My ordination story: Deacon Natalie Clark
23 June 2025
Natalie Clark is a Methodist Deacon serving in the Forth Valley Circuit, soon to become part of the new Scotland Circuit. Her call to ministry unfolded gradually after coming to faith at university.
Through years of raising a family, work, and growing in the life of the Church, her sense of vocation deepened. Inspired by the rhythm of the Northumbria Community, and nudges from God in silence and prayer, she discerned a call not just to deeper faith, but to join the Diaconal Order—a life rooted in prayer, service, witness, and a shared rule of life.
"We have something counter-cultural to offer"
Today, Natalie’s ministry is shaped by a longing to create spaces of welcome, inclusion, and community—especially for those who find themselves on the edges.
She is passionate about the Church’s potential to be something radically different in a world marked by isolation, consumerism, and individualism.
“We have something counter-cultural to offer,” she says—"whether it’s modelling a slower rhythm of life, creating hospitable spaces where no faith or all faiths are welcome, or reimagining what it means to gather.”
In Stirling, that vision is taking shape: a newly redeveloped church building looks to becoming a hub for community life; outdoor worship is being planned in response to the mental health needs of those living in flats with no green space.
All of this is grounded in an eco-conscious theology of care for people and planet - Stirling Methodist Church recently became the first Methodist Eco Gold Award church in Scotland.
Natalie describes her role not as leading, but enabling and noticing what’s already emerging, connecting the dots, and empowering others to flourish.
Trusting the process, and God’s call to itinerancy, was a big stretch for Natalie during the diaconal formation process, including extra training, reflection, and discernment but in the months and weeks leading up her ordination, she feels incredibly supported by her church communities, friends, and family.
Her advice to others exploring this path? Spend time with deacons. Listen deeply. Be open to the journey—even if it leads somewhere unexpected. Trust that all callings are holy, and worth following.