'I have deep empathy with those who do not yet know Christ'

Sergeant Mike Hudson had very little exposure to Christianity - but now he's on track to becoming a Baptist minister. He will soon become minister-in-training at the Beacon Baptist Church in Kilmington, Devon, which shares his story  

We are delighted that God has led us to be able to announce that on 1 September 2018, The Beacon Baptist Church in Kilmington, Devon will welcome Michael Hudson as its new minister-in-training.
A special commissioning and welcome service will be held at The Beacon on Sunday 9 September.

As well as working with The Beacon’s pastor Darrell Holmes and church folk, Mike will attend Bristol Baptist College to complete a BA Honours in Theology, alongside Ministerial Formation for a duration of four years.

Since 2008, Mike has been employed by the British Army, serving around the world including Germany and Afghanistan, and achieved the rank of Sergeant. Mike is married to Rachel and has a young son named Joshua.

Mike had very little exposure to Christianity as a child and young adult, but after getting married in February 2013, Mike and his wife attended Andover Baptist Church where during the preaching of God’s Word, was overcome by the Holy Spirit and. In that moment, realised his need for Jesus.

Soon after, Mike was deployed to Afghanistan which was a testing period for him. However, it was also a time full of blessing where he read the Bible from cover to cover.

On his return from Afghanistan, Mike began to sense a calling to ministry but was unsure and apprehensive. After several promptings he began the ‘Prepare, Feed, Sustain’ course at Bristol Baptist College. He soon became more active in church life and began his preaching ministry with opportunities to lead worship, Alpha courses and youth ministries. 

In November 2016, after a conversation with the principal of Bristol Baptist College, Mike was completely convicted by the Holy Spirit to seriously pursue a calling to full time ministry and was soon commended by ministerial recognition.

Mike said, ‘I have a desire and energy for God’s Word, preaching and evangelism and my passion is to see lives transformed and eternities changed by the power of God’s Word and His Spirit. As someone who lived 23 years lost and without hope, I have deep empathy with those who do not yet know Christ. 

'I believe I am called to preach God’s Word and pastor God’s people, equipping and facilitating disciples of Christ to make a difference in their communities and the world. I also feel a strong sense of call towards evangelism and engaging with people on the fringes and outside of the church. 

'Above all else, I want to dedicate my life to God and His Word, trusting He will equip me and lead me as He desires.'

On finding his placement church as a Minister in Training at The Beacon, Mike comments,

'When we began to explore finding a placement church, we were unsure of what to expect. From our first contact with the Baptist Church Kilmington we were made to feel so welcome, encouraged and at home. It was a real privilege to meet not only Darrell and the leaders, but also the wider congregation.

'The story of the church from its roots to the new building is extremely compelling and exciting. It is clear to see that God has done, and is doing amazing things in and through His church in Kilmington. It is a great opportunity and placement for a minister-in-training and we feel extremely grateful to have been called to serve here.

'My family and I can’t wait to move to the area and begin this new chapter of our lives, and to join the fellowship at Kilmington.'

The Beacon is a fast growing church and had been considering the appointment of an associate pastor to cater for the increasing needs of the church and its people, so we are delighted that God has answered prayers and guided the church in this way.

We are all looking forward to Mike, and his family, joining us in September.