CAPTION: Joel is currently vicar of three churches in Kent
New Diocesan Director of Ordinands a ‘committed nurturer of lay and ordained vocations’
The Rev’d Dr Joel Love is to be the new Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO) for the Diocese of Exeter.
Joel is currently the vicar of three churches in Rochester in Kent. He did his curacy at Lancaster Priory.
Before that, Joel worked at a project management company and taught French and German at the University of Birmingham. His postgraduate research was in the literature of the Swiss and German Reformations.
Joel is a spiritual director and will bring his experience in discernment and formation to the role of DDO.
He will succeed Rev’d Preb. John Fisher, who is retiring at the end of May after six years in the role.
Joel said “I am excited to be joining the Diocese of Exeter at this time and I look forward to working with people across Devon as we explore God’s call on our lives individually and collectively.”
The Diocesan Director of Ordinands helps people exploring a vocation to ordained ministry and guides them through the Church of England’s rigorous selection process, which is known as discernment.
He or she also oversees ordination training and preparation and curate placements.
The Rev’d Preb Ian Bussell, Director of Mission and Ministry, said “Joel is an experienced parish priest, training incumbent, and a committed nurturer of lay and ordained vocations. He combines a theological mind with a pastoral heart and a discerning spirit. I am confident that he will guide potential ordinands through the demanding discernment process with wisdom and compassion. I look forward to working with him.”
Joel will begin his new role as DDO on 1 May.
Find out more about vocations in the Diocese of Exeter.
