My ordination story: Jason McMahon-Riley

Jason didn’t grow up going to church, though he was baptised in the Church of England. It wasn’t until sixth form college that things began to shift when his music teacher (also a Methodist local preacher) invited him to play in a church concert for Christian Aid.

He agreed, thinking it was a good chance to rehearse for his A level recital. But the warm welcome he received there sparked a new journey. He began returning to church, initially to support Sunday worship through music, but gradually found himself staying to listen, to ask questions, and to explore his faith.

When he eventually became a member of the Methodist Church and received communion for the first time, the experience was so profound it stirred in him a desire to offer that same sense of love and belonging to others.

His call to ordained ministry unfolded gradually. While working full-time as a music teacher, Jason trained as a worship leader and then as a local preacher, assuming that would be enough. But the call persisted.

Encouraged by others and grounded in prayer, he came to recognise that his original desire, to share bread and wine, was pointing him toward presbyteral ministry.

Candidating was both exciting and daunting; it meant stepping into the unknown and letting go of well-laid plans.

During his probation years, Jason found joy and purpose in journeying with people through life’s sacred moments—funerals, baptisms, pastoral conversations—and built deep relationships within a community that embraced him as a gay minister and affirmed his calling.

One highlight has been leading his church’s first Pride service after joining in Nottingham Pride, where new people came, felt welcomed, and are now growing in faith. Jason often speaks of “God-incidents”—moments when God shows up in unexpected places, like a chance conversation in a coffee shop that turns into sacred listening.

As he approaches ordination, he reflects with humility and gratitude on the journey so far. “Don’t be the one who closes the door,” he says to those sensing a call. “Be the one who knocks—and let God meet you there.”