We are delighted to announce the appointment of the Revd Andrew Blyth as the new Director of Mission and Ministry for the diocese. He will take up his post with us on 21 July.
Andrew was ordained in 2000, following theological training at Ridley College Cambridge, and has 25 years of parish ministry experience. Following curacy in Luton, Andrew then joined the Diocese of Oxford in 2004 with ministry in Aylesbury, both as rector of Holy Trinity, and as area dean for Aylesbury. Andrew was acting Archdeacon of Buckingham prior to his move to Holy Trinity, Cheltenham in 2017, where he was appointed as Team Rector and from 2023 Area Dean for Cheltenham. Trinity has a particular ministry among families and younger generations and in serving as a resource church. Andrew will be moving back to Oxford with his wife Nicki and Alfie, their very energetic Sprocker.
Andrew said: “I am absolutely delighted to be returning to Oxford to serve as the new Director of Mission and Ministry. It will be a huge privilege to join in with and support colleagues, parishes and communities in all God is already doing through the wonderful breadth and diversity of ministry and mission across the diocese. I am also excited to share in the challenges and the adventure, as the Holy Spirit leads in the vision to grow every form of ministry and to share and be the good news of Jesus in fresh ways."
In commenting on Andrew’s appointment, Bishop Steven said: “Andrew brings many gifts, including a strong sense of commitment to our work with children, young people, families and growing new congregations. His background with the Diocese means he knows us well and shares our focus on discipleship, social justice, creation care, and nurturing vocations. His time in Cheltenham demonstrates missional leadership with Holy Trinity serving as a resource planting church.”
Mark Humphriss added: “Andrew’s experience as an area dean, a member of Bishop’s Council in the Diocese of Gloucester, and in mission and ministry makes him a strong appointment to our leadership team. We look forward to him joining us in the summer, and meeting many from across the Diocese when he joins our clergy conference in May.”