Graham Sheath (60) has been the Chef at Open House Community Café in Brentford, West London, for the last nine years. Run by the Anglican Parish of Brentford, Open House aims to be a community hub and focal point for local activities, and the café is a key part of that.

Graham went to work at Open House when he was made redundant from his job as a chef in a sports club, and says his role there is demonstrably different to any he’s had before:

“I was a little bit unsure at first about working for a Christian community café, but was totally in sympathy with the aims and objectives. Working here is much more customer-led than previous jobs I’d had. We have to react to people’s needs, and those needs come in such a variety. We also need to be accessible to the wider community by keeping prices low.”

While being a chef might not fit with many people’s idea of what ministry looks like, Graham is clear that his work is motivated by his faith:
“Any way that you serve God is your ministry,” he says. “Helping people is what God wants us to do, so we just have to do it. My faith is my inspiration for turning up to work in the morning. Being able to see people’s lives changed gradually, their confidence growing or their recovery from illness is very rewarding and a great privilege.

“If I didn’t have faith that God was in this, I couldn’t do it. Being part of a team, where I see other people’s faith at work, and watching them make sacrifices to see lives changed, is very humbling.”

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