Diocese of Chichester

Keir Shreeves, the Diocesan Director of Ordinands, welcomed the start of their training and said: “We are very pleased to have sent six disciples of Christ to prepare for ordination at theological education institutions. These candidates have been through a new two-stage national process of preparation and discernment. Their training takes place in community and will help deepen their theological understanding, spirituality and practical skills."

We hear from four of them:

Nathanael (Nat) Gillett grew up in West Sussex before moving to south London in 2001 to study and work. He moved back to the south coast in 2016 with his family. 

Nat has worked as a graphic designer for 17 years, but has been involved in lay leadership for a number of years. 

He is now training at St Mellitus and based at All Saints, Wick (in Littlehampton). He said: “We are excited, and daunted, by the prospect of the next 2 years but we are confident that God has led us on this journey. I am constantly interested in how to connect the gospel with those outside of church or on the margins.”

Rachel Clark begins her theological training at St Mellitus College in London and her placement is at St John's Church in Broadbridge Heath. 

She said: “St John's is a church seeking to share God's love in the local community and already I've enjoyed being involved in school assemblies, community events and visiting the care home in the village, as well as the preaching and teaching ministry on a Sunday. 

"Picking up studying again has been a bit of a challenge after so many years, but I am excited about learning and growing with God's help as I prepare for ordained ministry.”

Paul Nelson was worship pastor of St Peter’s, Brighton, for 13 years and recently moved to Oxford to start training for Ordination at Wycliffe Hall. 

He said: “I am married to Sarah and we have 3 young daughters, so life is full and fun! I have just begun a master’s in applied theology, which will be full-time for 2 years. 

"It’s a privilege to have the chance to study, worship, ride my bike around Oxford and let God speak into the future."

Zoe Eborn is studying at St Mellitus college London having previously had a career as a violinist and music teacher. She said: “It has been really encouraging starting college and meeting people doing the same thing as me and I find that, like many of my peers, I have found getting to grips with the academic work fascinating and challenging in equal measure. 

"I am truly excited about the time spent in my placement too. I’ve enjoyed learning to work alongside new people and dipping my toe into new areas of ministry, as well as having the opportunity to watch and learn from some really experienced priests.”

Please remember all our new ordinands in your prayers.

Zoe Eborn from St Mary's Horsham, training through St Mellitus.

Nat Gillet from All Saints, Wick, training through St Mellitus.

Rachel Clark from St Andrew's, Furnace Green, training through St Mellitus.

Quin Delport from St Richard's Hollingdean, training through St Mellitus.

Paul Nelson from St Peter's Brighton, training at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.

Pete Dobson from St John's Crawley, training through St Mellitus.

For information about Ordained Ministry please take a look at our website page here