Moving On

‘Everything on earth has its own time and its own season …’ (Ecclesiastes 3:1 CEV).

As you can imagine, I have not taken the decision to leave TFM lightly. Indeed, having been here for such a long time, it was hard initially to conceive of taking on a different ministry. In many ways, other practical aspects of life also seemed to ‘fit’ very comfortably too – we like our home, Sue has a job literally across the road, we are handy for family, etc. However … for some time the sense of call has been building up in me to continue mission work but to do it within the structures of the Church of England.

I think this is a strategic time to be working in the dear old CofE again. Justin Welby has made it clear that evangelism is a key priority of the church. This was reflected in the consultation that I took part in at Lambeth Palace in January and it is increasingly affecting the way dioceses structure their central support team. There is a sense of a new wind of the Spirit blowing through the Anglican Church.

In Sheffield Diocese this has been reflected in the formation of a new Parish Support Team. In place of just one ‘missioner’ there is now a Director, 2 Mission Development Advisors (of which I am to be the MDA for Sheffield & Rotherham Archdeaconry) and a person responsible for children & youth. This level of staffing represents both a commitment to evangelism and mission as well as a realistic approach to having sufficient manpower. The diocesan vision is for aspirational growth of 20% in numbers in a 10-year period across all the churches. I am looking forward to being part of this, working alongside the churches and equipping them. It’s a new team, my Director having been appointed just a week earlier than me! He comes from a background of really innovative mission in Liverpool Diocese and the new Archdeacon (with whom I will share responsibility for pioneer ministers) also has a strong track record in mission. The diocesan bishop, Steven Croft, led a weekend for our SCE students in 2007 on Fresh Expressions (see photo).

We would appreciate your prayers for this transition – for our house move (selling ours & buying one in Rotherham); the timing of this in relation to my licensing (18 May) and start date (26 May); settling into a new team and new way of working; and living ‘up North’, which is a first for us and quite a way from most of our family. Sue might well look for another Teaching Assistant post, once we have settled, so please pray about that too.

I will miss many friends in the TFM network, not just my close colleagues but lots of people with whom I have worked many times over the years or who have completed the SCE course. It is a phenomenal network and I have enjoyed wonderful hospitality in many homes around the country over the years. Thank you again for your support through what has been a most fulfilling period of ministry.

John