A key appointment has been made to support the growth of ministry development across the Church of England in Cumbria.

The Rev Jennifer Totney is to become the Diocese of Carlisle’s first Ministry Development Lead, supporting both licensed and authorised leaders, and with responsibility for spearheading two areas of the Diocese’s Ministry Development Plan: Growing Together and Growing Resilience.

She will also oversee delivery of the Northern Young Leaders Programme - our internship programme for young people aged between 18 and 30 - as well as developing mentoring and training programmes for ministers and promoting clergy wellbeing.

Jennifer, who is currently Director of Contextual Training at Westcott House Theological College in Cambridge, said: “It has been wonderful to contribute to the life of the community at Westcott for nearly five years and my prayers will continue to be with all of my colleagues and the ordinands and students I’ve had the privilege of working alongside.

“I was drawn to this new role as I have always had a desire to work alongside people in their formation, development and ministry. I’m passionate about continuing to grow and learn in new ways and I look forward to inspiring the same in others so that together we can further explore who God is, who God is calling us to be and how God is calling us to serve in a wide range of different contexts.”

In her Westcott role, Jennifer has overseen contextual training – supporting attachments and placements in churches – whilst also enabling students to develop strong skills and patterns of theological reflection. She has been a tutor with pastoral responsibility and has taught on the Ministry for Life programme including in the areas of pastoral care and liturgy.

Previously, Jennifer completed her own theological training at Westcott before ordination in 2009. She served her curacy in the Diocese of Salisbury before being appointed Team Vicar of the Vale of Pewsey Churches, a role she held for nine years. She also served as Licensed Lay Minister Training Officer during this time. In Ely Diocese, she was Acting Dean of Chapel at Trinity Hall and has assisted in local parishes in Cambridge including St Andrew’s, Cherry Hinton, with a specialism in funeral and bereavement ministry.

Rachel Head, Director of Mission and Ministry, Support and Innovation, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jennifer to our team. This is an exciting and key first appointment as we look to reinforce and grow our support structures for our licenced and authorised leaders.

“These are clergy and lay people who have faithfully responded to God’s calling to ministry. We give thanks for that and are committed to supporting each leader throughout their continuing formation and development. Jennifer’s appointment is central to developing that support, from those new to ministry to those who have ministered in parish and community settings for many years. We very much look forward to Jennifer joining us in the coming months.”

Jennifer, her husband and daughter, will move to Cumbria in April. She will start in post with the Diocese of Carlisle on 20 April.

ENDS

Picture: Courtesy of Westcott House Theological College

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.