Centenary History project

Ministers: Robert Hall Memorial Baptist Church

Name: Sarah Elizabeth Harmsworth, BSc(Hons), BA

Dates: 2000-03

Handbook Entry:
BRISTOL
Robert Hall, 2000-03

Christened in the local Anglican Church in the North East of England, Sarah took very little interest in Christianity, finally rebelling from family tradition and refusing confirmation. It was during her years at Leeds Polytechnic that Sarah met a friend with a passion for Christ and a desire to share it with her. On Pentecost Sunday during her finals Sarah made a commitment to Christ. Though she achieved a BSc Hons in Applied Human Nutrition there was no work available in her field of study without experience.

The following three and a half years were spent with Northern Electric. It was also spent maturing in her faith through the ministry of Whitley Bay Baptist Church where she was baptised and came into membership. Her desire to use her degree and also work for the church full time led her to WEC International, a missionary agency which needed staff for a school in Senegal, West Africa. Stimulated by her experience, two hot humid years later Sarah returned to the UK and started a theological course at Glasgow Bible College.

While she was studying, Sarah was given the opportunity to work with Howard Street Baptist Church, North Shields. Shadowing their minister she learned more about the Baptist way of life. In prayer, study and discussion with her own church leaders Sarah was challenged to respond to God's new call on her life. Another two years of theological study and ministry preparation followed at Bristol Baptist College. During this time she was involved in the ministry at her own church as well as Westgate Road Baptist Church in Newcastle. Sarah was ordained on the 6th November 1999.

Serious study and missionary experience have certainly left their mark on Sarah's life. However, mentored by eminent theologian's like the Vicar of Dibley and Father Ted Quilly, Sarah has a desire to share the love, hope and especially the joy of Christ with all people. With her fondness for science fiction she is now set to "boldly go" to Robert Hall Memorial Baptist Church.

This biography appeared in the Order of Service produced for her induction in 1999.