gospel,mission,pcc,young people | GS 2026 Candidates

I regularly attend a village Parish Church where the Sunday congregation is typically
80-100. I am a member of the PCC, and have recently been involved in the church
remodelling work, an Alpha Course and co-host a Small Group with a particular
interest in Bible Teaching.

I am a retired engineer from the Electrical Power industry, so have a scientific and
technical background. I know that large organisations have a formal and well-
documented approach. The Technical staff elected me as their Trade Union
Representative, dealing with Pay and conditions, and also Company reorganisation. I
attended the Annual Conference and proposed a motion (dealing with fair treatment
of minorities). This had a similar Forum style to the Annual Synod, as far as I can
judge.

I am married with four children and nine grandchildren, so have experience of
youngsters of all ages. It is a great blessing that our children are all Christians and
involved in their local churches. For many years, we have been part of a Beach
Mission team at various summer resorts. This takes the gospel to all sorts of people
and is also a great way to train young people on the team.

If I were nominated and elected, my aim would be to benefit the Deanery by:
•
Providing a first-hand account of the proceedings at Synod
•
Supporting the particular needs of small, rural parishes
•
Proposing specific measures that have been identified by the Deanery Synod,
but need action and support nationally

Nationally, I am concerned that the Church of England has rather lost its way. Young
people no longer automatically follow in the footsteps of their parents. The C of E
should be using its resources of experience, buildings, and money to offer a
challenge and real meaning to life. We have lost many men and young people that
we have failed to introduce to Jesus.

I have been saddened when votes in Synod have been finely balanced and when
there is a disparity between the Houses of Bishops, Clergy and Laity. If we are led by
the same Holy Spirit and the same scriptures, we would see more agreement.

Jesus didn't send people to sleep; he gave them a purpose and the power to form a
dynamic, life-changing body.