The Diocese of Leeds is pleased to br commissioning a new Rural Change Enabler, who will be helping parishes and the wider diocese think about new ways of doing ministry in our rural areas.
The Revd Caroline Pinchbeck will be the Interim Vicar in the Benefice of Aldbrough St John, Forcett and Melsonby, in our Ripon area, and will also be taking on the half time post of Rural Change Enabler.
The Rural Change Enabler appointment is part of our Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence programme.
The role has a specific focus on the challenges and opportunities of rural ministry and mission within the context of the Richmond Deanery, of which the Benefice is part.
With others, Revd Caroline will be exploring new models of ministry that will lead to sustainability, revitalisation and flourishing.
Using the learning she gains in her role, Revd Caroline will also work with the Rt Revd Anna Eltringham, Bishop of Ripon, and the Barnabas team to develop a vision and lay the foundations for strategic projects to re-vitalise rural mission and ministry across the whole diocese.
Revd Caroline throughout her ministry has served in rural contexts including Lincolnshire, Cornwall, Kent and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Previously, she has served as Rural Adviser for the Dioceses of Canterbury, Rochester and latterly York.
She has worked across the years with various stakeholder organisations and rural charities to look at how we may work together to meet the challenges of living in rural areas.
Revd Caroline said: “I am really looking forward to working with colleagues and their communities to see how we can enable our rural churches to thrive and be the lifeblood of their communities.
“Throughout history the rural context has been at the vanguard of change and there are so many opportunities for us to live out the Gospel in this generation.”
The Revd Canon Martin Fletcher, Area Dean of the Richmond Deanery, said: “With her background, Caroline is ideally suited to this post.
“She has the experience and skills to discharge her responsibilities fully, and give all aspects of her ministry the time they need.
“I’m looking forward to working with her.”
The Rt Revd Anna Eltringham, Bishop of Ripon, said: “We are delighted to welcome Caroline into the Ripon area, with her many years of experience in and deep commitment to rural ministry.
“This new role is a commitment on behalf of the Diocese of Leeds and Barnabas to explore and develop new and creative ways to meet the current challenges faced by the rural church.
“By working with local colleagues and learning from what others have done in the Church of England, we believe that through this role Caroline can help us to renew our vision and release local clergy and laity to grow God’s Kingdom and serve local people in the best ways possible.
“This is a hopeful and exciting time of openness to the Spirit of God!”
Revd Caroline’s service of institution and induction will be at 7pm on Wednesday, October 16, at St James’ Melsonby.
Revd Caroline will be commissioned in her role by Bishop Anna, and the service will be a celebration for the congregations and wider communities she will be serving.