Revd Canon Robert Parsons

MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT REVIEWERS

SALOP AREA

Dorothy Harrison

I have spent the majority of my working life in public and health services and have substantial experience of working with those who have severe mental illness and learning disability. I have specialist experience in community work, team development and leadership, and working with those who are disadvantaged by dint of disability, illness, or income. I have worked in rural and urban settings. I have been an Authorized Prayer Guide since 2002 and took further study in Christian Spirituality at Sarum. Since retiring I have studied fine art practice and am currently completing an MA in sculpture.

I grew up in suburban parishes where my father was an open evangelical vicar. My degree was in music (two years) and theology (one year), and followed by a year teaching in Uganda with VSO. In my ordained ministry I served in inner city Sheffield, small industrial towns, and commuter villages and as precentor at Derby Cathedral. I have been a part-time industrial chaplain, chaplain of an Air Training Corps Squadron and a rural dean. While in Derby, I was involved with the town’s twinning with Osnabrück in Germany and co-led four pilgrimages with people from the two places. I am now a house for duty part-time assistant priest in six rural parishes north of Shrewsbury. Hobbies include piano and flute, growing vegetables and serious croquet.

Revd Valerie Pitt

I am a NSM in Shrewsbury Deanery and moved to Shropshire in 2009, after serving as curate in Guildford Diocese. I have experience of serving in large churches with a wide range of styles of worship. Having five children and several grandchildren, I recognise the frequent tensions of juggling church work with family commitments. Prior to ordination, I worked in administrative roles in both industry and the arts and enjoy fell-walking and music, especially singing and conducting.

Revd Lee Plummer Hi, I am a pioneer minister for River Community Church and minister of Christ the King (LEP) in the Central Telford Parish. I am 37, married with two young children. I have a background in youth ministry, have been a secondary school head of department and worked overseas as worship and program director for Capital Community International Church in Beijing. I am passionate about sport, modern worship and global mission.

Janice Taylor

Based in the Oswestry area, formally Head of Religious Studies in a West Midlands High School, Janice Taylor has worked with Operation Mobilisation for 21 years in both in the UK, OM LUKE (Lifehope) leading school and youth work, becoming the training manager in 1993. In 1996 joined Logos 11 (OM’s book ship) as training manager also writing the training programmes. 1998 - 2007 was Curriculum developer and Area Training Facilitator for OM Southern Africa. She has a passion to see people excel in their ministry. Currently she is the European Training Facilitator for Europe delivering training in leadership, training trainers and curriculum development. Recently completing her MA in Missional Leadership, Janice has a great interest in developing leaders. She co-wrote and champions a Foundational Leaders Course (FLighT). programmes and trainers. Monitoring and Evaluation is also part of her ministry. Alongside this role she is also the Head of Learning and Development for OMUK. She has recently completed her MA in Missional Leadership through Regents Theological College.

Revd Simon Thorburn

I went to school in Wolverhampton, read Agricultural Botany at Newcastle upon Tyne, and then worked in Manchester and Slough before ordination training and a curacy in the Stafford Team from 1978. Twelve years were spent in parish ministry in this diocese before 7 years as a Missioner in Social Responsibility in Southwark Diocese where I was much involved with Third Sector/church interaction. I resumed parish ministry in Birmingham (1997-2008) and returned to Lichfield Diocese as Vicar of St. Oswald, King & Martyr, Oswestry and Rector of Rhydycroesau in 2009. Married to Mary, a teacher, and have three children and two grandchildren; I enjoy walking/climbing, fly-fishing, music, cinema and theatre.

STAFFORD AREA

Revd Dr George Crossley

I am married to Gail with five children. Vicar of St Chad's in Burton upon Trent and part-time chaplain at Queen's Hospital with a specialisation in paediatric care. St Chad's is an urban parish with significant social housing, industrial areas and part of the town centre. Before entering ordained ministry in 1994 I worked in local government as a Nuclear Free Zones officer for Leeds City Council and then in Emergency Planning for Bradford City Council. I was ordained in 1994 and spent four years as curate in Rochdale before moving to Branston on the outskirts of Burton in 1998 to serve as vicar of Branston and Tatenhill a suburb and nearby village. I was also Rural Dean of Tutbury in 2001-2. I have been at St Chad's for three years.

