Dean Courtier - The Encouraging Word

Some background info

I am a Cockney, born in the London Hospital in Whitechapel, and raised in Stepney, part of the East-End of London. I was raised by my grandparents who were Jews of Polish and Russian descent. My path to faith began in 1985 when I embraced Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.

For 22 years, I walked the bustling streets of the City of London, where I immersed myself in the world of marketing and design, specifically within the financial and professional services sector. Each day, I discovered the intricate dance of creativity and strategy, a dance that would later shape my approach to sharing God's message.

In 2008, a significant shift occurred as I transitioned from running a design and production studio for a global law firm to stepping into the realm of entrepreneurship. I founded my own marketing and design company, a venture that allowed me to harness my skills while embracing a new chapter of life.

In 2010, God's calling took a profound turn as I responded to His leading to become an Elim Licensed Minister. It was during this time that I joined the leadership team of Estuary Elim Church - a place where hearts are ignited, lives transformed, and the Gospel message fervently shared.

The year 2015 marked another milestone in my journey when I was fully ordained as an Elim Minister, a role that holds deep significance in my mission to serve.

Today, my life takes on a unique rhythm. As a 'full-time' church minister and a 'part-time' designer and marketing expert, I find myself at the intersection of faith and creativity. But these titles only scratch the surface of who I am. I am a husband, a father, and a grandfather - a role that brings me immense joy and purpose. I've made my home in Rochford, Essex, where the beauty of life unfolds each day.

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded that sometimes reality indeed takes paths stranger than fiction, yet through it all, God remains constant and unwavering in His goodness.

May I encourage you to embrace the ever-evolving adventure of faith in Jesus, drawing from the depths of God's Word and the transformative power of His love.

Dean