The Methodist Chaplain is Victoria Etherington

My journey into ministry was circuitous! I attended Leicester University, taking economics and history, before starting work as a chartered accountant. To say it was a poor fit would be an understatement, and after a stint working for Burger King and then in medical research, I started working in a gym – which I loved! Going on to teach on a number of instructor courses, as well as managing the gym and doing choreography on the side.

Loving my job meant I resisted the call into youth ministry for some time, before finally starting work for a group of Anglican churches when my children were very young. At that point, I knew little about teenagers, ministry, or theology and remain incredibly grateful to my first youth groups for their grace and patience.

Over the last twenty-five years, I have learned so much. After working for Anglican churches in England, I moved to the US and worked for a number of churches and denominations there, as well as being a consultant with Ministry Architects. Alongside practical experience, I went to Princeton Theological Seminary to do a master's in divinity, and a master's in youth ministry, so, in theory, I now know what I am doing! My studies continue and I am currently undertaking a doctorate, part-time, in theology and ministry at Durham.

Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my adult daughters (and occasionally my husband!), running with my dogs, chicken keeping and reading.

If you would like to contact me my email is:  [email protected] and my phone:  07473 065856

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