God created us all uniquely for a reason!

Meet Libby Hawkness-Smith, first year MA student focusing on Asian Christianity. An experienced pioneer chaplain, she talks about her Asian background and pioneering journey so far.

HH: Libby, this is your second time of study with us, which is a great compliment that you came back for more! Can you tell us about your first time of undergraduate study with us?

LH-S: I took the Foundation Diploma in Mission, Ministry and Evangelism, at CMS, from 2014 to 2017, where the focus of my study was on pioneer ministry and Asian Christianity. Having grown up in Singapore and Laos, a lot of my worldview and experience has been influenced by my time spent in those two countries, so when reflecting on my own personal beliefs and values, I often defer to my Asian experience. I also learnt a lot about listening out for the still, small voice of God, and seeking after where he was calling me to minister specifically, using the talents and wisdom that he had given me, and not worrying about trying to emulate anyone else. God has created us all uniquely for a reason!

Since you left us the first time, you’ve been working in the Didcot area on a new housing estate. Can you tell us all about your work?

I was the Lead Community Chaplain for a mission and outreach initiative that Wantage and Abingdon Methodist Circuit set up in 2017. This largely involved being the chaplain to a wide range of places, subgroups, and organisations, including shop chaplaincy, street chaplaincy, school chaplaincy, care home and Anna Chaplaincy (chaplaincy with those in their Third and Fourth Ages, as defined by Laslett, 1987). It also included chaplaincy in Scouting, Guiding, Boys Brigade, and with International Welcome (an initiative, originally overseen by CCOW, to support vulnerable migrants in Didcot), as well as being the chaplain to two food banks, and a number of lunch initiatives. This also led me to setting up similar initiatives in Oxford. Unfortunately, funding is always tight, and both my chaplaincy roles in the Oxford Methodist Circuit, and Wantage and Abingdon Methodist Circuit have come/ are coming to an end.

It was an exciting initiative, and an honour to be part of. At one point, I was regularly seeing hundreds of people a week to listen to their stories, provide support of a practical and pastoral nature, to champion their causes, and to be a voice for those who were overlooked and ostracised. Many of them would struggle to ever come to church, but would frequently engage in prayer, Bible study, and sharing of life together with me, and others I brought into the team, in other spaces (usually a community hall or pub) where they felt more comfortable.

What led you to come back and study with us on the MA with an Asian Christianity focus?

I’ve long thought about doing a MA in a theological field, but always held back in case God was calling me into ordained ministry, in which case pursuing an MA would be part of the training. Over time, I came to realise that God was distinctly calling me to be a (lay) Local Preacher (a role which is very similar to Ordained Local Ministry, but with key differences) in the Methodist Church, which freed me up to be able to pursue this further study now. Having grown up in Asia, I am aware that a lot of my beliefs and values are very ‘Asian’ in their orientation, and I’m hoping that the MA will enable me to better understand people in Oxfordshire, where I’m based, who were born and raised in more Anglo-Saxon communities in Britain. I’m also finding that the course is helping me to fill in gaps in my knowledge about the ‘Asian Christianity’ story.

How are you finding the study so far?

Really interesting. There’s a lot to read, questions to consider, and I’m really enjoying being able to come into CMS and interact with students on other courses. The pioneer learning hub at CMS is known to be a ‘power house’ of activity, reflection, and learning, and it’s great being able to connect with that sharing of stories again.

You’ve done so much, Libby, what sustains you in your work?

I have a well-developed rhythm of life, which I find extremely helpful. On a daily basis, I spend time in reading and reflection, sharing stories with others from all different walks of life, and immersing myself in nature when I take my two greyhounds out for their evening walk. One of them loves to meander, pausing to sniff the scents around him, to watch intently for signs of wildlife, and to greet any other animals he sees on his path, which helps me to be more mindful, reflective, and to pause.

Every month, I lead a kind of Fresh Expression initiative that revolves around sighthounds, and sharing stories, and occasional prayers or bigger theological questions. Sighthounds are salukis, greyhounds, whippets, Italian greyhounds… We’re a walking and talking group. We also have occasional visits to churches with our dogs. And I visit my spiritual director – a retired Anglican priest who grew up in India.

Every year, I go on a week-long retreat to the forest, and take time to travel the world and see what God is doing in different places. My friends and family are also hugely supportive when I have a bad day (like we all get) and in helping me to stay rooted when life gets busy.

That all sounds amazing, Libby. How can we pray for you?

Firstly, prayers for peace as I start the writing part of the MA study. I have a tendency to internalise a lot, and occasionally struggle to get thoughts down on paper, so I’m currently feeling a bit anxious about the 6,000 words I have to write by the start of 2026. Secondly, for discernment as I look to God for where he may be inviting me to minister next as my chaplaincy role in my current circuit winds up.

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