The Revd Canon Dr Mark Powley, currently the Principal at St Hild College, has been appointed as the Archbishop’s Mission Enabler for the North.
This is a new role which will focus on revitalising parishes and planting new churches across the Northern Province.
The role was made possible following a successful bid to the Strategic Development Fund and will focus on the northern dioceses’ goal to establish hundreds of new worshipping communities over the next decade.
It will also have a particular emphasis on working with the most deprived communities and seeking to help the Church become younger and more diverse.
Commenting on the appointment, the Archbishop of York, The Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, said: “This is an exciting time in the life of our church and this role has emerged after much prayer and collaboration with Diocesan Bishops and Theological Education Institutions across the Province.
“Mark brings with him a wealth of experience around empowering individuals and teams to flourish and is passionate about revitalisation of the church in the UK.
“I very much look forward to working with Mark as we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in this pioneering role.”
Mark will work with the 12 dioceses of the Northern Province to produce a strategy supporting step-change in church planting and parish revitalisation, alongside church mission agencies, established church networks and Theological Education Institutions.
Mark will work across all contexts – rural, urban, suburban, market towns and coastal towns, and will build on existing relationships and initiatives.
The Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley said: “Having worked with Mark when I chaired the St Hild Board, I am absolutely delighted at this appointment.
“Mark brings imagination, energy, theological depth, and an ability to work effectively across diverse contexts and traditions.
“I know he will be a fierce advocate for engagement in God’s mission across the northern dioceses, valuing both urban and rural churches and communities in all their rich diversity.
“I look forward immensely to working with him in this new season, and give thanks to God for Mark’s answer to this new calling.”
Revd Mark said: “I’m very aware of the vital and promising work already being done to enable new possibilities for church planting and revitalisation across the north.
“This role will be about encouraging, learning from, and connecting up the things we see God doing.
“It’s a massive task, but also a great privilege to work with partners across the province.”
Mark is currently the Principal at St Hild College, a theological training institution in Yorkshire, and lectures in Biblical Theology and Leadership.
He will take up his new role in May 2023.