There’s been further growth in Focal Ministry across the Diocese of Sheffield following two authorisation services. Taking place on Pentecost Sunday, a service was held at Christ Church Brampton before the congregation walked to All Saints for additional authorisations.
The two churches became one parish back in 2022 – the Parish of Wath with Brampton – making the services in both settings all the more special and joined up.
Caroline Langston, Denise Lancaster, Paul Lancaster and Ruth Sunderland were each authorised as Focal Ministers, having been nominated by their PCC and prepared for this role by the wider diocese. Each candidate made a declaration using the following liturgy:
Do you believe that God is calling you to this ministry?
I do so believe.
Will you be faithful in leading the people of God placed under your care?
By the grace of God, I will.
Will you be diligent in prayer, in reading Holy Scripture, and in all studies that will deepen your faith and fit you to bear witness to the truth of the gospel?
By the grace of God, I will.
Will you endeavour to fashion your life according to the way of Christ?
By the grace of God, I will.
Will you promote unity, peace and love in the Church and in the world, and especially among those whom you serve?
By the grace of God, I will.
Will you work closely with your colleagues in ministry and encourage the gifts of others?
By the grace of God, I will.
They will serve for an initial period of three years in their respective roles,
A buffet lunch was held following the service, with time for reflection and celebration in the congregation. Beth Burras, Director of Focal Ministry, preached at each service and authorised each candidate. She said:
“It was such a joy to authorise four fantastic focal ministers at Brampton and Wath. I had the privilege of walking with them through discernment conversations and training sessions and they are just the sort of lay leaders we are looking to authorise as focal ministers in the Diocese. They are rooted and embedded in their churches, a visible leadership presence providing a liaison between church and community. They are the go-to people who will look to encourage and release everyone in the churches to step into their vocation as Lights for Christ. Please pray for them as they step into this exciting new season!”
Caroline Langston, newly authorised Focal Minister at All Saints Wath, said:
“Working at the Diocese I knew a little about Focal Ministry so when I was asked to be involved I was happy to say yes. The process, support and three workshops have been great and gave time and space just to meet, reflect and pray together. Through the process we have got to know each other better which can only help in our work together. With Denise and Paul, I’ll be serving at All Saints Wath but it was good to start off our authorisation day at Christ Church Brampton Bierlow to support Ruth, then walk between the two churches for the second service and then finish with lunch all together. Thank you to all involved – it was a great day!”
Denise Lancaster, newly authorised Focal Minister at All Saints Wath, said:
“The whole event felt ‘wedding like’. It was great to get dressed up on Pentecost Sunday for the occasion of being recognised along with others as a Focal Minister in the Diocese.
“Dressing up reminded me of Whitsuntide, the Whit Walks, wearing my brand-new pretty clothes and brand new shoes, proudly walking and holding a ribbon on the church’s banner, or riding on a float. Dressing up reminded me that I’m entering into and committing myself to something new, fresh and exciting in the church l love and attend. It was a wonderful morning, the buffet afterwards was delicious, fellowship was special. It truly was a special day “all gathered in one place” to the glory of God.”
Paul Lancaster, newly authorised Focal Minister at All Saints Wath, said:
“Pentecost Sunday was a day of firsts – we were celebrating the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Church, it was Beth’s first authorisation of Focal Ministers, the first time Wath and Brampton have had Focal Ministers, the first robed procession from Christ Church Brampton to All Saints Wath for some years and the first time I have held an authorised position in an Anglican Church. I have held various roles in a number of churches since I was a teenager and I am fast approaching a big birthday in July, so it feels really good to have been nominated by my PCC and authorised as a Focal Minister, a recognition of my experience and that God has not finished with me yet at my advancing age! I am excited to be able to continue serving the Lord and His Church.”
For churches considering Focal Ministry in their contexts, there are a few simple steps to explore:
- PCC decide to have Focal Ministry in their parish.
- PCC and Oversight Minister formally nominate potential Focal Ministers. (Nomination Form)
- Diocesan Focal Ministry Team sends Personal Profile form to the potential Focal Ministers to complete.
- Potential Focal Minister has discernment conversation with the Director of Focal Ministry.
- PCC to safely recruit any potential Focal Ministers they would like to nominate. See flowchart below for details.
- Three training sessions held in the parish for potential Focal Ministers and Oversight Ministers. These are called Getting Ready for Focal Ministry.
- Authorisation and commissioning service.
If you’d like a chat about Focal Ministry, email beth.burras@sheffield.anglican.org