Joy as former teacher prepares to be ordained as a minister
Published on 9 December 2024 4 minutes read
A former high school teacher will today complete a 20-year journey and be ordained as a Church of Scotland minister.
David McKee will be joined by family members, friends and colleagues to celebrate the momentous occasion at Jackson Parish Church in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire.
"I cannot wait to see where God takes me next," he said.
"What a privilege it is to serve."
Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly, is preaching at the service.
His home church is Trinity Parish Church in Strathaven, South Lanarkshire and he was Mr McKee's supervisor when he was a student there.
The minister to be is taking up the role of assistant minister at Trinity Parish Church and will work with the congregation initially for six months until Dr Paterson finishes his 12-month Moderator term in May, 2025.
Speaking ahead of his ordination, Mr McKee, 40, said: "I still cannot believe I have reached this stage, it has been a near 20-year journey for me with many ups and downs.
"I still have so much to learn, but with the support of my family and the superb congregations I have been privileged to serve, I feel ready now for ordination and my own charge."
Family support
Jackson Parish Church holds a special place in Mr McKee's heart as he was on placement there as well as serving Cairnlea and Calderbank churches near Airdrie, St Columba's Church in Knightsbridge, London and Trinity Parish Church in Strathaven.
He grew up in the town of Clarkston in East Renfrewshire and he first felt the call to ministry in 2004 but never acted upon it.
His home church is Stamperland Parish Church and he became an elder in 2013.
Mr McKee has been married to Lynsey, an NHS occupational therapist, for 12 years and they have a son Finlay, who will soon be nine.
He said his wife claims that he told her on their first date in 2006 that he wanted to be a minister.
"I am not sure if that is true or not, but she has always encouraged me in this journey," he explained.
"I am passionate about school work, youth work and pastoral care, especially those who cannot attend church.
"They are part of our family.
"I was blessed to be immersed in this at Jackson, who were so outward looking and community focused.
"The congregation and parish minister Rev Kay Gilchrist helped me accept myself and realise that what I bring is enough, the rest is in God's hands.
"I am delighted to be ordained at Jackson, it's an amazing church and for the Moderator to preach just caps it all off as he was a superb supervisor for me and someone I am pleased to call a friend."
A place at the table
Mr McKee started work in teaching in 2009 and revealed that he was part of the ministry discernment process in 2014 and preparing to go to selection conference.
"However, I felt I wasn't ready and that I wasn't good enough, yet my call did not go away," he explained.
"I re-entered the process in 2018 and took every opportunity presented to me, including leading worship within the prison service.
"I have always believed that we need to try as best as we can to follow the example of Jesus.
"This is my call - to welcome everyone like Jesus did, from the smallest baby to the oldest adult - come as you are, all are welcome.
"It is my strongest belief, to quote the hymn ‘For Everyone Born', there is a place at the table."
Mr McKee worked as a history teacher and latterly in learning support in Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, Glasgow and Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire from 2009-2023.
"When I look back to my varied teaching career, I loved working with the kids and building relationships, particularly with those children who struggled to engage with education," he explained.
"It was a wonderful job and allowed me to develop lots of skills that will transfer into my ministry.
"During my time teaching, I developed an interest for intergenerational activities and this involved facilitating sessions in a local care home with pupils and residents.
"I have taken this further in my ministry so far by developing and leading on 'faith memory' sessions in care homes within the parish of Trinity church.
"These sessions involve the use of reminiscence through song, readings, pictures and artefacts to facilitate memories and conversation amongst older people who find it difficult to attend church.
"All of these experiences, as well as my significant time in the Boys' Brigade as a boy and an officer, have prepared me for the ministry."
Passion
Mr McKee did credits at Highland Theology College in Dingwall part-time while still working as a teacher and moved to study at the University of Glasgow in 2021, graduating with a Bachelor of Divinity.
He and his family love good food and to travel and experience new places and cultures when time allows.
Mr McKee and his son are passionate supporters of East Kilbride Football Club and he enjoys an occasional game of golf.
His ordination service starts at 7pm and is being streamed on Jackson Parish Church Facebook page.