The Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) has a new chair.
The Revd Phillip Johnson, Vicar of Eccleshall has been appointed to lead this important diocesan statutory committee which advises decsion-makers on substantial changes to church buildings, granting an ecclesiastical form of planning permission.
Ordained in 2008, Revd Phillip has served in parishes in Surrey and Worcester before coming to Eccleshall in 2023, accumulating considerable experience in fundraising, building fabric projects and reordering. His first incumbency was distinguished by a doubling of his congregation.
He previously served on the DAC for Worcester Diocese and was an adviser on accessibility and disability issues. Prior to that he was on a Bishop's Council and assisted an Archdeacon with faculty applications. His eclectic suite of degrees includes arts, theology, ministry, reconciliation and management strategy with further studies in coaching skills, conflict and project management, and ecclesiastical law.
DACs have to take the wide and long view of changes in church buildings, keeping in mind the missional objectives of the church and diocese as well as the cultural and historic.
Bishop Michael, who approves the appointment of Diocesan Committee chairs said:
"The Church has always been the people, but our buildings are the focus for gathered life and witness and are at the heart of outreach to our neighbours. Our buildings have a special place in most communities.
The DAC often navigates the tensions between caring for this communal inheritance, managing our ecological footprints and most importantly keeping these buildings fit to serve as places of worship and welcome. I’m very glad that Phillip has accepted the role of leading this vital statutory committee, bringing his skills, experience and willingness to lead.”
Phillip Johnson said: "I hope that the combination of my parish experience, giving me insight into the challenges of looking after our often listed buildings, with my interest in ecclesiastical law and my desire to serve will make me an effective Chair of the DAC. Though this work can be challenging and painstaking, I believe that it is fundamentally about enabling our mission to share Christ’s love and I am looking forward to working with staff, advisers and the committee members as we focus on this work together.”
Phillip will chair his first meeting this week, 4 June.