GRANT CASE STUDY - LAURA EMPSON
In spring 2016, Laura Empson felt God call
her to leave her legal job and join ForMission
College to take a degree in Theology and
Mission. With two children under school
age, this was no small change, rather it
was a huge leap of faith.
Laura started placements as part of her
degree in running the worship ministry
at her church and also working with
survivors of human trafficking. Little did
Laura know that God was calling her to
preach...
“I have lead worship team practice and prayer nights with scripture and
devotionals and I have spoken to the church around the subject in services.
Public speaking was not something I had done much of beforehand. In
February this year, I was asked to preach in the main service. The evening
before I preached, I was at a conference and a stranger had a picture for
me that told me I had more gifts that I was not using, I felt God say that
preaching was one of them. I went into my first preach very nervous but fired
up, and although I know I have a lot to learn (and I am willing), I enjoyed it.
Two different people informed me after my sermon that they believed God
had called me to preach. Since then I have been asked to preach again and I
have been added to the preaching rota.
Finance has been a significant challenge for us this year. There have been
months we have not been able to pay the bills, but God showed up, everytime.
The grant from the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust has been part
of that blessing. The £500 you blessed me with has covered courses, and
books. I attended a two-day suicide intervention training course which has
been invaluable in my woman’s ministry and has already been put to the test.
I have also been able to purchase many core course books and additional
books that have helped me with ministry including preaching.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your support this year, you
have been part of my journey, you have made a difference and I am so grateful.
I am excited and nervous to continue my journey into preaching this year.”
The LWPT Grants Committee met in July and have awarded 20 grants in
this review of applicants for both course fees and books!
LWPT 3