Meet Sarah

Sarah, a devoted mother of four from Sheffield, has spent her life embodying resilience and compassion. Raising her children without any extended family support, she juggled the challenges of a busy life while always making time to care for those around her. Her passion for building community came to life when she was moved by the cost-of-living crisis affecting her local area. Through her church, she envisioned a space where people could find connection and belonging, and Warm Welcome Wednesday was born.

Warm Welcome Wednesday has become more than just a hub for social interaction. It serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in relationships and shared care. For Sarah, this initiative is deeply personal, driven by her desire to walk alongside others in their life journeys. Her heart for listening to people’s stories and offering support reflects her commitment to living out her faith in meaningful ways.

Growing in Faith through Church Army Training

Sarah’s ability to nurture community has been enriched by her training with Church Army. Reflecting on her experience, Sarah shares, “When I first came to Church Army three years ago, I was a very different person. Now, I feel equipped, more formed, and grounded in my relationship with Christ.”

Through the training, Sarah has gained both skills and spiritual growth. She has embraced accountability as a vital component of leadership while retaining a bold, risk-taking approach to sharing her faith. These principles have shaped her work at Warm Welcome Wednesday, enabling her to create a space where people experience love and the presence of Jesus. She explains, “I’ve seen Christ at work in so many different ways. Warm Welcome Wednesday is a space for Jesus to move and for the Holy Spirit to come amongst us.”

A Life Transformed by Christ

Sarah’s faith story began when her children were young. Amid the ups and downs of life, she encountered Jesus in a deeply personal way. “Having a relationship with Jesus didn’t mean life’s struggles disappeared,” Sarah explains, “but it equipped me to face them, knowing that He walks alongside me and shows me unconditional love.”

Her desire to deepen her engagement with the church eventually led her to discover Church Army’s Envoy course. What began as a simple step to get more involved soon grew into a calling for evangelism. After attending a Discovery Day, Sarah embarked on a discernment process and enrolled in the Evangelist in Training course. Though she initially felt like an impostor, by her second year, Sarah had found her footing. The support of her cohort and Church Army staff helped her recognise she was right where God wanted her to be.

Confidence and Commissioning

Sarah’s training has not only transformed her spiritually but also practically. She now feels confident drafting project proposals, using creative approaches to spark discussions about theology, and applying what she has learned to deepen her ministry and relationships. “It’s given me practical tools to live out what I’ve learned,” she says.

Reflecting on her upcoming Commissioning, Sarah’s excitement is palpable. “For me, Admitting and Commissioning mean I am recognised and accountable to God. It’s amazing to know I am authorised to be a servant of God. It’s humbling and beautiful.”

Looking to the future, Sarah is eager to continue her work at Warm Welcome Wednesday while exploring further theological studies. Whatever path God has in store, Sarah is ready to follow with an open heart, trusting in His plan.