accountability,discipleship,discipling,evangelical,evangelism,mission,pentecostal,prayer,scripture,stress,tradition,young adults,youth,youth group

J O E L B A G U L E Y
2026 GENERAL SYNOD
ELECTION ADDRESS

CONTACT INFO

191 Gedling Road, Arnold,
Nottingham.
NG5 6NZ

07969103358

[email protected]
INTRODUCTION
I am a 32-year-old husband and father, married for seven years and father to a very active 15-month-old. I was born
and raised in Nottingham and worship at Trinity Church Nottingham, where we have been since 2021. In my spare
time I like to run, go to my local crossfit gym, read and garden.

Currently I work as a training manager for a power generation company. I have worked for them for 14 years,
starting as an apprentice field service engineer. I have worked globally in high stress, high capital projects with a
team of mixed cultures, ages and beliefs.

EXPERIENCE
•
I grew up in an evangelical church and came to faith in my early teens. As my faith deepened, I began
serving, helping to lead the youth group, running the crèche and serving on the worship team. These
experiences gave me a love for ministry and a belief that every member of the Church has gifts to offer in
building God's kingdom. During this time, I met my wife.

•
In my twenties, we joined a larger Pentecostal church, here I encountered a different expression of worship
and experienced the richness of a diverse church community. I helped lead discipleship courses for new
Christians, teaching the foundations of faith and encouraging others to grow in prayer and their
understanding of Scripture. I also served on the pastoral care team for young adults, walking alongside
people at significant moments in their lives.

•
Following the pandemic, we joined Trinity Church Nottingham. This was my first experience of the Church of
England, while my wife had grown up within the Church of England tradition. At Trinity, I help run the Alpha
course, a ministry I find deeply rewarding because it creates space for people to explore faith, ask honest
questions, and encounter Jesus. My wife and I also lead a home group, where we seek to nurture
discipleship, community, and mutual encouragement. Across these different church traditions, I have gained
a deep appreciation for the breadth of the Church and the many ways God is at work through his people.

•
My professional career has been focused on solving problems, developing people, and finding practical
ways to improve how my organisation works.

•
As an electrical engineer in the power generation industry, working across oil and gas and grid supply
projects, I have held roles as a commissioning engineer, technical support engineer, and training manager.
These positions have required me to analyse complex technical challenges, identify root causes, and work
collaboratively to deliver safe, effective, and lasting solutions.

•
I have also been responsible for developing engineers through training and mentoring, helping build
confidence and reach their potential.

•
Completing Toyota's Lean Manufacturing program reinforced the value of continuous improvement, careful
listening, and sustainable solutions rather than quick fixes.

•
From working with international teams or training experienced engineers from a wide range of backgrounds,
I have learned that the best outcomes come through collaboration, thoughtful leadership, and a willingness
to keep learning. These are qualities I would bring to the work of General Synod as we seek wise and
practical responses to the opportunities and challenges facing the Church today.

WHY AM I STANDING?
I am standing for General Synod because I believe that serving the Church is a privilege. Although I have only been
part of the Church of England since 2021, I have come to value its structures, governance and commitment to
accountability. Alongside my experience in other church traditions, this has given me a deep appreciation for the
breadth of Christ’s Church and the importance of serving faithfully within the Church of England. I would be
honoured to serve on General Synod, bringing my experience, skills, and perspective to help discern the ways which
God is leading His Church.

My passion is to see more people come to know Jesus Christ and to help the Church thrive in its mission. I have a
keen interest in evangelism, nurturing and discipling new Christians, developing and equipping leaders, and planting
churches.

Drawing on my experience in ministry, leadership, and professional problem-solving, I hope to make a thoughtful,
practical and humble contribution to Synod.

Thank you for reading this election address. If you feel able to support me, I would be very grateful for your first or
highest available preference vote.

Proposer:

Seconder: