My name is Suzanne Delegate. I am a wife, a mother of three grown children, and a very blessed nanna to seven wonderful grandchildren. Family has always been at the centre of my life, shaping my understanding of love, patience, and the everyday faithfulness that sits at the heart of Christian discipleship. Those same values have guided my ministry over many years and across several different contexts.
I was baptised in the Methodist Church, and although life later led me into the Church of England—where I was confirmed around twenty years ago—my roots in Methodism remained strong. In recent years I have formally returned to the Methodist Church as a member, bringing with me the richness of both traditions and a deep appreciation for the breadth of God’s family.
My ministry began with children. I have always believed that children are not simply the church of tomorrow but the church of today, and I find great joy in helping them discover faith in ways that are creative, accessible, and full of wonder. From there I moved into youth ministry, training with the Church of England to become an Authorised Lay Minister (Youth). Those years were full of energy, questions, laughter, camping at Youth Christian Festivals and the privilege of walking alongside young people as they explored who God is and who they are called to be.
One of the ministries closest to my heart is Bob (Back of Beyond), where I serve as Project Coordinator. Over time my ministry widened. I have led Youth Alpha, facilitated Bible studies for those exploring faith, supported bereavement groups, and even used my love of floristry to serve within the life of the church. Each season has taught me something new about God’s compassion and creativity.
More recently, within the Methodist context, I have run a toddler group and a family Christian Bible group, helping children and parents engage with Scripture through storytelling, craft, play, and shared learning. These groups have been places of welcome, belonging, and gentle discipleship.
One of the ministries closest to my heart is Bob (Back of Beyond), where I serve as Project Coordinator. The vision for Bob was simple but profound: to create a space where people who are lonely, isolated, or on the fringes of community could gather around a table, share a meal, and rediscover connection.
What began as a small idea has grown into a thriving weekly gathering. Over the past three years, more than 50 people have come through our doors, and around 23 attend each week. Around 95% of our regulars live alone, which makes the sense of family we have built together even more precious. Alongside our weekly meals, we offer monthly activities and hold a short church service once a month. Bob has become a place of laughter, friendship, prayer, and genuine community—a reminder that the table has always been one of Jesus’ favourite places to meet people.
I also serve as a Lay Worker for the Methodist Circuit, primarily on the south side of the city. A significant part of my ministry involves working with local church schools, where I have built strong relationships over more than a decade. I regularly lead Collective Worship, run Bible groups, and take singing assemblies. My vision is simple: to help children encounter Jesus in ways that are joyful, meaningful, and rooted in love. I long to see young people grow as disciples—curious, confident, and aware of God’s presence in their everyday lives.
Alongside this, I volunteer with CROPS (Christian Options in Peterborough Schools) as a mentor, supporting children who are experiencing emotional difficulties and simply need someone to listen. It is a quiet but deeply important ministry, and one I feel privileged to be part of.
Through my work with Bob and my wider ministry, I have developed a strong passion for pastoral care, particularly among the elderly. Many older people carry stories, griefs, and wisdom that deserve to be heard. Offering companionship, prayer, and practical support has become a natural extension of my calling.
I have recently joined the Circuit Leadership Team, where I am learning more about the day‑to‑day running of a busy circuit. There is much to take in, but I am eager to grow, contribute, and serve wherever I am needed. I trust wholeheartedly that God never gives me more than I can handle, and that He equips me for every task He places before me.
Across every part of my ministry—children, youth, families, schools, the elderly, and those on the margins—my hope is the same: to help people encounter the love of Jesus. Whether through a meal shared, a conversation offered, a Bible story told, or a moment of prayer, I believe God works through simple acts of kindness and presence.
I am grateful for every opportunity to serve and for the communities that have shaped me along the way. My journey continues to unfold, and I look forward to all that God has in store.
