Jonathan Abernethy-Barkley is the Assistant Minister at the Fitzroy Presbyterian Church on University Street. A former Queen’s student, the South Belfast local writes and gives sermons for the church, which dates back to 1813, making it one of the oldest Presbyterian congregations in Ireland. Jonathan has also made his sermons, along with other speakers at the church, available to listen and download online.
I was born in Lisburn
I grew up in Dunmurry
I now live on the Lisburn Road
I was educated at Royal Belfast Academical Institution and Queen’s University
My earliest memory is playing in the sand pit at primary school
When I was a child I wanted to be a minister or history teacher
I actually became, well I’m training for the ministry at work as Assistant Minister at Fitzroy Presbyterian Church
Worst job I’ve ever had - haven’t had a job I didn’t enjoy
Best job I’ve ever had - the one I have at the minute - serving and sharing with others
The bravest thing I've ever done - agreed to follow Jesus because who knows where this journey will take me
The stupidest thing I've ever done - I regularly lose things - keys, money, glasses the list is endless, so probably reporting my visa card stolen and then finding it a week later.
The biggest thing I've yet to do - grow up
The people who inspired me most are Jesus, Hillary Clinton and my mum
The most important thing in the world is my family
I'm very bad at multitasking
I'm very good at making mistakes
I'm most proud of managing to make it this far in my life with God’s help
My best friend would say I talk too much
I like to relax by reading
My favourite saying is ‘We are the change we have been waiting for’ – Barack Obama
The last book I read was ‘Skippy Dies’ by Paul Murray. It’s set in a Dublin boarding school, and is a good read
My favourite movie is ‘Love Actually’
The actor that would play me in a movie of my life would be... well I would like it to be Hugh Grant or Colin Firth
The song that makes me dance is Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’
The song I would have played at my funeral would be ‘Get Happy’ by Judy Garland
The best place I've ever been - I have travelled but my favourite place is the beach at Newcastle, Co Down
The place I have to visit before I die is San Francisco
The last person I talked to on the phone was my mum
The last text message I received was from my sister
If I was a politician I would try to be a voice for the voiceless
If I won the lottery... I don’t do the lottery so there’s not much chance of winning it. Though I like to help to make a change in other peoples lives by supporting charities and church
If I could describe myself in five words they would be outgoing, colourful, funny, compassionate and caring
If I could invite five people (living or dead) to a dinner party they would be Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, Judy Garland and Bill Clinton
If I could change one thing about South Belfast it would be increase a greater sense of feeling part of a community
My favourite thing about South Belfast is the diversity that exists
