That You Bear Much Fruit

The Diocese’s new Discipleship Coordinator, Sister Debbie Orriss, was commissioned and licensed by Bishop Edward last week held in the Chapel of Sarum College. Debbie is a Church Army evangelist commissioned for 19 years, most recently working as Community Guardian for Church Army.

She was commissioned in the presence of friends from her previous parish, colleagues from Church House, Rural Deans, Bishop Nicholas and the Bishop’s Staff.

“My passion in ministry is to enable people to grow in their faith, and find ways of living it out in the church and the world”, said Debbie, “I love to see folk stepping out of their comfort zone, both in their working out of faith academically, and living it out practically.

“Bishop Edward spoke on John 15: bearing fruit as Jesus’ disciples, and being prepared to be pruned for service. I am excited about my new role as I am passionate about all God’s people – children, young people and adults, growing in faith, and living as Christ’s followers in their families and communities, both individually and as part of the Body of Christ.

“In my role, I will co-ordinate the training for lay ministries in the diocese: Lay Worship Leaders, Lay Pastoral Assistants and Licensed Lay Ministers. I will also help individuals and local Christian communities to deepen in their discipleship.”

Bishop Edward added, “Debbie’s appointment comes at an exciting time in the life of the Diocese when we are seeking to energise and equip people in our churches through ‘renewing hope.’ It is my hope that Debbie will encourage our churches to continue to pray, serve and grow, and particularly give individuals confidence in the sharing of their faith with others.

“There are many encouraging things happening around the Diocese, and Debbie’s role will be important as we share good practice, develop lay ministry, develop our own spiritual lives, and give one another courage to share God’s love with all those we meet in practical and meaningful ways.”

Canon Jane Charman, the Diocese’s Director of Learning for Discipleship and Ministry, commented, “The Learning for Discipleship and Ministry Team is delighted to welcome Sister Debbie.

“Debbie’s wide experience as a Church Army Evangelist includes not only her work as Community Guardian, but as Town Centre Evangelist in High Wycombe, a youth and schools worker, and being Head of Formation and Skills Programme for Initial Training in Church Army. Therefore she has significant experience of teaching, training and mentoring young people and adults.”