23/02/2018
Revd Ed has been Adviser for Fresh Expressions and Young Adults in the Diocese of Ely since 2015 where he has the leading role in developing Fresh Expressions in the Diocese.
He has also served as Vicar of Holy Trinity Sydenham and St Augustine’s Honor Oak Park in South East London. He is a Fresh Expressions Associate and is a member of the National Community of Pioneers and the Archbishops’ College of Evangelists.
He will take up his new role in late April 2018.
The National Pioneer Development Adviser has a key role in working with dioceses and pioneer networks to develop a comprehensive and integrated vision, strategy and practice for pioneer ministry in the Church of England.
The Bishop of Ely, Rt Revd Stephen Conway, said: “Ely Diocese is working towards a 50:50 blended economy of traditional and Fresh Expressions of church. Much of the progress we have made towards this is down to Ed’s leadership on FX (Fresh Expressions) and especially the ways he has helped us to think about our work with young adults.
“He will be a great loss to the diocese, but I am delighted that the national church has recognised his gifts and will have the opportunity to benefit more widely from them. I would like to congratulate Ed on his appointment and look forward to continuing to work with him as we prepare to host the national Fresh Expressions conference in Ely in November.”
Canon Phil Potter, Archbishops’ Missioner and Fresh Expressions Team Leader, said: “Ed's appointment is not only very good news for Fresh Expressions but for the Church of England's whole movement toward a mission-shaped future. Ed is first and foremost an innovative practitioner who has pioneered exciting things at the local level, but who has also effectively now applied his skills and experience to the wider strategic landscape.
“He is already an advocate and friend of pioneers through his involvement in its various networks and will undoubtedly bring fresh energy and drive throughout the movement. I am looking forward immensely to our partnership together."
The Ven Julian Hubbard, Director of Ministry for the Archbishops’ Council, said: “I am delighted to welcome Ed as a colleague to work with us in the Ministry Division and the Fresh Expressions team and Pioneer Community at an exciting time in the development of Pioneer Ministry. Ed brings wide experience as well as creative and imaginative gifts to the work, and we look forward to some great synergy between pioneer ministries and other forms of ministry in the Church of England.”
The Revd Ed Olsworth-Peter said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the National Adviser for Pioneer Development. Pioneer ministry and the work of Fresh Expressions are key movements within the Church of England with much to offer its future growth. I am excited about developing the work that Dave Male has begun in raising up more lay and ordained Pioneer vocations and look forward to working with colleagues across the national church. I am very grateful for my time in the Diocese of Ely which will be an important foundation as I move into this new role.”