society in Northern Ireland for over ten years, helping to provide the Bible all over the world. During those years Leah heard a call to ordained ministry. She candidated in 2018.

PETER MORRIS

Rev Peter Morris is stationed to the North West Methodist Mission Circuit.

In 2018, Peter candidated from Sydenham Methodist, while working in the homelessness sector. It was during these years of practical mission work while being given opportunities to lead and preach in church contexts that an increasing sense of call emerged.

He and Faith married in 2015, and were joined by Junia in 2018, Josiah in 2021, and hope to welcome a third child in December 2023.

PHILIP PATTERSON

Rev Philip Patterson is currently stationed to the Carrickfergus Circuit but moving to the Lagan Valley and South Down circuit in July.

Philip is married to Melissa and is Dad to Judah. They are expecting their second child at the end of August 2023

Growing up in Cregagh Methodist and then serving on Team on Mission, Philip first experienced a call to Youth Ministry and spent almost 10 years working in various contexts. The call to ordained ministry was always there but it was only after many conversations and much prayer that Philip candidated in 2018.