CAPTION: Rev'd Alex Randle-Bissell was commissioned for his new role by the Bishop of Exeter
Plymouth’s New City Dean Keen to Set Sail for 2035
Plymouth’s new City Dean said he was excited by the challenge of his new role and getting to know people and praying with them.
Rev’d Alex Randle-Bissell was welcomed to the city at a service to licence and commission him led by the Bishop of Exeter at Emmanuel church in Plymouth on Wednesday 15 April.
He said afterwards “I’m excited by the expanse of water in front of us all and having a new vision for Plymouth and enacting that and following Christ wherever he is leading us.”
“Prayer is right at the centre [for me]. I follow Ignatian spirituality and I am a Jesuit at heart. For me it is about seeing God in all things.”
Alex with his family and the Archdeacon of Plymouth, Jane Bakker
Alex’s role is a new one funded by the £10.5m grant the Diocese of Exeter has received for mission from the national Church of England, which will be delivered through the 10-year Pray Grow Serve 2035 strategy.
He will be the strategic lead for the Plymouth 2035 project, helping inspire churches to engage in the missional work of church growth. He will also play a key part in recruiting a significant number of new clergy to the city.
The project aims to help 2,035 people come to faith in Plymouth over the next decade and revitalise the Church in Devon’s largest urban centre.
It also hopes to see 2035 adults and 2035 under 18s exploring Christian faith in the next 10 years and 35 new worshipping communities across the city.
The Archdeacon of Plymouth, the Ven. Jane Bakker, said “I am delighted to welcome Alex to Plymouth and I am looking forward to working with him as we implement the Plymouth 2035 vision for churches in the city.
“It is an ambitious project to reimagine the Church of England in Plymouth. There is a lot to do, so I am excited to have another hand on deck!”
Alex was previously Rector of the Pastrow Family of Churches in the Diocese of Winchester and is married to Beverley, a physiotherapist. The couple have two adult children.
Alex said he and Beverley were looking forward to getting out and about: “I’m an ex Rugby league player and my wife and I love cycling and walking.
“We’ve already done the Park Run in Plymstock and are looking forward to getting to know the city.
“We’ve also got a small sailing boat and are looking forward to getting out on the water – we just need some lessons first!”
