Rev Keith Jump
I was born and bred in Bury, Lancashire. After spending a couple of years working in a bank, I trained as a teacher of French and German. Having taught for 7 years, I went to Cliff College for a year 1983 - 84. After that, I went to Somerset for 2 years as a lay pastoral assistant - an experience which I found invaluable in preparation for ministry later on.
I offered for the Methodist ministry in 1986, but was turned down - something which I found difficult to accept. This led to a period of struggle in my life and a deep questioning of my Christian faith. By 1992 however, my original call persisted and I candidated again and was accepted. I went to train for 2 years at Hartley Victoria College in Manchester.
I started as a probationer minister in Accrington and Haslingden Circuit in Lancashire and I was ordained in 1996. In 1999, I moved to South Ribble Circuit near Preston, also in Lancashire. In 2004, I moved to Stanley in County Durham where I served for 7 years. I now find myself in Doncaster where I look forward to exercising my ministry among Yorkshire people.
Whenever I can, I like going for walks (strolls not hikes !), although I confess I've neglected this activity recently! My interest in sport is minimal, but I like to keep in touch with Test Match cricket and have occasionally watched a match at the Riverside ground in Chester-le- Street. I like to relax to easy listening music and I confess that I am fond of watching 'Strictly Come Dancing'!! - even ministers have to unwind and have fun occasionally.