Welcome Laurence!
Laurence Bellew (CA) received a warm welcome when he was introduced as Minister-in-charge of Stormont Parish on Tuesday 19 August. Bishop David gave the address at the service in St Molua's and many people came along to support Laurence and Millie at the beginning of this next chapter of their ministry.
For Laurence, moving back to East Belfast truly feels like coming home. Although his childhood in foster care meant moving frequently, East Belfast was always the place where “home” felt most real. He attended Belmont Infants, then Strand Primary, before moving on to Grosvenor Grammar School.
“In 2011, I joined the staff team at Willowfield and spent ten incredible years there: first leading the kids’ work, and later overseeing both kids’ and youth ministry. In 2015, I was commissioned as a Lay Reader and, in the same year, launched my healthy heart programme Life Guards, which I’ve since had the privilege of delivering in 60 schools.”
“In 2021, I became Pioneer Evangelist in Newry, working alongside Scott McDonald to establish the new Centre of Mission. During that time, Millie and I got married, began our fostering journey, and I started my Church Army training. God opened some amazing doors into local schools and the wider community, for which I’m deeply thankful. Serving as chaplain to Newry City Football Club was one of the highlights, and one of the hardest things to leave when my time there ended.”
“For the past two years, while completing my Church Army training, I’ve been Youth & Community Pastor at Hope Church, Craigavon. We became biological parents during this time and have been overwhelmed by the love, generosity, and care we’ve experienced as a family at Hope. It has been a joy to see all God has done there.”
“In my three ministry roles so far, I’ve had the privilege of working under three exceptional leaders — Bishop David, Scott McDonald, and Craig Cooney (pictured above). I’ve learned so much from them and remain deeply grateful for their guidance and encouragement on this journey.”
“We’re now excited to begin this new chapter at St. Molua’s and to see what God has in store as we seek to love Him and love our neighbour. I’m mindful of the unique responsibility of serving a parish that includes the Assembly Buildings. Remarkably, in the same week I accepted the role, Millie was offered the position of Youth Assembly Co-ordinator in Stormont. She begins on Monday 1 September, and while she’s sad to leave her role as Children’s Development Officer, she’ll still be very much involved in ministry, serving alongside me at St. Molua’s. We’re stepping into this new season together as a family, full of anticipation for all that God will do.”
