The Revd Timothy Hupfield has been appointed as a diocesan Healing Adviser. He was invited to take on the new voluntary role by Bishop Mark.
Timothy says: “I was thrilled to be invited by Bishop Mark to take on the role of healing adviser as it, in hindsight, is the fulfilment of a sense of calling to healing ministry that I have felt for several years now. I firmly believe that healing is central to so much of Christian life, because it leads towards shalom – wholeness, completeness – in our relationships with God, ourselves and each other.”
Healing ministry covers a range of topics, and there is no one main definition and it can embrace all aspects of life.
As Christians, we are called to preach the gospel and heal the sick (Luke10). This often means meeting people at their point of need and supporting them on their journey to wholeness. God's desire is that people who are hurting and broken in body, mind, spirit, and the emotions, should know healing, love, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. The Healing Adviser’s role is to support others in their ministry to bring about healing to a particular situation.
The Revd Timothy Hupfield adds: “Taking on the role of healing adviser with the experiences of this pandemic brings unique challenges, as so many of those relationships have been affected because of lockdowns, social distancing and self-isolation, but I am really excited about getting started, and working with others in the diocese to help increase the understanding and visibility of this important ministry.”
Timothy will remain Vicar of the parish of St Martin, Low Marple. The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner, will license Timothy at a service on Wednesday 21 July in The Chapel at Bishop’s House.
Further information
The House of Bishops' guidance for good practice in healing ministry and outlines 10 guiding principles. It says we must always “recognise the presence of God in those receiving this ministry and honour his presence in them.” Read the guidance here.
A Time to Heal Handbook from the Archbishops' Council is also a helpful resource. The handbook is a summary version of the longer A Time to Heal (2000) report from the Church of England. It provides a guide on the report from the Church of England on the ministry of healing. There are answers to key questions, guidelines for good practice, and radical recommendations for improved effectiveness. Purchase the handbook here.
Get in touch with the Revd Timothy Hupfield
E: timothyhupfield@cantab.net
T: 01663 764 946