Revd Terry Bloor

Being born and bred in Stoke-on-Trent, I find myself almost on ‘home soil’ as Priest- in-Charge of St Mark’s, Basford, where I have been since 2006. This parish ministry is exercised alongside my other roles as Chaplain to Harplands Hospital (mental health) and as Rural Dean for Newcastle. As a member of the World Mission Committee, I take a lead in our ecumenical partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in northern Germany. In a former life I was electrical engineer and project manager for GEC (which later became ALSTOM) for some 22 years. Helping others to grow and develop in their roles has been important to me within the field of industrial/commercial management and Church alike. Revd Andrew Dawswell

After a very brief spell as a civil engineer, I was trained at Wycliffe Hall and served Curacies in Liverpool, & Leyland. I started in this diocese in 1999 as vicar of Knypersley, in time taking on additional responsibility for Biddulph Moor and as Assistant Rural dean of Leek. In 2011 I moved to become vicar of the Westland’s in Newcastle under Lyme. It is my conviction that ministry today requires both a commitment to working and praying for growth - and in many cases the resources to cope & support church life when numbers are not increasing. As well as a commitment to Biblically-based preaching remaining at the core of ministry, I've also ended up with practical experience or reflection on, among other things, church building projects, local leadership teams, and I currently minister in a 2-congregation LEP. I'm married to Kathryn, a Clinical Psychologist, have three boys and enjoy the theatre & walking.

Revd Nita Edwards

As a clergy wife, I lived in West Wales and the Highlands of Scotland, and taught RE, at one time to A level. After our marriage ended, I worked on the Education staff of Coventry Cathedral, before training for ordination. I began ordained ministry in York Diocese, moving to Durham Diocese, and then in 2002 to this Diocese. As well as being an incumbent, I work as a Mission Adviser for the Evangelism Team, have regularly visited our companion Diocese of Matlosane since 2004, and have an interest in creative liturgy

Revd James Forrester

I am married with two adult children and was ordained 1976. I have been in Parish Ministry for thirty five years, my Present appointment: Vicar of Longnor, Quarnford and Sheen, Rural Dean of Alstonfield. Previously:- Curacy in Hull; Minister of Lodge Moor, Sheffield 80-91(LEP), Vicar of Ecclesfield, Sheffield 91-2001 Vicar of Holy Trinity, Hull 01-09). I have served on Diocesan Pastoral Committee (Sheffield), DBF (York) and General Synod (Sheffield). Rural Dean of Ecclesfield (99-01).Since Ordination, I have done a number of courses and conferences, including: - Changing Church Course (1988), Gestalt Conference (1986), Various ARM Conferences in the 90’s, Leading Your Church into Growth (2004) and Spiritual Growth and Discipleship (Sheffield) (2006/7). I have an MA in Theology and Ministry (Durham) (2006-2010). Also, I have tried to have an Annual Retreat (usually with the SSF). My hobbies and interests: Music, Walking, Beekeeping, Gardening.

Revd John Humphreys

After training at St John's, Nottingham and two curacies I served twenty-five years as Vicar of Werrington, near Stoke-on-Trent, and part time Chaplain at Werrington Young Offender Institution. Since 2008 I have been living in Trentham and ministering locally under Bishop's Permission to Officiate. Revd Nigel Irons

Hi, my name is Nigel Irons and I've lived in the Diocese of Lichfield for over forty years. I worked in the construction industry for twenty years before training for ministry at St John's College, Nottingham. I served my curacy in Stoke-on-Trent, was vicar of All Saints Church, Burton for 13½ years and since 2014 have been Team Rector of Leek and Meerbrook. I've enjoyed being an MDR Consultant since 2003 and am very happy to offer you the opportunity to facilitate your review in an open and relaxed style. May you be richly blessed in your work for the Kingdom of God.

Revd Michael Metcalf b. 1937 London. MA Cambridge (Maths, Theology, Philosophy of Religion); Ridley Hall. 1964-7 Curate, Christ Church, Downend, Bristol. PGCE Birmingham. 1968-71 Teaching RE, Birmingham. 1972-83 Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies, Teacher Training, Walsall. OU Tutor, Man’s/The Religious Quest. 1983-94 Diocesan Director of Education, Lichfield. 1994-2005 Vicar St. Paul’s, Stafford; RD Stafford 2000-5. Prebendary Emeritus, Lichfield. Married to Beryl; grown-up son and daughter. Two cats, cottage in Shropshire hills. County Chaplain, Staffordshire St. John. Rotarian. Still involved in RE nationally and locally, also in interfaith work. Long-standing interest in contemporary church music. Leisure activities include bridge, crosswords, etc. Climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro 2003, fundraising for MAF.

