In a rare occasion for the Diocese of Winchester, our two Archdeacons were installed together at Winchester Cathedral on Sunday. See the photos here.
The Ven Simon Butler, Archdeacon of Winchester, and The Ven Gemma Foster, Archdeacon of Bournemouth, took up their new roles earlier this year.
Gemma joined us from the Diocese of Guildford, where she served as a rector, while Simon came from the ministry team of the North Hampshire Downs Benefice. He also continues as clergy lead for the diocesan Growing Rural Parishes Project.
We asked them both about what the installation means to them, what they hope to bring to their new roles, and how they relax in the midst of a busy ministry.
Please keep Gemma and Simon in your prayers as they continue this important ministry.
What does it mean to you to be installed as Archdeacon?
Archdeacon Simon: It’s an enormous privilege to be installed as Archdeacon of Winchester. I’m mindful of the responsibilities of the office and the importance of supporting and encouraging clergy, churchwardens and congregations across the Northern Archdeaconry.
Archdeacon Gemma: It has been a joy to be part of Winchester Diocese for the past 6 weeks, it feels like being installed as a Canon is the completion of beginning this ministry here. In parish ministry you have a licensing service where friends and family can come and celebrate with you, this very much felt like the equivalent service for beginning ministry as an Archdeacon. A number of friends, family, former church congregation and even my new neighbours came along to celebrate. I am also really looking forward to having that formal connection with the cathedral and the opportunity to serve in this place, with its long heritage of many saints worshipping there before us today.
You have been in the role now for a short while – what are your thoughts and what have you experienced and learnt so far?
Archdeacon Simon: Two months in and I have learnt that you never know what might land in your inbox! The role is hugely varied, very stimulating and interesting. The breadth of responsibilities is significant as is the need to draw on the excellent resource and support from the many experts we have in the diocesan team.
Archdeacon Gemma: I have felt so welcomed by everyone – from church house, to clergy, to churchwardens. I have also seen some wonderful and creative missional initiatives happening meaning our parishes are engaging brilliantly with those in their mission field.
What do you see as the role of the Archdeacon and what support can you bring to our churches and parishes?
Archdeacon Simon: I’m hugely optimistic about the life and ministry of the church. My conviction is that a winsome church is a joyful, non-anxious fellowship which demonstrates in the quality of its relationships the transformative love of Jesus. If this is our priority, then we are people and congregations that others are drawn to and in which they might experience something of Gods transforming love. I want to encourage and support joyful and non-anxious churches to prioritise the quality of their relationship with God, each other and their communities.
Archdeacon Gemma: The role of Archdeacon covers a lot – from the pastoral, to legal or generally the person you ask a question to when you are not too sure where to go. My hope and prayer is that I can cheer on parishes in mission so they can do this in a healthy way, and as part of help with some of the legal aspects and complexities when you are going from a God given vision to birthing this in a real life on the ground situation (which often involves process and governance). I am also really passionate about discipleship and raising up leaders – so anything I can do to encourage others to step into leadership and flourish where there are I am really keen for.
What do you see as the biggest challenges that you face?
Archdeacon Simon: Keeping the main thing the main thing. A bit like parish life as an incumbent, there are numerous expectations that come with the role, lots of competing time demands and a variety of ideas about what takes priority. It’s easy to be consumed by the pressing and lose sight of the priorities. The challenge is to remain clear sighted about priorities, gracious in occasionally disappointing people and realistic about the impact I can have.
Archdeacon Gemma: I have a bigger heart than a diary so for me the challenge will be that somethings I really want to support and get involved with there will not be capacity to do in the timeframe I may wish for.
What are you most excited about?
Archdeacon Simon: Being with the clergy and lay leaders of the Northern Archdeaconry who are a remarkable and wonderfully varied group of people through whom God is at work. I’m also so happy to be part of the diocesan team which is full of such high calibre and godly people.
Archdeacon Gemma: Seeing clergy and churches flourish into all God has called them to be.
In such a busy role, how to you balance the work, with finding time for yourself, family and your personal faith?
Archdeacon Simon: I’ve never found it too difficult to switch off if I’m honest. The world won’t stop spinning if I don’t get through everything in my inbox and on my ‘to do’ list. My calling is to my family as well as to my ministry and I’ve seen too many clergy families damaged by a wrong balance between work, rest and family to fall into that trap. I have three daughters who live full and busy lives and a wonderful wife who runs her own business and offers me the most amazing support. I’ll also keep racing my cars as this allows me to switch off from everything other than driving very fast. My experience is that we can only give out in ministry if we are nourished ourselves. Happily, I have a good pattern of prayer and friends and mentors who I share my journey of faith with. So far that has kept me going though seasons of joy and sorrow.
Archdeacon Gemma: This is something which I need to continually learn and reflect upon as I get used to the role and also the changing seasons of family life. I am strict to ensure I have a day off and try to ensure I have plenty of fun family things in the diary.
