Keeping connected to God - Being connected to our world

Vicar of St Barnabas, Cray

On Saturday 13th June 2015 the Bishop of Rochester instituted the Reverend Neil Coleman as Vicar of St Barnabas, Cray. His appointment followed a vacancy of one year and we are encouraged and excited by the new skills and leadership he brings to our church.

Neil trained for ordination at Trinity Theological College in Bristol and comes to St Barnabas after four years as Curate in North Mundham and Hunston, near Chichester in West Sussex. He is very grateful for the support and encouragement he received there during his ministry, as he developed his leadership skills.

Neil comes from a family dedicated to church life firstly in St Albans, Hertfordshire, then in Worthing, Sussex, where his father Philip moved to follow his vocation as a printer. Neil studied for a degree in Community Studies in Bolton and then worked for two years in social care, working with a homeless project and social services. He then trained in Youth Work with the Oasis Trust and subsequently held Youth Work appointments at churches in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, then Worthing and Angmering, back on the south coast.

Neil is married to Jenny and they have three school-age children. Jenny is a qualified primary school teacher with a special focus on Art.

Neil enjoys various sporting interests supporting the England football and cricket teams, also following Tottenham Hotspur, more in hope than anticipation. He also enjoys watching films, comedy and of course spending time with friends and family.

The whole family is excited about joining in with the St Paul’s Cray community and the church family at St Barnabas in the years to come. Neil welcomes the privilege to lead the church in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in our busy 21st Century lives, and within the wider network of Orpington Deanery and Rochester Diocese.

Neil and Jenny hope they’ll get to know as many of you as possible very soon.