Frank Startin: ordained priest, 2018

Frank Startin, a Chartered Accountant from Burton, joined the Diocese of Derby as Assistant Curate in the parishes of St Mark’s, Winshill, and St Wystan’s, Bretby.

Frank initially trained as a barrister before switching to chartered accountancy and joining a local accountancy firm in Burton. He went on to set up his own firm, The Chartwell Practice, allowing him to spend more time working for his local church in a variety of roles including drumming in the worship band.

He has also spent time as a School Governor and as a parish and East Staffordshire Borough Councillor.

Frank trained for ordination at the Queens Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education, studying part-time whilst continuing in his role as a senior partner at The Chartwell practice.

Talking about his journey to ordination, Frank said: “Sometimes, we have to acknowledge that we are not in charge and simply step out in faith, trusting in God’s grace and faithfulness.

"God always delivers… abundantly in love… in my experience, but not always at the time and in the way in which we expect. But that is the joy and excitement in life which has kept and still keeps me going in low times, even when I have felt far off from God."

“I am excited (though with a little trepidation) to assume my new role and to step into a different path in my life, building on the experience I have, both at work and in the local community, in drawing alongside people, getting to grips with issues they are facing and doing my best to help them out.

"For me, this is all about living out and sharing the Gospel."

"I am also looking forward to going back to my family’s roots since I was baptised in St Mark’s and went to secondary school in Winshill.

"My grandparents used to take me along to sing in the choir at St Wystan’s, Bretby, from where I was confirmed at 13 in 1973.

"My parents were married at Bretby church and some of my ancestors are buried in the church yard there too!”

Born and bred in Burton, Frank is married to Christine with a son, Oliver, who is completing a Master’s degree in Theology at Oxford University.