Jonny McClune is a congregational witness development officer for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
When did you trust Christ?
I grew up in a Christian home, becoming a Christian when I was 6. One day on a family holiday, drifting out to sea, I was rescued by lifeguards. This experience jolted me into seeing that while I knew who Jesus was and that He died on the cross for me, I hadn’t accepted His offer of rescue nor fully given my life to Him. My dad helped me pray that day and my family and church community have helped me follow Jesus ever since.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
I grew up in a committed Christian home where my family served in church life and outreach. This modelling was formative for me. Through service opportunities, both at home and overseas, my faith matured. After training as a teacher, I taught school in a marginalized working-class community and was struck by the needs beyond education in the lives of those I served. God opened my eyes and gave me a heart to serve people with the Good News of the Gospel and the hope of transformation. Since leaving teaching, I have been in ministry roles ever since.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I have watched the recorded teaching available from the Forum. The content is stimulating and formative to my thinking. The content is culturally relevant and current, being invaluable to me in navigating the growing complexities of church life and witness. I expect that attending the Forum will enhance this learning experience and allow me to wrestle with ideas more deeply with other participants.
What is your ministry?
I am part of the denominational team for the Irish Presbyterian Church. My responsibilities include inspiring and equipping churches (and individual members) for the local mission of outreach, witness, evangelism, and apologetics. This includes working with individual churches on their plans for local missions, working with ministers and elders, and providing training and resourcing to wider groups.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I am an elder in my local church and an accredited preacher within the Irish Presbyterian Church. In my church, I have been heavily involved in youth work and ministry and at different times have been the leader in charge of some youth programs in summer missions. Professionally, I was the operations and ministry development director for Youth for Christ NI. Prior to that time, I was a staff worker with Christian Unions Ireland, which is part of the IFES movement.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
The Irish Church is declining and aging but congregants have a story to tell and witness for God in their communities. I want to help others realize the part they have to play in God's mission. I want them to see Jesus' transforming power in their lives and offer it to those who do not yet know Him. I want to help others live a sacrificial life of service and hospitality and help them lead others to Jesus.
