disability,discipleship,environmental,equality,finances,gender identity,inclusive,inclusive church,mental health,mission,missional,neurodiversity,self supporting,sexuality,young people

Neill HEPBURN
I am standing for General Synod
because I’m passionate about the need
to grow parish ministry, I care about the
training and support of Lay and
Ordained Ministers, I’m committed to
the Diocese of Lincoln and I love the
Church of England.
Proposed by Dr Jenny Ballantyne (Chair Lay Ministry
Board)
Seconded by Sue Toogood

Who am I?
I came to Lincolnshire with my family in 1997 to work as a Consultant Dermatologist
having served in the Army. Based at Lincoln County Hospital, I have worked at most of
the hospitals in the county which I have grown to call home.
Living for 19 years in Burton-by-Lincoln, where my 3 children grew up, I trained for
Reader Ministry, initially in response to maintaining the small village churches in the
absence of an incumbent. We moved to Lincoln 7 years ago, because of my wife’s
failing eyesight, and I have been based at St Nicholas in Newport. My wife is the self-
supporting Associate Priest at St Mary Magdalene. I am a member of the Lincoln
(Christianity) Deanery Synod, Diocesan Synod, the Lay Ministry Board and the Diocesan
Mission and Ministry Committee.
As a Dermatologist I have enjoyed working with patients from a wide variety of
backgrounds, each bringing unique problems for us to work through together. I remain
in full-time NHS clinical practice in which I enjoy working alongside a diverse group of
medical colleagues, most of whom come from abroad.
The Hospital Trust ran into significant financial, managerial and quality issues and, in
response to these problems, I undertook the roles of Deputy and then Executive
Medical Director for 10 years to actively work through, and ultimately resolve, many of
these issues through training, support, governance and investment. One of the most
visible changes has been the Lincoln Medical School. Of course, in these roles the
problems are never definitively ‘solved’ as it is a relay race. In 2021 I passed on the
management ‘baton’ returning to full-time clinical practice.
What would I bring to General Synod?

• A desire to grow Parish Ministry (Lay and Ordained) by appropriate training, support
and challenge
• A commitment to an inclusive church that enables every person to find their place
and live out their calling in the body of Christ
• A commitment to the wellbeing of all those involved in Parish life, most of whom are
not ordained or paid, by structures that enables us to thrive in our ministries through
training and support
• An ability to think and work both operationally and strategically to evolve the
processes that make things happen in the Church of England

What is important to me?
This is a critical time for the Church of England as big decisions are made about our
future. In many places, current patterns of ministry are simply not sustainable either
financially or personally for those in ministry. Yet I believe that parish ministry is one of
the treasures of our church and our nation. We need to reimagine parish ministry for the
future, but we must not lose it.
I have worshiped in churches of all shapes and sizes, from the inner-city to the rural,
and the high to the low, which has helped me to recognise that although there is one
path to God through Jesus, that path can look and feel different to different people. If my
time as a Christian and a Doctor has taught me anything, it’s that no one church or
person has all the answers. It is by listening and learning from each other that
opportunities for growth and development appear – but these ideas do need to be
developed, resourced and managed carefully to realise their potential.
I am committed to equality for everyone, at all levels and roles within the church,
regardless of disability, economic power, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, learning
disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality.
I believe it our role to ‘bring God’s Kingdom to earth’ as which means old as well as
young people. A comfortable end to life is important so I am a Trustee of St Barnabas
Hospice.
The climate crisis is probably the most pressing ethical issue of our age. The Church
has a crucial missional opportunity to be prophetic in how we care for God’s creation
through our discipleship, our finances and our buildings and land. I am keen to ensure
that nationally the Church is leading on environmental issues.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please consider voting for me. Voting is by
single transferable vote so if you are intending to vote for me, please put me as your first
or high preference. Voting closes on Tuesday 13th October. I would be very happy to hear
from you if you have any questions. Email: [email protected]