The first focal leaders in Manchester Diocese were commissioned last Sunday afternoon at St Mary’s Rawtenstall. They will carry out their roles in the mission communities of Radcliffe and Whitefield and Rossendale in the Bury and Rossendale Deanery.
The joyful service was led by the Revd Canon Rod Bevan and the Ven Dr Rachel Mann preached on Proverbs 3:1-18, which was a great encouragement not just for the focal leaders as the begin their ministry, but also for the large congregation gathered. These eleven focal leaders were commissioned by acting Area Dean Donna Williams and were presented with certificates of authorisation to begin their roles signed by Bishop David.
Two focal Leaders - Robina Jones (Focal Leader for St George’s Unsworth) and the Revd Derek Allen (Focal Leader for Holy Trinity Tunstead with St Saviour’s Bacup) - were interviewed as part of the service by the Focal Ministry Officer, Beverley Angier, and they shared something of their journey into focal ministry and the hope for their role. It was encouraging that so many from local churches, family and friends gathered to support these new leaders and celebrate their ministry and this made the service feel very joyful and celebratory.
Focal leaders are local leaders in their churches and mission communities and a face of church in their local area. They hold pastoral continuity, work collaboratively and bring a focus on growth and mission into the action of their churches whilst encouraging discipleship and gifts in their church community. As we move forward with focal ministry across our diocese we are looking forward to commissioning many more focal leaders and sharing their stories. The next commissioning service will be in Manchester South and Stretford in the New Year.
If you would like more information about discernment of focal ministry in your church or how to move forward with nominating a focal leader, please refer to our web pages and contact Beverley Angier.
More photos are available on our Flickr account https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAYABr
At an event prior to the commissioning service, Bishop David shared his hopes for focal leadership in the diocese.