As announced, I am leaving the Diocese of Derby to take on the role of National Lead for Evangelism and Witness for the Church of England. 

This is a full-time post based at Church House Westminster with responsibility for the Church’s goals around evangelism - to motivate the million Anglican church-goers to share their faith, to equip a thousand new evangelists, and to enable clergy to lead evangelistic churches.

It has been a privilege to be Dean here for the last two years, and while I am moving on sooner than I had expected, I am grateful for all that we have accomplished together. Among other things, I am glad to have been able to play a part in welcoming Bishop Libby to Derby, as a member of the Vacancy-in-See committee, Chair of the Statement of Needs Drafting Group, a member of the Crown Nominations Commission, and then with the Cathedral’s role in electing and installing our new Bishop to her See.

In the Cathedral, we have opened Derby Cathedral School, launched The Sanctuary at Derby Cathedral, received a substantial grant from the Church Commissioners to ensure the future sustainability of the Cathedral, and made some significant new staff appointments, for all of which thanks be to God.

In my new role I will be working in the areas of evangelism, discipleship, and church growth, which have been particular hallmarks of Archbishop Justin’s time in office. This is an exciting time to be involved in this work, with a renewed commitment from the Church at all levels to enable evangelism that is motivated not by institutional anxiety about diminishing numbers gathering on a Sunday, but about a longing for every person in our society to know the love of God for themselves. I am glad that this work will bring me back to the Diocese of Derby from time to time.

Please pray for me as I will continue to pray for you.

The Very Revd Dr Stephen Hance
Dean of Derby (until 29 September 2019)