The Diocese of Lichfield is appointing a new Pioneer Missioner in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Revd Catherine Matlock will explore pioneer ministry in the Hanley area and have a role across the city – and the diocese – to champion and support pioneering work.
The three-year post is part of wider work to foster new missional energy in Stoke-on-Trent and will link to the diocese’s Shaping for Mission programme.
Catherine’s role will see her make connections with local communities, churches, leaders and those who may have a vocation to mission and leadership. It will focus initially on prayer, gathering information and establishing relationships with ‘people of hope’ across the city.
Catherine has a background in pioneer ministry and is currently Pioneer Curate in Kings Norton Team Parish in the neighbouring Diocese of Birmingham.
She said: “Alongside pioneers and other colleagues in Lichfield Diocese, I look forward to exploring and nurturing Christian communities that the Spirit is encouraging and energising beyond, and within, the Church’s walls. New to Stoke-on-Trent, I'm excited to discover the special gifts of this people and place, partnering and praying with residents, churches and organisations to uncover and facilitate local expressions of the Kingdom of God.”
Catherine, who begins her role on 1 September, will also be part of the diocese’s Mission Team and spend some of her time working across the diocese.
Mission Team Leader Simon Foster said: “Catherine brings rich pioneering experience gained in a very urban setting, and I’m thrilled she’ll be joining the diocese in this role. Alongside her pioneer ministry in Hanley, she will be a champion and advocate for pioneers across Lichfield diocese at a time of transition and growth. I very much look forward to welcoming her into our Mission Team and to working with her.”
The Bishop of Stafford, the Rt Revd Matthew Parker, added: “I am delighted that Catherine is coming to Stoke-on-Trent to build bridges, forge new relationships and help us as we discern what God is calling us to in the years to come. She will partner with churches, chaplaincies, schools and Fresh Expressions in the Stoke Deanery and with ecumenical colleagues and all those who long for the welfare of the City.”