Meet the Reverend Lorie Martin
Reverend Lorie Martin was ordained to the transitional diaconate in the first of two ordination Liturgies of the Word officiated by Archbishop Melissa Skelton at Christ Church Cathedral, Saturday, December 12, 2020. In order to celebrate these liturgies it was necessary to restrict total attendance to 10 people. At the second liturgy the Reverend Steve Black was ordained to the priesthood. Rev. Black was ordained to the transitional diaconate June 20, 2020 and his answers to these questions are linked here.
Reverend Martin remains on a path to the priesthood and continues in her role at St. Dunstan's, Aldergrove.
1. In 50 words or less please describe how you came to faith?
A Sunday School bus went around the neighborhood and at 7 years old I heard the Good News of Jesus, his love and forgiveness, and raised my hand and my heart to say, “Yes” to follow Christ. I was baptized, loved reading my Bible, attending church and youth group.
2. Was there a particular moment or experience that signaled that you were being called to ordained ministry, or was it a gradual development?
My call to ordained ministry happened through a few significant experiences that are joined by many smaller synchronous steps. One significant moment was attending Vocation Day in the Diocese of New Westminster where I noticed an energized sensation in my gut as I heard Archbishop Melissa talk about her call to the priesthood. This confirmed many experiences from the past and strongly nudged me forward.
3. How would you describe the discernment process, what surprised you, what challenged you?
The discernment process was both delightful in self and community discovery and terrifying as I risked being incredibly vulnerable. What surprised me most was how supportive so many people were as we looked and listened in discernment regarding my vocational call.
4. Describe your theological education? Do you think it has prepared you for ministry?
I have wanted to go to “Bible School” since I was a teenager. After raising 5 children and being involved in lots of hands-on ministry, I now have the incredible privilege of theological study at VST. Seminary is an intense time of intellectual and spiritual formation as well as instruction. I don’t think one is ever fully prepared for ministry, as we see in this pandemic, we learn as we go and as we grow; always being open to the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit. Seminary has grown me to be more intentional and resilient.
5. Although you have been in faith leadership for some time it’s early days in terms of ordained leadership, how would you describe your ministry style? Are there any individuals who have inspired, supported, guided you in your journey?
My ministry style is mostly collaborative. I see remarkable outcomes when a group or team of people listen and are inspired by God and each other to bring their puzzle pieces together to create and implement what is discerned.
Mary, Mother of God, Mary Magdalene, and the Christian Mystics inspire me; especially Lady of Julian of Norwich, Theresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and Therese of Lisieux. Having men open doors for me as a woman in ministry has made an enormous impact on my life and work; specifically, my husband, Dwight, Rev. Dr. Bradley Jersak, and the Reverend David Taylor.
6. Which passage from scripture best illustrates your call to ministry?
There are a couple of favorite passages of “Here am I, send me,” that illustrate my call to ministry, but I think following Christ with Isaiah 61 is what is coming to mind currently. God called me, blessed me with the Holy Spirit, and asks me to bring good news and care for the oppressed, brokenhearted, and those who mourn. I am also called to display God’s glory and to build, raise up and repair, with God’s help, that which is devastated or in ruin.
7. How do you see your ministry developing over the next five years, including the path to the priesthood and beyond?
It is truly a mystery on how the ministry I am a part of will develop and unfold. There are a lot of areas of ministry that I am interested in and there are many needs in the Church. I want to serve as a co-creator of sacred places and spaces for people to come together into awareness and encounter with God which we do at St. Dunstan’s Centre for Spiritual Renewal. I plan to explore the various ways of offering one-on-one spiritual direction care with a focus on contemplative retreats and living. I am drawn to create and to participate in community gatherings for worship, liturgy, and the sacraments, and to continue to love, grow, and serve as God and the Church leads.
8. Is there anything you’d like to add?
I am deeply grateful for the enormous support and cheering on that I have received from my family, friends, and the Church. It truly is a Trinitarian Dance of grace upon grace.
IMAGES
- The Reverend Lorie Martin Photo Tiffany Martin
- The newly ordained Rev. Martin masked and posing for a photo with the rector of her parish (who was also her clergy presenter), the Reverend David Taylor and Archbishop Skelton.
- For the first time as an ordained deacon, the Rev. Martin dismisses the congregation, December 12, 2020.