The Revd Dr Megan Smith has been announced as the next Archdeacon of Stoke-upon-Trent.
Megan was born in Burton-upon-Trent and is currently Vicar of Lenton in Nottingham where she is also Chaplain to the University of Nottingham.
She originally studied medicine, specialising in Paediatric Intensive Care and, following ordination, spent a further five years juggling her curacy with full-time medical work.
Megan said: “I was delighted to accept Bishop Michael’s invitation to be the next Archdeacon of Stoke-upon-Trent. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to support churches, chaplaincies and Fresh Expressions as they seek to share the good news of Jesus and be beacons of hope in the rich and varied communities they serve, as well as building strong partnerships with others in the community who seek the common good.
“The last 18 months have brought many new challenges but I look forward to encouraging and partnering with parishes as they seek to discern the role God has for them in His mission at this time and grow in their own adventure of discipleship.”
Megan spent most of her childhood in Doncaster before moving to Manchester to study medicine. There she spent time in church ministry, inner-city development work and prison visiting. She also studied Master’s degrees in applied theology and Medical Education. Her paediatric training saw her travel to Melbourne and Toronto before she moved to Nottingham to work as a Consultant Paediatric Intensivist.
Exploring a call to ordained ministry, Megan, joined the East Midlands Ministry Training Course and was ordained deacon in 2007 and priest in 2008. She combined her curacy with medical work in Wilford, Nottingham, before entering full-time ordained ministry as Vicar of Lenton in 2012. Lenton is a vibrant and diverse community, home to university campuses and many people from minority ethnic backgrounds. Her work has seen her build others in discipleship and leadership and working closely with schools and families in the community.
Megan added: “I am passionate about anything which helps people discover who God has created and called them to be. Other passions are gardening, mountains, cycling and lakes, baking bread, Aga cooking and generally living life to the full.”
Megan is due to begin her new role with her collation at Stoke Minster on 3 October. She follows previous Archdeacon of Stoke the Rt Revd Matthew Parker, who she will work closely with in his new role as Bishop of Stafford. She will have responsibilities for supporting clergy and overseeing church buildings in the towns and villages of Stoke-upon-Trent and North and East Staffordshire including Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford and Burton.
Bishop Matthew said: ”I am delighted that Megan has accepted Bishop Michael’s invitation to be the next Archdeacon of Stoke-upon-Trent. I know from very direct and personal experience what a wonderful role this is. Challenging and exciting times lie ahead and Megan brings great gifts to the archdeaconry along with a real love for Christ and the sharing of the gospel. We very much look forward to welcoming her to North and East Staffordshire!”
The Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, added: “I look forward very much to Megan coming to join us as Archdeacon of Stoke-upon-Trent. Her passion for the gospel, her organisational and administrative skills, and her track record of committed ministry in parish and in chaplaincy will be a great encouragement to our priests and people in North Staffordshire and will strengthen our leadership team across the diocese.”