We are pleased to announce the appointment of The Rev Canon Harry Steele as the new Director of Mission and Discipleship for the Coventry Diocesan Board of Finance.
Harry brings with him a wealth of experience from his work with the national charity Leading Your Church into Growth (LyCiG) where he served as Associate Director and from his role in St Albans Diocese where he intentionally engaged with and supported parishes in their mission action planning. Harry has led suburban parish churches and worked in rural contexts giving him direct experience of delivering effective ministry in parish contexts. Over the last 4 years he has served as Chaplain to the Bishop of Sheffield working on strategic missional development across a diocese. He is passionate about sharing the hope and joy of the Gospel with others.
Harry said:
"I am very grateful for the opportunity to be joining the team in the Diocese of Coventry. I am looking forward to serving our local churches as they seek to make disciples and transform communities. I am equally excited to make the move, meet new colleagues and make new friends, and to learn more about the people and places of the Diocese of Coventry. I hope and pray that I can be part of Jesus building his church across the diocese."
Jacqueline Ladds, Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive said:
"I am so pleased Harry will be joining the Coventry Diocesan Board of Finance. This is a senior and strategic role which will lead our talented Mission & Discipleship team in developing sustainable models of ministry and discerning appropriate tools for mission which will enable our parishes to flourish and grow. Harry brings so much experience in these areas and I very much look forward to working with him."
Bishop Sophie said:
"I am delighted to be welcoming Harry to Coventry Diocese. I believe that he will bring just the right gifts and skills to help us move forward with our work here. In particular his experience of helping all different types of churches to grow and lay and ordained ministers to flourish, will be a real asset in the coming years. Please join me in praying for Harry and Zoey in this time of transition."
Revd Sue Cooke, National Director of LyCiG:
"I am absolutely delighted to hear of this appointment. Harry is one of the most inspiring speakers on mission that I know. He is a highly valued member of the LyCiG team, and countless people have benefited from his wisdom, insight, stories, and encouragement at our conferences. His deep commitment to the local church, and his confidence in its capacity to grow and flourish, will be a tremendous gift to the Diocese of Coventry."
In his new role Harry will sit on the Bishop’s Senior Staff Team ensuring that our mission is aligned to and supported by our refreshed strategy. We warmly welcome Harry into this new role and encourage prayer for him and his family as they make the move join us.
Harry will start with us in the Autumn, beginning in post on 1 September, subject to completion of the safer recruiting process.