Revd Peter Bourke becomes rector of Ballynafeigh
Bishop Harold has instituted Revd Peter Bourke as the rector of St Jude’s Ballynafeigh.
Peter takes up the reins in the Ormeau Road parish after serving for 5 years as Associate Minister in St Elizabeth’s Dundonald. The rector of St Elizabeth’s, Revd Tim Anderson, was the preacher at the service on Monday 3 July 2017.
Parishioners, family and friends from different chapters of Peter’s life came to support him on this special occasion, including colleagues from the Church of England and Crosslinks.
Peter is 37 years old and is married to Sarah. Together they have three young children – 2 girls and a boy – ranging in age from 9 months to 6 years old.
Peter became a Christian as a child through the influence of his parents and the local church. He grew in his love and knowledge of Christ through Crosslinks camps where he also served as a leader and met his wife!
After graduating from Queen’s University, Belfast, Peter left for England where he lived and served at churches in London and Cheshire before his ordination training at Oak Hill College (London).
He was ordained in 2009 and served a curacy in the Church of England on the Wirral (Merseyside), before moving back to Northern Ireland in 2012.
For the past five years Peter has had the privilege of serving on the Staff Team of St Elizabeth’s, Dundonald, as Associate Minster.
Peter longs to see Christians grow and share their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He says: “My prayer as I start at St Jude’s, Ballynafeigh is that I may be a faithful pastor–teacher putting into practice God’s Word.”
‘Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.’ (1 Peter 5:2–3).