Self-Supporting Ministers (SSMs) in the diocese are assisted in their ministry by a team of clergy officers, one for each archdeaconry. SSM clergy officers are individuals who understand and support SSM ministry, meet regularly together with a member of the bishop’s staff to discuss matters of common concern and interest and link with the national Church on wider issues.
Getting support
The SSM Officers also provide the following support:
- Advice for SSM ministers and curates in each episcopal area concerning SSM ministry;
- Advice for incumbents and SSM ministers on the preparation of Ministry Agreements beyond curacy;
- Opportunities for meeting together;
- Occasional events for training and support.
SSM Officers
The Revd Margot Suter
Margot liaises, supports and encourages the ministry of SSMs representing their views and needs to senior staff. Her role includes liaising with other Area officers and promoting the availability of pastoral care of SSMs and encouraging SSM vocation. Margot is an Associate Priest at St Mary and All Saints Church, Beaconsfield.
07779 803 519
The Revd Janice MacDonald
Janice provides a link with diocesan and national SSM networks for SSMs in the local parishes Whilst the role is advisory in both directions, supporting SSMs is a key factor. Janice currently serves part-time in the North Newbury Benefice with a particular focus on St Mary’s, Speen; in her spare time she can be found at her son’s cricket club drinking tea and cheering them on.
01635 901370
The Revd Sam Mortimer
Sam is committed to helping all SSMs flourish in their life and ministry, through support and encouragement. He liaises with senior staff to represent the views and needs of SSMs, and helps facilitate access to pastoral care and wider SSM networks. Sam is an Associate Minister in the Bicester Benefice, where he leads Hope Church, a church plant in Bicester’s Eco Town, and is currently establishing a new church plant in Bicester’s Kingsmere area. To relax, he enjoys walking, running, and cycling. rev.sam.mortimer@gmail.com / 07505 426763
The Revd Mike Rayner
Mike runs running regular learning events, supporting SSMs (plus SSMs in training including curates), represents the views and needs of SSMs to senior staff, and works alongside the diocese’s vocations team to inform and encourage potential SSMs. In the rest of his life Mike is an Associate Minister at St Matthew’s Church in Oxford and a Professor of Population Health at the University of Oxford working on issues related to the healthiness and sustainability of foods, diets and food systems.
01865 289 244
The Revd Canon Chris Bull
Associate Archdeacon - Buckinghamshire
07481 343 440
More information about SSM ministry nationally can be found at the National Network of SSM Officers and Advisers.