A MUCH-LOVED and well-respected clergyman has swapped his role at Redditch’s St Stephen’s Church to take on area-wide duties.
Rev Paul Lawlor has now become the leader of the Redditch Mission Area (RMA).
Rev Lawlor said: “Many people have asked me what I’m doing now and ‘have I retired?’. I’m working harder than ever.”
While he continues to lead St John’s Church in Greenlands, his focus is firmly set on the groundbreaking project that is the Redditch Mission Area.
This ambitious scheme, spearheaded by the Worcester Diocese, represents a significant evolution in how the church engages with its community.
Rev Lawlor added: “Following lots of consultation and lots of process work, we are now seeking to recruit people who will be working in specific parts of town (parishes) in areas such as youth work, children’s and families work and community work.”
He added: “The RMA is nearest thing we’ve got to a startup business in our church life.
“It gives opportunity for creativity and seeking what new things God is doing.
“This is not simply a management exercise – what underlies all of this is our desire for more people to enter into what is a wonderful relationship with a living God.”
Indeed, the search is currently on for a crucial member of this pioneering team – the operations manager.
“I’m looking for a colleague who will be a key leader in the work we are doing,” said Rev Lawlor. “Someone who brings an entrepreneurial mindset to the life of the RMA and the churches we serve.”
The creation of the Redditch Mission Area, under the energetic leadership of Rev Lawlor, signifies an exciting new chapter for the church in Redditch. focusing on a forward-thinking engagement and a proactive approach to serving the needs of a diverse and evolving community.
Rev Lawlor said: “Working this through will mean we have heathy, sustaining and growing churches across the Greater Redditch area.”
Anyone interested in the operations manager role can visit cofe-redditch.org.uk/jobs for more information.
