Jonathan Boast, a former concert crew member who once worked on tours with the Rolling Stones, has embraced a new chapter in his life after being ordained as a deacon in the Church of England.
Boast, 52, was officially ordained on Saturday at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Suffolk after years of feeling called to serve in ministry.
After completing his university studies in the 1990s, he moved to Germany, where he worked as a stage crew assistant, helping set up equipment for major music tours, including performances by the Rolling Stones and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
He later built a successful career in photography and art, earning recognition for his creative work, including a commissioned stained-glass and steel memorial marking the 90th anniversary of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey.
According to Boast, his decision to enter ministry developed gradually over several years as he experienced an increasingly strong sense of spiritual calling that he could no longer ignore.
Describing his ordination as a blessing, he said the journey had been long but deeply rewarding.
As a deacon, Boast will serve the Lark Valley and North Bury team, where he hopes to combine his artistic talents with ministry while encouraging more people to engage with the church.
A father of three, he said he looks forward to building stronger connections between the church and the wider community through his new role.
