Our Ministry Team

Dear One and All,

It is good to be back in North Devon, having only taken 41 years to return after leaving Shebbear College in 1979! Since then I have served in the Metropolitan Police as a detective, and for the last 26 years as a Methodist minister. My wife Donna and I have recently moved to Chilsworthy, having previously been in Plymouth where I was the Superintendent. Donna is also a Methodist minister and is now Chaplain at Shebbear College. We have three adult children, four grandchildren and a Westie called Mr Wesley.

My essential calling as a minister is to preaching, teaching, sacramental worship, pastoral care and enabling the people of God to thrive and flourish. I am a Methodist and in that tradition I am keen to work ecumenically and to enable Christians of all denominations to work together. Over the years I have developed a deep interest in practical theology, the healing and wholeness ministry, and a ministry of reconciliation. I have also been involved in hospital and prison chaplaincy throughout my ministry. I serve the Methodist Church in the field of complaints and discipline, as a governor at Shebbear College and St.Petroc’s in Bude, as Rural Officer for the Plymouth and Exeter Methodist District, and as a Trustee for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP).

I follow Crystal Palace FC, Exeter Chiefs and I enjoy watching cricket.

Debbie (known as Deacon Deb) was ordained in 2013 in Southwark Cathedral after two years as probationer Deacon in the Barnsley Circuit. She trained at the Urban Theology Unit in Sheffield and the Queens Foundation Birmingham. Debbie serves as Area Secretary for the Plymouth and Exeter and Cornwall districts' Diaconal Order. She also serves as Chaplain to the British Legion in Bude and Stratton. 

I am passionate about serving people on the margins of society and making the Church a place where all are welcome.

In my previous appointment in Barnsley I served five churches in a rural district of ex-mining villages which have suffered due to pit closures. In my career I have gained first hand experience working in communities with high levels of deprivation and a breakdown of social order.

In every aspect of my role I aspire to reach out to those who are struggling in their lives and help them to become aware of God's love for them. I believe in the narrative gospel that teaches us to find God in the ordinary and in other people’s stories.

I feel a love and desire to preach the good news to all; not only from the pulpit but from the pavement as well. I strive to share the news not only through words but, more importantly, through action. As John Wesley stated “There is no holiness but social holiness”

My hobbies are sewing and any craftwork. I'm a DIY fanatic and love anything to do with a drill or hammer (I have pink tools!). I also enjoy being by the ocean and walking our two Jack Russells.

Michelle joined the ministry in 2018 and works in a supportive capacity with all churches in the circuit.

Having been a homemaker and raised three children with my husband full-time, I was delighted to be offered the role and I have embraced the new challenges and opportunities that comes with serving as Pastoral Lay Worker. Previously I was Community Care Supervisor in Bude.

I have served in local church ministries over the years as a Sunday School teacher, leading bible study groups, church stewarding and organising local events and conferences. Being part of the Church inspires me to come alongside people wherever they are in their lives and to listen and support them. For me, being a Christian is about how I conduct my relationships and live out my faith in practical ways.

I enjoy my role and getting to know lots of new people. It is lovely to be welcomed in as part of the church family and have the opportunity to start some new ventures alongside them, including prayer meetings, a friendship group, Messy Church and bible studies.

Hi my name is Dean Taylor and I'm looking forward to Joining you all as youth worker in the Bude and Holsworthy Circuit. I'm married to the amazing Jane and between us we have 3 Children, Ellie 18, Ethan 17 and Ewan 14. I studied youth and children's work with applied theology at St Johns college Nottingham with CYM and gained my degree in 2010. I spent 7 years working as a youth and children's worker for an Anglican church in Birmingham and most recently I have had the privilege of working as youth and children's worker for the Birmingham Methodist circuit based at Solihull. I love being outdoors, I love cooking especially Mexican food and curries. I enjoy Science Fiction movies and I'm a big fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I enjoy listening to music and spent time in my youth DJ'ing in pubs and clubs around the Birmingham area. I look forward to meeting and journeying with you all as we seek what God has instore for us in our work with the young people of Bude and Holsworthy.

Andy serves as Rural Support Worker within the farming community. He is also Market Chaplaincy Coordinator and attends Holsworthy Market every Wednesday where he carries out pastoral duties.

I was born in Bristol and raised in Devon. I also lived abroad for five years (in Cornwall!) and currently live with my wife near Crediton. Having lived in the circuit area for many years I have a good knowledge of local farming issues and communities from Black Torrington, to Bideford and Bude.

I am an experienced agricultural worker and have previously worked for the Environment Agency. I began carrying out rural lay work during the BSE epidemic when many small, family run dairy farms were seriously affected. My role was created by a need to help those families who were plunged into hardship and isolation. I have since sought to widen the chaplaincy role and extend support to the cattle markets and farm sales.

I see the core purpose of my role as delivering the Church’s message of love and compassion that Jesus had for all. Admittedly my role as Rural Support Worker can be difficult to define: at times I'm called upon to support forestry and conservation workers, at other times in the farming community.