Revd Stephen Pratt

I am married to Paivi, we have three boys. Following 9 years as a Maths teacher and Head of Year in a school in Romford and at the same time being a Reader at a church in Forest Gate, I trained at Oak Hill and was ordained Deacon in 2000. I served my curacy at All Saints Goodmayes, before moving to Stoke to become TV in the Chell Team Ministry. In 2007 following the retirement of the TR, the team became one parish and I was appointed vicar of Chell. We have grown a good Local Ministry Team, we currently have 3 Readers with 4 more in training (2 for OLM). I am on General Synod and serve as a padre in the TA. I enjoy flying Microlights, making wine (not at the same time) and keeping a Marine Aquarium and Parrots.

WOLVERHAMPTON AREA

Revd Chris Davies

I was ordained as an OLM and licensed to the Parish of Bilston in 2003 and have served this my home parish since then. Married to Helen we have three children, two at home and the eldest currently away at university. Prior to ordination I worked in the transport industry carrying out a variety of roles. I had a career change at the time I was ordained and since 2003 have worked for a ‘Not for Profit’ local Housing Association. I currently manage our supported housing stock and this brings me into direct contact with some of the neediest and marginalised people in our community. I have been involved in Scouting all of my life and that is how Helen and I met. I currently run a local Cub Scout pack ably supported by our middle child and the eldest when he is back from Uni. In my spare time (what’s that?) I belong to a running club, enjoy badminton, family holidays and just being outdoors. Being a family man, working fulltime, offering my spare time to scouting and ministry, demands constant juggling and reassessment of priorities, so I offer these experiences and insights to the Ministry Development process. It would be my privilege to share your Ministry Development journey and to help you reflect on your ministry and journey with God.

Revd John Deakin

I was ordained deacon in 2003. I was called to ministry after spending my working life in engineering. I worked in power stations for ten years and seventeen years at the BBC, as a Communications Engineer. I am a vicar in the Willenhall Short Heath team.

Kathryn Duncan-Brown

I have recently retired following a lifetime career in the NHS. Initially as a nurse, a community midwife and then latterly working as a primary care manager with responsibility, amongst other things, for training, supporting and appraising staff. I have had some bereavement and counselling training. The voluntary sector has had an appeal for me especially working in Girl guiding locally and internationally, and I have experience as a Trustee of several Trusts mostly in Staffordshire.

Since moving to Lichfield in 1974, I have been an active member of St Chad’s Church Lichfield currently doing another 'stint' as a member of the PCC. I came from an evangelical background, was a 'vicars daughter' in the Liverpool Diocese and for the past sixteen years I have served as a Bishops Visitor in the Lichfield Diocese. This has given me a most valuable insight and understanding of clergy and clergy family life in this Diocese.

Revd Debra Dyson

I am currently the Vicar of Wigginton, where I live with my husband and three almost grown up sons! Here I have the privilege and responsibility of helping to develop everyone’s ministries hopefully, but I am involved in the ‘official’ reviews of the members of our Ministry Team, lay and ordained. People are interesting and special! I have been involved in a lot of listening to those in both employment and in voluntary roles. We all know that talking things through with someone else helps to clarify thoughts and ideas. I did not join the MDR Team with any professional background in Review. My natural inclination is encouragement and support more than specialist critical analysis and challenge. It would be a privilege and delight to hear about your ministry and to seek to ask you the questions which may help you to process the present and develop into the future. With God’s help, we will.

Dr Tim Fawcett

I am a lay reader of over 15 years standing who has been involved in churches from traditional to evangelical and Pentecostal. Currently I am working in a village parish, responsible for the mission action plan and developing ministry to those on the margins. I earn my living as a manager and senior engineer working in the power industry. This involves working with teams ranging from 3 to nearly 60 people with a focus on team development and development of individuals to help them to achieve the best results. Outside of church and working life I am actively involved in a makers group based in the Silk Mill in Derby, build model boats and am an active woodworker and wood turner. I am also exploring prayer using counters and rosaries. I am married with three grown children. I share a home with Sally, my wife, the two eldest children,10 rabbits, 6 chickens and two guinea pigs. Revd Dr Anne Furness

Before the call to ordained life I taught Geography, hence my interest in landscape, geology and rock-climbing, (ice axe and crampons have been sold on ebay!). Now I’m embracing and enjoying early days of retirement and rediscovering my love of the arts. My ordained life was spent in Chester Diocese; my last parish being a UPA. I have served in a wide range of churches with differing styles of worship. One aspect of ministry I have greatly appreciated is in leading retreats, quiet days and other aspects of spirituality. I was a member of the Diocesan Board for Social Responsibility, sub-Warden of Readers and worked within university, hospital and cathedral chaplaincies which enhanced my appreciation of an inclusive ministry.

