Canon Missioner appointed for Southwark Diocese

14 Oct 2012

The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, has appointed the Revd Dr Stephen Hance to be the next Canon Missioner for the Diocese of Southwark.

Stephen Hance (46) has been Vicar of the Ascension, Balham Hill in Southwark Diocese since 1999.He trained for ministry at St John's Theological College, Nottingham and served his title in the Diocese of Portsmouth (1993-1996).He was Team Vicar in the Tollington Team, Finsbury Park in the Diocese of London (1996-1999).He has a D.Min in Missional Church Leadership.Stephen Hance enjoys travel, music (playing and listening) and the theatre. Commenting on his appointment he said: "I am passionate about God's mission in this exciting Diocese, where I have served for 13 years leading a parish in mission. I am looking forward to working with Bishop Christopher and the Staff Team to support mission and growth in our parishes and chaplaincies."

Bishop Christopher says, "I am delighted to appoint Stephen Hance as our new Canon Missioner. Stephen brings a real knowledge of growing church congregations to his new role.He will be able to share this and give encouragement to parishes across the Diocese as they proclaim the Good News and witness to the Faith, Hope and Love we find in Christ."

The Dean of Southwark, the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, says "We are very much looking forward to Stephen and his family joining us and supporting him in his Diocesan role.He will bring to the Cathedral Chapter skills which will enhance our ministry, especially our own participation in God's mission.This is an exciting appointment."

Stephen Hance will be Instituted and Installed in Southwark Cathedral during Choral Evensong at 3pm on Sunday 13 January 2013.

A brief biography:

Revd Dr Stephen Hance  

Born16 April 1966 Kisumu, Kenya  

1986-1989 Portsmouth University, B.Sc.(Hons) in Sociology

]1990-1993 St John's Theological College, Nottingham B.Th.(Hons), 1992
                M.A. in Mission and Ministry, 1993

2005-2009 Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky, USA (part-time) D.Min. in Missional Church Leadership  

1993-1996 Curate, St Jude's, Southsea (Portsmouth)
1996-1999 Team Vicar, Tollington Team, Finsbury Park, London (London)
1997-1999 Member of Bishop of Stepney's Council
1999-2004 Director of Post-Ordination Training, Kingston Episcopal Area
1999-present Vicar, Ascension Balham Hill, London (Southwark)
1999-present Speaker/teacher on leadership and mission, UK and overseas
2002-2004 Initiator/Team Leader, Just 10 South London mission
2007-present Trustee/Executive member, The Maseno Project, Kenya
2007-2011 Co-host/Facilitator, The Global Leadership Summit, London  

Publications:
BRF, 2000 In The Beginning: Bible Readings for the First Weeks of Parenting
BRF, 2002 Beyond Confirmation: Going for Growth in the Christian Life
ATS, 2009 The Impact of Community Ministry on Church Health in the Anglican Churches of South London

Ends.