Paulson Devasahayam

Greetings!

I am Paulson, an authorised minister serving at the Ipswich Circuit, hailing from the Church of South India. I am truly excited as I step into this new phase of my pilgrim journey. I feel a deep sense of anticipation and readiness to embrace what lies ahead. My preaching engagements over the past three years in the circuit have been a source of encouragement and enrichment, deepening my commitment to this new path.

St. Peter and St. Paul consistently inspire my ministry, guiding me with their profound words. As Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV): “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (NIV) also resonate deeply: “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” These passages remind me to humbly rely on God’s strength and grace as I serve the church and community.

My diverse ministry background includes serving in various capacities within Indian churches. I have ministered in urban, semi-urban, and village congregations; served as a chaplain to the Bishop; coordinated Prison Ministry; facilitated pre-marriage counselling for the diocese; collaborated with lay theological forums; and actively participated in children’s and youth ministry.

I am committed to bringing ecumenical, global, multicultural, and theological perspectives to ministry, making faith in Jesus Christ relevant in the public sphere. As a minister from a religiously plural community, I have learned to serve the Lord with a sense of collaboration, equality, and inclusivity.

My theological education spans both India and the UK, enriching my understanding and approach to ministry. I eagerly learn from experienced ministers and mentors, continually refining my skills to serve Christ to the best of my ability. I believe in the importance of humour and the ability to see the funny side of things, recognising that it’s essential to laugh, cry, pray, and converse together.

In my personal life, I enjoy playing cricket and badminton, and I have a deep love for music and movies. I am blessed with a wonderful family—my wife Nissy and our daughter Azanya—who support and inspire me in my ministry.

I am genuinely excited to collaborate with you in this circuit to provide the necessary support and resources to our Methodist communities, empowering each one to fulfil its mission as an effective church. Together, guided by faith, love, and the desire to serve, we can make a difference in our community.

Blessings,
Paulson