The Bishop of Chester has appointed the Revd Lyndon Bannon as Bishop’s Officer for Self-Supporting Ordained Ministry. In this role, Lyndon will be responsible for supporting members of the clergy who are licensed by the bishop, but who do not receive a stipend. These ministers form an important part of the ministry of the church across the diocese and have distinctive insights into the relationship between faith and everyday life. Some are in secular employment, and see the main focus of their ordained ministry in the workplace; some have significant involvement in parish ministry but are also in paid employment elsewhere, while others are simply licensed to a parish on a non-stipendiary basis.
Lyndon’s role, which is itself unpaid, will include offering pastoral support to self-supporting ordained ministers, involvement in their selection and training, and making an input into wider policy issues relating to ministry in the diocese. Lyndon works full-time as an Assistant Headteacher of Woodchurch High School, one of our church secondary schools, and is licensed to the parish of Christ Church Willaston.
Taking up his new role, Lyndon says: “I am very excited to be appointed Bishop's Officer for Self-Supporting Ministry, as I feel the role is vital to the wider work, ministry and mission of the diocese. In the course of the coming weeks and months, I hope to review our current practices and build upon the excellent work that Canon Roger Yates undertook, as I seek to be a resource, not only for those who are self-supporting but also for the diocese as a whole.”
Welcoming Lyndon’s appointment, the Ven Michael Gilbertson, Archdeacon of Chester and Chair of the Committee for Ministry says: “I am delighted that Lyndon is taking up this new and important role in the diocese. He brings a wealth of experience and wisdom. As we look to encourage discipleship in everyday life through the Setting God’s People Free initiative, self-supporting ordained ministry has a key role in making connections between faith and the world. Lyndon is taking up this role at an exciting time and I look forward very much to working with him.”