An Anna Chaplain, a Growing Faith Leader, and a Lay Pioneer have been commissioned to serve churches and communities across Devon with joy at a special service held in North Devon.
Jackie was commissioned as a Growing Faith Leader for Children and Families.
The commissioning service was held at St Paul’s Church, Sticklepath, on Sunday 19 July 2026.
The service saw Carole Norman, a churchwarden, commissioned as an Anna Chaplain serving the parish of St Paul’s Church Sticklepath with Roundswell; Jackie Skinner commissioned as a Growing Faith Leader for Children and Families in the Little Dart Mission Community; and Averil Stacey, also a churchwarden, commissioned as a Lay Pioneer in the South Molton Mission Community.
During the service, Carole, Jackie and Averil were commissioned by the Archdeacon of Barnstaple, the Venerable Verena Breed, and supported by their incumbents.
Archdeacon Verena said, “It is wonderful to see people recognising their God-given talents and strengths and offering them back to Christ through ministry in His Church.”
The Diocese of Exeter offers a variety of specialised lay commissioned roles, enabling people to use their gifts to serve their local churches and communities through mission and outreach.
Encouraging people to explore God’s call for their lives and do vocational training is one of the Diocese of Exeter’s key aims as part of the Pray Grow Serve 2035 vision and strategy.
Pray Grow Serve 2035 is the Diocese of Exeter’s ten-year strategy to grow in prayer, make new disciples and serve the people of Devon with joy.
Carole, alongside her role as Churchwarden at St Paul’s Church in Sticklepath, will be serving as an Anna Chaplain.
Anna Chaplaincy is a ministry undertaken by volunteers in communities to provide support to older people in their own homes, sheltered housing or care homes.
In her role as an Anna Chaplain, Carole looks forward to spending time with older people in her community, hearing their stories and offering support.
Carole said, “It feels like an amazing privilege to be commissioned as an Anna Chaplain.
“In our training, we were told that being an Anna Chaplain is a ministry of presence and that is so powerful in the lives of the elderly who can feel overlooked in our society.
“What a privilege to show others the love of Jesus, whatever their life stage and wherever they are on their faith journey.”
Jackie Skinner was commissioned as a Growing Faith Leader for Children and Families. She was led to becoming a Growing Faith Leader by her work as a Children and Youth Counsellor, and leading children and family events and services.
Jackie also took part in the Foundations course, an interactive and enriching course for everyone in the Diocese of Exeter who is exploring their vocation, wants to go deeper in understanding their faith, or grow in discipleship.
She also took part in the Catalyst course. Catalyst is a training course which aims to equip and connect those who work with children and young people in their local church. The course is free, and fully funded by the Church of England.
“The Catalyst course has enhanced my work by enabling me to put into practice and embrace faith in more creative and accessible ways, as we help children and families engage with God together.
“It has helped me to develop my skills, grow in confidence and explore fresh approaches to encouraging our church community as we worship and share faith. The Christian teaching and God’s leading has given me a wider vision for this work.”
“As a Growing Faith Leader I look forward to how this might grow in the future, with the possibility of being able to work with the local school and support the wider community in a Christian capacity.”
Averil Stacey, commissioned as a Lay Pioneer, said, “It feels a great responsibility and honour to be commissioned in this way.
“I am looking forward to God leading me forward along the path he has lined up for me.”
Averil with her Incumbent and the Archdeacon of Barnstaple.
Rev’d Marilyn Sanders, Vicar of St Paul’s Church Sticklepath, gave a sermon during the commissioning service.
During her sermon, Marilyn said, “For those who are being commissioned today, dig deep into the love of Jesus.
“Whether listening to an older person who feels forgotten, or encouraging an exhausting parent, welcoming someone exploring faith for the very first time, or simply being present in the community, our strength comes not from ourselves, but from the faithful Lord who dwells within us and calls us.
“Remain in Christ’s love, for that is where your strength lies.
“Let your roots grow deep. If you want to build high, you need to dig deep.”
If you are considering exploring Lay Commissioned Roles, click here to find out more information.
To explore Vocations within the Diocese of Exeter, click here.