From military to ministry -

talking with Pastor Lee McDade

‘… I wanted to do my part for God, Queen, and country by sharing the Gospel with soldiers.’

Q: What motivated you to become a scripture reader for SASRA?

A: ‘It’s all linked to being in military, I joined the army at 17 and that stays with you forever, so after 9.11 which changed many peoples lives as well as becoming a Christian around the same time, I wanted to do my part for God, Queen, and country by sharing the Gospel with soldiers. so It was life events motivated me to go back into military to serve God, this time as a Christian Army Scripture reader.’ 

Q: Throughout your childhood, you mentioned that you moved a lot - how did that make you feel?

A: ‘Pretty rubbish’ – he says after a short pause - ‘it was a big move from west London to west Yorkshire, Bradford, where there was a quite volatile atmosphere a I missed my home in London, and a couple of grim years followed as I did not have a relationship with the Lord. However, I always wanted to join the Military, and considering the military roots that run so deep in my family, in a way, it was  

inevitable’.

Q: After an extra 14 years in the Military as a Scripture reader, how does it feel knowing that these are your last 3 weeks of service?

A: ‘It is an emotional journey at times; as a Scripture reader, being embedded with Military for the past 14 years and especially serving the military while they were In Afghanistan … over the last few weeks, I felt a massive transition from the military culture, but I believe in God’s perfect timing.  I feel honoured to be in service in these times - especially with the Queen’s passing, conducting memorial services and looking after the Book of Condolences in the Garrison Church, and will be attending the funeral in London on Monday.’ ‘Serving in the Military will always be a part of who I am.’

‘… (CBC) felt like home straight away.’ 

Q: When did you first come to CBC and what motivated you to stay?

A: ‘God doesn’t let things happen by chance. The first time I ever came here, I was a non-Christian soldier, sat at the balcony, only because I was here for a family do, It was my wife’s ‘family  they took me to church, this church  He reminisces further saying ‘later on, because I knew Cole Maynard from the time spent serving in Germany together, during lockdown, I started to watch the live services streamed on Facebook. We then planned to visit 5 different churches but after coming here first, we didn’t want to leave…and I’d like this to be an encouragement for the church, because we lived in so many places for the past 28 years, yet we never , but this felt like home straight away.’ 

Q: When did you know God was calling you to serve here at CBC?

A: ‘Immediately, straight away’ he says without any hesitation. ‘ I like to serve wherever I go and I felt I was at the right time and at the right place,  and I believe God did that.’ I only felt God’s calling twice in my life to date : first to SASRA and now CBC.’ At a time of faith crossroads, Lee believes being called to serve here was a direct answer to his prayer: ‘earlier this year, while in hospital, I prayed Hannah’s prayer… although I knew I wanted to stay in ministry, I felt uncertain about the future. I prayed in the morning only to receive a phone call in the afternoon from Tim Rose, with the answer.’

Q: How did you navigate the moments of uncertainty related to your future? Any advice for those maybe still struggling to figure out what is the exact purpose God is calling them to?

A: ‘You just have to press on, lean into God and although it’s not easy, being in communion with Him on a daily basis, setting time apart for good Bible Study and Prayer, God will show you the way’. ‘Because when God opens a door, He opens it wide...sometimes He allows us to go through uncertain times, like Abraham took a risk leaving behind everything he knew and not knowing exactly where he was going, but He trusted God.’

‘I want to see souls saved, and I want to be a part of it.’

Q: In your testimony you say that ‘there’s no atheist in the fox hole…’?

A: ‘Soldiers are quite spiritual, in the thick of battle crying out and getting close to the Lord…and I have seen many soldiers surrender their lives to the Lord, the only problem is once the danger’s passed…Was that luck?  I had to believe and hope that I did not labour in vain, which can be hard when you don’t always see a lot of the fruit of your labour straight away, because I’m convinced it’s worth it… don’t go into ministry if you don’t believe it’s worth it!’

Q: Talk a little bit about purpose… you’ve heard God’s calling twice, but what advice would you give to those still trying to find purpose and meaning in their lives?

A: ‘As Christian, we only have one purpose: to share the gospel. But I believe God uses the different gifts He’s given us…if you make a cup of tea, make it for Christ, if you’re a good cleaner, clean for Christ, if you’re a doctor, then be a Christian doctor - it’s not rocket science’ he smiles. Our purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, and as one of my favourite authors says: life is not about what you achieve , but about who you become.’

Q: As you are navigating this time of transition now, from ministry with the military to ministry in a civilian environment, is there any advice you could offer to people who might be feeling uprooted or going through some sort of life changes themselves?

A: ‘It’s all about communication with God…  I believe God wants to know the small stuff in our lives as much as he wants to know the big stuff. It’s all about comms, as we say in the military. It is vital, without comms you cannot operate quickly, and the enemy can get in, so it’s all about cultivating your relationship with God. If you’re a non-Christian, then it’s about finding Jesus…it’s a cliché for a reason but Jesus is the answer. Any change or transition is difficult, but we must trust God and not rely solely on ourselves …rejoice in the Lord always… not in your circumstances.’

Q: A final question: where would you like to see God take CBC in the future?

A: ‘Wherever He wants to!’ Lee says without any hesitation. ‘I want to see souls saved, and I want to be a part of it. I do believe the church is doing a good job and I wish to be an encourager, a toolbox God needs to take CBC wherever He may want to, with a strong congregation, not doubting ourselves when He is calling us forward (Ephesians 6).’