Presbyters ordained with a call to humble, Gospel-shaped ministry
The radical grace of the Gospel was placed at the heart of the ordination service in Down Cathedral on Sunday 14 June 2026, as the Revd Simon Genoe called the newly ordained presbyters to a ministry shaped by Christlike humility, dependence and sacrificial love.
Bishop David ordained the Revd Matthew Gaw and the Revd Kyle Flanigan as presbyters during the service which included Holy Communion. Matthew will serve his curacy in Donaghcloney & Waringstown while Kyle will serve as non-stipendiary curate in Glencraig.
Simon, rector of Magheralin and Joint Diocesan Director of Ordinands, took as his text John 13, where Jesus washes his disciples’ feet. He said this act of humble service reveals the pattern for Christian ministry: not the pursuit of institutional status, but the outworking of a secure identity in Christ and a deep trust in the grace of the Gospel.
His first lesson was that security flows out into humble service. Jesus knew His divine origin and authority, yet He used his position not to demand honour, but to kneel before others. Simon challenged the ordinands to let their security in Christ free them to serve quietly and faithfully, without needing constant validation from the crowd.
His second lesson was that ministers must allow Jesus to minister to them. Reflecting on Peter’s refusal to have his feet washed, Simon urged Matthew and Kyle not to confuse the work of ministry with personal communion with Christ. Drawing on his own recent sabbatical, he spoke of the danger of becoming like a malnourished chef who feeds hundreds but never eats: a minister cannot substitute professional duty for personal devotion.
His final lesson was the most searching: Jesus washed even the feet of Judas, knowing that betrayal was near. Simon said this points directly to the Gospel itself. As Jesus laid aside his garments and poured out water, so he would lay aside his heavenly glory and pour out his blood on the cross. Quoting Romans 5:8, Simon reminded the congregation that “while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”
Simon closed with a call for anyone far from Christ to allow Him to wash them, and with an encouragement to Matthew and Kyle to keep this radical Gospel at the very centre of their preaching and ministry.
Pictured above: Revd Kyle Flanigan, Revd Simon Genoe and Revd Matthew Gaw