Revd Roger Gilbert

At the age of 65 I am a ‘has been’ but one who does not understand the meaning of retirement! I was ordained priest in 1972 and have served in this diocese as a NSM since 1974. For forty years I worked in education and have twenty years’ experience of the performance management of Head Teachers. People say that I am a good listener and have the ability to bring out the best in others, enthuse and motivate them. In retirement I have had the privilege of serving as temporary parish priest of St Michel’s, Tividale, for 2.5 years and St Peter’s, Greets Green, for one year.

Revd Carol Harley

I am married to Allyn and we live on the West side of Wolverhampton. I was ordained OLM in the year 2000 to minister in the parish of Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton. My work in secular employment began at Midland Bank Ltd which was followed some years later by a period being a full time mom to my two children, Jamie and Fiona, a role which I have always cherished, together in later years to include my four grandchildren. On my return to secular employment I worked in Special Education Needs schools in financial and administrative roles until nine years ago when I had to resign following an accident in which I sustained a spinal injury which has left me dependent on a motorised wheelchair for mobility. After nearly a year of being hospitalised in a specialist Spinal Unit and intensive physiotherapy I returned to active ministry in the parish being able to fulfil most of the roles of a parish priest. However my accident affected not just me but my family too and during these years I have had dark times when I felt God was far away from me, these feelings are gone now but they have equipped me to feel real empathy for others who, for any reason, need a compassionate listening ear. I enjoy meeting and spending time listening to other people whoever they are, hearing and discussing differing viewpoints and together trying to find a way forward.

Revd Mark Hathorne

I have had a long and varied experience of ordained ministry. First in the United Methodist Church in the USA for 10 years, then with the Methodist Church in Great Britain for 12 years. In 2000 I was ordained in the Church of England here in Lichfield Diocese. Currently I am the Team Vicar for St. Chad’s Church in Bilston. I am married to Carol, a retired priest and we have three adult children with a growing number of grandchildren. In my time in ministry I have served rural and urban communities, been a vocations advisor, ecumenical officer, a course tutor with WMMTC, trained Methodist Lay Preachers, and been a mentor to Methodist and Anglican ordinands. I have benefited greatly from engaging in continuing review, study and development over these years. Revd Preb. Maureen Hobbs

I have served in the Lichfield Diocese since Ordination in 1997 - both in Shropshire and since Jan 2009 in South Staffordshire. I have experience of a multi-parish benefice and both urban and rural ministry. From 2003 - 11 I was the Diocesan Adviser for Women in Ministry, which gave me experience of the Bishop's Senior Staff, and a wide perspective on Diocesan policies and strategies. I am a member of General Synod. Currently, I serve half-time as a parish priest and half-time as the Wolverhampton Area Ministry Development Adviser, helping colleagues with their training and development plans as a follow-up to the MDR process. I have been closely involved with ministerial review schemes in the diocese for many years and aim to see up to six Reviewees in any one year.

Revd Alison Morris

I am currently an NSM at St. Michael’s & All Angels, Pelsall. Operating as almost full time this role offers a varied opportunity to minister in an active and busy parish. Within the diocese I also act as a SIAMS inspector with Lichfield Diocese and chair the School Standards and Effectiveness Committee. In 1997 I became a Lay Reader within an UPA parish where I held several positions. Prior to ordination I worked in education full time for 27 years in schools and others sectors of education covering many executive and senior roles both in senior management and in an advisory capacity. This included responsibility for training, professional development and performance management of teaching and support staff both in school and across the borough. At times it also included mentoring and counselling on an individual basis.

