Beth Burras has been appointed as the Diocese of Sheffield’s new Director of Focal Ministry. Beth will officially start her role in November and is replacing Revd Dr Sally Myers, who has been in the post since 2021 and is leaving to become a Rector in North Norfolk.
Originally from Leeds, Beth studied Theology in Durham and moved to Sheffield in 2009 after graduating. She has been working with Church Army since 2012, working in various roles including in the fundraising team and three years working for Xplore (now called Envoy) and evangelism coaching with small groups.
Beth then moved to work with the training team as a tutor in 2019, with her most recent role being Formation Lead and helping people training as Church Army evangelists. She and her husband both live in Stannington and attend Christ Church Stannington following a recent graft there.
Speaking about her new appointment, Beth said:
“I sensed that God might have been leading me into a new challenge. This role stands out for me because it pulls on some of my experience and expertise in training – particularly laypeople. I know that not all Focal Ministers are lay, but lots of them are and I’m passionate about releasing people to lead and equipping them with training for that.
“I live and worship in the Diocese and just had a sense of wanting to serve. I want to invest in the place where I’m rooted. It’s exciting to be part of shaping something that’s still quite new and being able to continue the work that’s already started.”
Beth has already been having conversations with Focal Ministers and is keen to place a strong emphasis on them feeling part of a community. She is joining at a time where over 100 Focal Ministers have been authorised across the Diocese.
With Focal Ministry playing a key role in resourcing churches and equipping people to lead, Beth adds she’s looking forward to getting to know them better and offer support:
“I want to hear their stories and see the impact they’re making in their contexts, and then looking to see where I can further equip and resource them to do what it is that God has put in front of them.
“I’ve seen the really good partnerships between Church Army and the Diocese of Sheffield, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone. The Lights for Christ messaging also really resonates with me. I’m passionate about discipleship and I just can’t wait to get going and to serve”.
Beth loves going to gigs and listening to live music, cooking and eating meals with friends, and walking in the beautiful countryside around where she lives in Sheffield.