New trainee vicar ready to spread the word in Corby and Gretton moving from marketing to ministry

Congregations of two chuches, one in Gretton and the other in Corby will welcome a new trainee priest next week to join their flocks

Rob Wood, 30, will take up his role as a minister in training at St James' Church, Gretton and St John's Church, Corby after answering his calling.

He will be working with the congregations at their Sunday services, at their Car Park Communion and recording their YouTube services.

Rob said: "I’m passionate about seeing people flourish and grow in the knowledge and love of God.

"My first ‘proper’ job was working for an internet marketing agency. Although I felt drawn to vocational Christian ministry, I thought I had to be the finished article before I could explore that calling. Thankfully, I no longer believe that, or I would certainly still be waiting.

After a spell as a freelance marketing manager, Rob joined the staff team of True Freedom Trust as a teaching and pastoral assistant.

In 2018, he took on his current role, heading up the teaching and speaking ministry, giving talks about Jesus at churches, conferences, student events, and bible colleges throughout the UK.

He said: "It was when working for this ministry, the conviction that I should enter training in the Church of England grew. Although there will be sadness in leaving my current role, the timing seems right, and I’m very excited to see what God has in store."

Manchester United supporting Rob, who lives in Desborough, and worshipped at Moulton Parish Church, will be studying theology at St Mellitus in Nottinghamshire.

Rev Paul Frost, Rector of St John's, Corby, and St James' Church, Gretton, said: "I first heard Rob speak nearly ten years ago and was struck by his passion for Jesus and inspired by how God had been at work in his life, so it is a real blessing to have him join us here.

"Rob will be spending half his time with us and half his time studying in Nottingham. Please do keep Rob in your prayers."

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