Jill Grinsted: How I became an employed spiritual leader

Jill Grinsted (Raynes Park) talks about her journey to become an employed spiritual leader.

How long have you been in the Army?

I went to Wimbledon Corps as a child and became a junior soldier aged 7. I knew as a child that God had a plan for me – I was just trying to work out what! I became a senior soldier and then entered the world of work. I was a Christian on a Sunday but perhaps not quite on Monday to Saturday. Just after my 21st birthday, at Easter, I remember realising God died for me and the enormity of that sacrifice.

How did you get involved with Raynes Park?

There was a corps in Raynes Park in the 1980s. After the corps closed, two officers soldiering at Wimbledon dreamed that Raynes Park was going to be used for youth work. So a group of us started a youth club that became the corps. My husband, Andrew, and I are still here. When our then corps leader Major Phil Garnham’s wife passed away, I started voluntary admin work at the corps – then I felt the call from God to work for the corps.

How did you respond?

I was working for the NHS, so I went part-time and worked for the corps three days a week. Two years ago, when our officers left, I realised God was calling me to step up.

Andrew and I did the Growing Leaders course in 2022 and, around then, the Army started to look at different forms of local spiritual leadership.

How did you become an employed spiritual leader?

I applied and started in June last year. When the employed spiritual leadership model was formally introduced, I went through consultation and was officially recognised in March.

What does your work look like now?

I’ve worked for the NHS for 30 years and I still do. I didn’t feel called to leave that work, so I wanted to see if I could do both. I’m employed by the corps for 21 hours a week. I try to have Saturday off!

What does Raynes Park look like today?

We’re a family on a journey together. We’ve started Messy Church and we run a Babysong class, which is becoming church in itself. It’s incredible what God is doing through that!

Is this what you expected when you helped plant it 30 years ago?

No, but I think God’s doing something new. He’s saying: ‘Hold on. I’m preparing you for what’s next.’

Captain Shelley Ward (Mitcham) has supported our Babysong sessions but, as she is preparing to move in July, God is already preparing new people from the corps and from the group itself to help me lead. One benefit of being an employed spiritual leader is that I’m not planning to go anywhere after 30 years. The sense that God is calling me to stay at Raynes Park is abundantly clear.

Are you where you expected?

Definitely not! It’s amazing the strength God gives you. He has equipped me. He’s very gracious.

What kind of support do you get?

I have an amazing husband and family. The corps are really supportive. Major Gordon Cotterill, our divisional area officer, been incredibly supportive. I’m really grateful for the support of officers in Merton, Captains Hean Suk Choi and Kook Hwan Rho (New Malden) and Captains Nick and Shelley Ward (Mitcham). And Divisional Leaders Majors Steve and Mandy White constantly encourage me to follow God’s calling!

In the past year, William Booth College has opened up some of its teaching, so in January I went on a Bible study week, which was brilliant. It’s been an interesting year trying to work out everything, as I’m both an employee and in a missional role as a corps leader. God is good as we all navigate these new waters.

What advice would you give someone who thinks God is calling them?

Go for it! Whatever God is calling you to, unless you share that with somebody or step out in faith, you’ll never know! People sometimes think Growing Leaders or Design for Life are not for them, but God might need you to go for him to speak to you.

What can people pray for you?

For work-life balance and for quiet to hear God’s voice.