congrats to derek spencer who was ordained yesterday at chichester cathedral. derek is a fantastic youth worker – creative, one of the best natural relational people you’ll ever meet, reflective, resourceful…. he works for the storrington deanery doing stuff in schools, residential camps, relational work and so on. one of the initiatives he has started is edenzone a monthly youth worship experience/congregation. it has started really well. the bishop has persuaded derek to get ordained as he thinks it will open up possibilities – say to do communion at edenzone or whatever. i think this is pretty smart on the bishop’s part. derek doesn’t fit the mould at all – and that is precisely what the church needs – more people that don’t fit the mould. maybe if we get enough of them the mould would break?!… plus derek will not be a vicar but will stay outside the box doing youth ministry…
anyway it was a moment of hope for the dear old C of E. the service was long and dry… in fact it was a window into how big a problem there is and how much it needs to change. but derek go for it – rev spencer eh?!
Yay! This fella sounds like someone who could really brighten up the anglican church… I grew up there and though I loved so much about it, it truly got dull, particularly in the realm of youth/young adult relevancy. Cool. For a second there I wanted to move to Chichester (?) or wherever he is just to see what he’ll do with the place.
i think he’ll hang around on the margins where there is space to berathe and create!
i’m a regular at Eden, its wicked. Everyone should come to steyning purely for the pleasure of attending Eden. i have only ever thought of the C of E as boring and dull but i have truly been mistaken, Its as alive as ever. rock on derek!
DEREK U ROCK!!it doesnt really matter what denomination u r coz altho C of E can seem dull, if they still love Jesus they rock also dull or not, altho derek is obviously the koolest ordained person ever!
true true! eden is great and has attracted so many young people, hopefully it will create a new ‘stereotype’ for the c of e….not boring and sad, but wicked!!! thanks derek!