God in the Life of...Graham Sykes

Graham reflects on how God has used his entrepreneurial skills through his career, right up to his present role in a Christian sailing charity.

After serving in numerous and varied roles in the Church of England – Diocesan Evangelism Co-ordinator, parish ministry, Bishop’s Chaplain, Hospice Chaplain – I find myself CEO of the Morning Star Trust (MST), a Christian sailing charity taking people to sea. Hospice ministry and the pandemic burned me out. I needed something new, or to retire.

I realise that, from my early days in banking (before I was a Christian), and through the years of ordained ministry that followed, God has equipped me with a unique set of skills. In ministry I had the opportunity to serve a number of charities, large and small. As Trustee, Director and Chair of Trustees I developed business, theological, pastoral, leadership and sailing skills. Each role developed skills for the next.

I have learned to understand the restlessness God puts in me when I have completed whatever role I am in. The entrepreneur in me is prepared to take risks if I think I can use my skills to share the gospel.

The primary charitable aim of MST is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, to which I add: using words if necessary. Our volunteer skippers are passionate about sailing and have important life skills to pass on to those who sail with us. Most importantly, they share who they are, people rooted in Christian faith. They come from a diversity of denominations but are determined to avoid the division of doctrinal differences. I have experienced similar determination leading CPAS Pathfinder Holidays, where the focus is on that which unites us, living the love of Christ. People become curious and respond.

Folk who sail with MST observe that we are different from other sail-training charities. Morning Star Trust does not try to suck money out of people’s pockets with lots of extras – our prices are all-inclusive. We aim to treat people as Jesus would. We are ruggedly inclusive. We are compassionate when cancellations happen, doing everything we can to find another voyage for them rather than pocketing the deposit. God’s love is shared through service and gentle conversation.

When I get the opportunity to sail, I meet wonderful young people who are making their way into the adult world. In the space of a week, I see them grow in confidence and self-worth. At times there are amazing discussions about existential questions.

There is nothing quite like coming on watch at 0400 hrs and experiencing the fading of the stars and dawn at sea, with dolphins playing on the bow and the wonder of creation naked before you.

Our work may be drops in the ocean, but it is God’s ocean. The ocean and its wildlife proclaim the Creator, and there is nothing quite as exhilarating as seeing people come to faith. ?

Words by the Revd Graham Sykes, for Pathways .

Morning Star Trust has a bursary fund for taking small youth groups to sea for weekends or longer. Other church groups can also go to sea in the trust’s three vessels.