New role will support church plant and pioneer leaders
Bishop David has invited the Right Revd Darren McCartney to become Warden for Pioneer Leaders and Church Plant Leaders.
This is a new role which Bishop Darren (pictured above) will fulfil alongside his responsibilities as rector of Clonallon and Warrenpoint with Kilbroney and as Area Dean for Mourne.
Darren will be providing pastoral support for the leaders in our church plants and those who head up pioneer ministries in the diocese. He will also help them to identify other diocesan and central Church of Ireland support structures that will strengthen their ministries.
Bishop Darren joins four other Wardens who have already assumed their voluntary roles in Down and Dromore:
Captain George Newell: Warden for Diocesan Evangelists
As Warden of Diocesan Evangelists, George helps the diocese to identify and recruit those called to the role of evangelist. He is also in overall charge of the training course. George is Leadership and Mission Development Coordinator for New Wine Ireland and part of the Outreach Team at Willowfield Church.
Revd Willie Nixon: Warden for Diocesan Lay Readers
As Warden of Diocesan Lay Readers, Willie is involved in their recruitment, training, and support. As well as taking an active role during the training course, he is responsible for facilitating events where diocesan lay readers can come together for additional training, encouragement and support. Willie is rector of St Patrick’s, Drumbeg.
Revd Simon Genoe and Revd Karen Salmon: Joint Diocesan Directors of Ordinands
Our Diocesan Directors of Ordinands, Revd Karen Salmon and Revd Simon Genoe, support those who are exploring ordination and other ministry roles. Together, Karen and Simon run the Exploring Ministry Group which meets four times a year and offers like–minded individuals the opportunity to explore their sense of call together. In addition, Karen and Simon are available to come alongside those who are training for ordination and those considering the possibility of being sent by the Bishop to a Selection Conference. They are also available to talk to rectors in the diocese regarding prospective candidates for ordination. Simon is the rector of Magheralin, and Karen is Curate Assistant in Willowfield Church.
Bishop David says:
“As bishop of a busy diocese, I am very grateful that I can confidently delegate these important tasks to my Wardens, especially as they carry out their roles alongside their own ministries. I want to thank them again for accepting my invitation and ask you to pray for them as they serve the diocese in these various ways.”