Revd Daniel C Njuguna

I am married to Anna (Secondary School Teacher) and blessed with two boys (10 & 8yrs). I Moved to Wood Green Parish in Wednesbury in 2011. Before that, I served in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham: For 2yrs as an associate priest under the Area Dean in Balderton-Newark and Team Vicar for nearly 6 years in Hucknall Team Ministry-a large former mining community. I was ordained priest in the Anglican Church of Kenya, Nakuru Diocese in 2000. Moved to the UK and trained further at St John’s College Nottingham (BA Theology in Ministry). I completed part time Post Graduate studies in 2011 at the University of Nottingham (MA Theology and Religious Studies). In my time in ministry I have served as a volunteer chaplain at Rolls Royce in Hucknall/Derby, been a member of the Diocesan Bishop’ s Advisory Panel , been involved in the supervision of trainees in lay and ordained ministry, prison visit, teaching at Pathways course and actively involved in mission in schools. I enjoy cooking, playing table tennis, running, swimming and every minute with the family especially cycling along the canals and going for long walks. I look forward working in the community allotment acquired recently. Personally, I have benefited immensely from the clergy review programme. John Polhill

Most of my career was working for a professional services/computer software company that employed mainly university graduates. I was at various times a project manager responsible for teams of up to twenty, a staff manager (functional responsibility for staff-related issues in a unit of fifty) and a line manager of up to one hundred people. Towards the end of my career, I worked for five years as the company’s Personnel Director. As the spouse of a vicar’s daughter who has over thirty years in ministry and over twenty as a priest, I feel I have reasonable insights about the role of priests and ministers in the Church of England. Based in Rugeley, Staffordshire. Revd Philip Robertson

I am vicar of St Jude’s Wolverhampton. Prior to my appointment in July 2011 I served a four year curacy at St John’s Woking, following completion of a degree in Theology and Pastoral Care at Oak Hill College. Before training for the ordained ministry I practiced as an architect in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Kendal and East Molesy. I am married to Nicky and we have three grown up children and two grandchildren. Having Ada, our lovely Belgian Shepherd dog, and the occasional long stay lodger helps Nicky and me cope with empty nest syndrome. I grew up in a family that occasionally went to church, but Christian faith meant nothing to me until my teenage years when I started attending Sheffield West Crusaders (now Urban Saints). My walk in life and faith has at times been meandering and arduous, but today I thank my Father for his unfailing mercy and love as I try to serve his Son, Christ my Lord and Saviour, in the power of his Spirit. As a minister I value: honest devotion to the Christ revealed in Scripture, faithful service to his church through prayer and participation, and the certain conviction that the spoken gospel is empowered by God to transform lives.

Hilary Southern

I have spent part of my career in the Rail Industry as a Training & Development Manager, and am a qualified trainer. I am also qualified as a skills assessor (Units D32 / 33) and internal verifier (Unit D34). My responsibilities have included training and mentoring of people, together with support for Continuous Professional Development (CPD). I also have experience of performance appraisal in the workplace. I have continued to provide assessment and verification in various professional disciplines ever since. I have worshipped at a Methodist Church for most of my life, but became an active member of the Anglican Church 10 years ago. I am secretary to St. John’s PCC in Essington, Wolverhampton and am also part of a fund-raising group at the church. I also serve as a Foundation governor at St. John’s Primary School. I enjoy being with people, and am trained in first-contact general welfare counselling. I feel that I can bring my skills and experience to the MDR process. I am married to Geoff, and he is a local parish councillor, thus ensuring that we both play a full part in our community. Revd Janet Waterfield

I am Priest in Charge of Christ Church, Lichfield and St James the Great, Longdon. I live in Lichfield with my husband John, we have 2 children and 2 grandsons. In the 11 years since I have been ordained I believe that I have developed as a human being, and I hope that as a MDR Consultant I can bring insight into people and their situations in a thoughtful and open way.

Revd Nick Watson

Revd Nick Watson is Team Rector of Wednesfield, having previously worked in parishes in Derbyshire, Teesside and Consett. Much of his experience is in dual-role appointments, combining parish ministry with work as chaplain to an Aided Comprehensive School and then as Diocesan Warden of Readers. Nick is married to Joanna, with three children. Born in 1967, he trained for ordination at Wycliffe Hall, and was ordained in 1992.

Carol Young

I am an active member of my local church, being a Churchwarden; a JAM Tots and Family Workshop leader; a member of the Pastoral Care and Worship Leaders teams. I enjoy being involved with the development of our Mission Action Plan, helping to turn it into reality and monitoring its implementation. I live in Lichfield, am happily married with two grown up sons who are married and I am blessed with four lovely grandchildren. I am retired. In my early working life I was employed in human resources in both the private and public sectors. Then, for over thirty years, I was self-employed as a Management Development Consultant, specialising in writing learning materials, leading a wide variety of development programmes and fulfilling business reviews for the public sector. During this period, I undertook several assignments as an external development reviewer. I have always found great job satisfaction in my work.