The Staff

Who are you?  My name is Rachel Downs-Lewis.  I'm 32 years old and originally from Richmond, Virginia, in the United States.

How did you end up in Sheffield?  Originally I came over as part of the now-ended British-American Ministry Programme (BAMP).  After the year was up, I was asked to stay for a further four years, then was asked to stay again!  Despite the rainy weather, I really do love Sheffield!

Why are you a Christian?  Though I grew up in church, I was rarely happy there.  After a disastrous (and faith-damaging) incident involving the family of my closest friend, I walked away from the church, believing if these were the kind of people God thought "worthy," I wanted no part of them!  In time, I began to read the Bible on my own and found that Jesus Christ was much more radical . . . and much more forgiving . . . than I had been taught.  My hope is that my life reflects the teachings of Christ . . . lessons I'm still learning!

Why are you a Methodist?  Because my spiritual home, Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, taught me more about grace and true Christian service than any other Christians ever have.  "Kits for Konference" and Volunteers in Mission projects with the Virginia Annual Conference were a big part, as well!

Why are you a minister?  Well, that wasn't my decision, but God's!  I am living proof that God chooses the strangest people to use, and that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Tell us about your family:  I am married to Robert Lewis, who is the minister at nearby Banner Cross Methodist Church. 

We have our dog Buddy-Bear with us here in Sheffield, and our two cats, Benjamin and Hope, live with our sisters in Virginia.

Anything else? In no particular order:

 *   I love creative worship and imaginative teaching. 

  *  Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is a life-long process.  Anyone who tells you otherwise is trying to sell you something.

  *  The church needs to be willing to engage with people in a different way if we're going to show how important Jesus is in the 21st century.

 


  The Leadership Team

The church has a team of up to six stewards who work with the minister to direct the life of the church.