From Where I Sit - with Sam Abramian

Sam Abramian has recently been appointed the part-time Director for the East of England at Rural Ministries. He is a Baptist Pioneer Minister, Hospital Chaplain and Missional Listener who loves the rural context and journeying with others.

1. Where are you in the UK?

I live in West Norfolk, in a small village called Ingoldisthorpe. We enjoy amazing sunsets over the sea across The Wash – the only place on the east coast where you can see the sun set over the water! We’re also surrounded by beautiful countryside, with plenty of

footpaths and tracks to explore on foot or by mountain bike.

2. Who or what has had the biggest impact on your faith?

God has brought many different people alongside me to teach, guide and encourage me. Some were instrumental in me becoming a disciple of Jesus; others have faithfully walked with me ever since.

In terms of a ‘what’, the youth work at my home church played a huge role in nurturing and strengthening my faith. It gave me space to grow and opportunities to explore my gifts and skills as a teenager. Studying theology at LST was another key moment, equipping me to understand more deeply what I believe and why.

3. What do you know now about Jesus that you didn’t ten years ago?

Through our pioneering and missional listening journey, I’ve found myself drawn back to the Gospels again and again, and I feel I’ve learned so much more about Jesus.

In particular, I’ve noticed His attentiveness – both to the Spirit and to the people around him. He held those two together so beautifully, and I still marvel at that balance when I read the Gospels.

I’ve also grown in my understanding of His self-care. I’m naturally wired towards doing, but over the past six years I’ve learned a great deal from the way Jesus balanced the demands placed on Him with intentional times of withdrawal and rest.

4. Tell me your favourite story about connecting in your community.

I once had a conversation with another local dad who asked what I do. I kept it simple and said I’m a church minister. He replied, “That’s great for you, mate, but I’m not into any of that stuff.”

Fourteen months later, he was sitting in his car outside the school while I was walking in to collect my son. He asked if we could meet for coffee. When we met, he wanted to talk about prayer – and then he asked to meet again. At our next conversation, he asked how God could change his life.

We continued meeting, and he has since become a follower of Jesus, experiencing God gently transforming him. Since then, God has also used him to speak into my life, and I feel deeply blessed by our friendship.

5. What does pioneering where you are look like to you?

Right now, it looks very relational. We’ve been through a season of pioneering a new church community and groups, but we’re currently in a season of patiently journeying with a small number of local people who have crossed our path.

This means intentionally spending time with a few people and seeking to be good neighbours. We share meals, help one another with childcare, and try to prioritise being present – not just dropping our son off at sports or activities, but staying and building relationships.

We continue to pray for our area and ask God whether He wants us to start something specific. At the moment, He seems quiet on that, so we’re embracing and enjoying this slower, relational approach.

6. If you’re not at work, where am I most likely to find you?

I’m a part-time hospital chaplain, but outside of that you’ll usually find me outdoors – walking, cycling, watching my son play sport, or gardening.

In the summer, I’m often near a fire in the form of a BBQ or fire pit. In the winter, I’m likely to be at home beside our log burner – or at a local pub enjoying good company.

First published in MOSAIC Issue 19, May - August 2026