We’re pleased to announce that the Revd Simon Chesters is to be the next Director of Ministry in the Diocese of Chester. He is from the Wirral and lives in Chester. He worships at St Mark’s, Saltney where he is also a self-supporting Assistant Priest. Simon hopes to begin his role in September and succeeds the Revd Canon Dr Christopher Burkett who is retiring at the end of July.
Simon has spent the last five years as the Director of Vocations in the Diocese of Liverpool. Prior to this, he worked for five years as Liverpool’s Director of Studies for Readers and Ordinands at All Saints Centre for Mission & Ministry and before that as a Regional Leadership Development Advisor for CPAS in the northwest.
Simon is no stranger to Church House, Daresbury either as Simon used to be the Ministry Development Officer for the Diocese of Chester for a period of seven years, having been a parish priest in Runcorn and a curate in Birkenhead. There are still quite a few familiar faces at Church House that will be happy to welcome Simon back with open arms, albeit at an appropriate covid-compliant social distance.
When asked about his role, Simon said: "I'm excited to be coming back to work across the diocese at what is a significant time of change on so many levels. I've been involved with a whole variety of work around encouraging and enabling the ministry of all God's people and I look forward to working with the team as we move forward. I'm coming into a place with an impressive heritage in this area and look forward to seeing where God will lead us in the years to come."
Bishop Mark says: “Simon brings a wealth of experience and insight to this role, having served in this region and diocese for many years. He is a wise and thoughtful follower of Christ, gifted at helping others grow in their calling; I know that he has been a great blessing to the Diocese of Liverpool in his current role, and is also a valued Assistant Priest in Saltney. As we look towards this new chapter for the Diocese of Chester, we welcome Simon and pray for him and his family and the important task of training, developing and encouraging all those for whom God has called to minister in this diocese.”
Bev Mason, the Bishop of Warrington in the Diocese of Liverpool says: "Liverpool has been extremely blessed by Simon’s immense experience and his discerning eye and adaptability to God’s shaping of the church and the leaders God is raising up to equip and build the church and make Christ known in the world. He has been a great colleague and friend that I shall miss very much."
Simon is married to Liz, who works as a secondary school teacher on the Wirral. They have three children (and three guinea pigs).