The Diocese of Exeter’s first Head of Formation is to be Dr Kerry Gilbert.
Kerry was previously a Senior Lecturer in Medical Education and a Postgraduate Programme Director at the University of Exeter.
She lives in Plymouth and is also a churchwarden in the Plymstock and Hooe Mission Community.
She said “I’m really excited about joining the Mission and Ministry team as Head of Formation. My passion for leadership development – sharing across both lay and ordained ministry, led to me feeling called to this new role. It brings together my skills, learning and experience, both professionally and in my lay church roles over many years.
“I am looking forward to listening to the learning needs of our missions communities, however large or small, to help develop useful opportunities for growing together, espousing the five missional priorities whilst encouraging prayer and growth as we serve the people of Devon with joy.”
Kerry, whose role is funded by strategic investment funding from the national Church of England, will be joining the Diocese of Exeter’s Mission and Ministry team at a pivotal time as it starts to implement the Pray Grow Serve 2035 10-year strategy.
She be particularly focused on the priorities of missional leadership and vocations as she heads-up training for all ordained and lay ministries across the diocese.
Rev’d Preb. Ian Bussell, Director of Mission and Ministry, said “Kerry brings to the role extensive experience of adult education, an instinctive understanding of how and where formation happens and a passion for lay ministry. I look forward to working with her and learning from her.”
Kerry was the elected Chair of the House of Laity of the Diocesan Synod, a role she cherished and held for nearly two years. As her staff new role means she will be employed by Exeter Diocesan Board of Finance (EDBF), it was incompatible with remaining as Chair of the House of Laity of the Diocesan Synod (which automatically brings with it the responsibility of being a trustee and director of the EDBF).
Kerry therefore tendered her resignation as Chair of the House of Laity of the Diocesan Synod from 24 April.
Members of the House of Laity of the Diocesan Synod have been contacted about the nominations process to elect a new Chair of the House of Laity, and it is hoped that a new Chair will be in place in time for the next meeting of the Diocesan Synod in early June.
For more information about the election please contact the Diocesan Synod office.