FOUR new pioneer ministers who will help to build new worshipping communities across the Church of England Diocese of Portsmouth have been appointed.

Nicky Pybus

Rev Sara and Rev Barney Barron

Rev Tim Watson

They will work in Portsmouth, Havant and Gosport to reach those with no Christian background or who struggle with traditional forms of church.

Nicky Pybus will be serving in Cosham and Wymering. Her role will be focused especially on the Highbury Estate, working with young children and families.

Nicky is currently the social responsibility coordinator for the Council for Social Responsibility, a Portsmouth-based charity which supports churches in social change and community engagement.

Rev Barney and Rev Sara Barron will together serve the PO9 postcode area north of Havant which includes Leigh Park, Warren Park and West Leigh.

They already live and work in the Leigh Park area and are ordained as Baptist church ministers.

And Rev Tim Watson will be serving the Leesland area of Gosport. Tim currently works in Crewe.

Nicky, Barney, Sara and Tim will join a growing team of pioneer ministers which is led by the Dean of Pioneer Ministry, Canon Peter Hall, Priest-in-Charge of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Crookhorn.

The Venerable Dr Joanne Grenfell, Archdeacon of Portsdown, said: “It’s exciting for the Diocese of Portsmouth to appoint such creative and committed pioneer ministers, who bring a wealth of experience to these newly created roles.

“We know that the church needs to be more relevant and accessible, to meet people in their daily lives, and help them to develop a life of faith.

“By investing in these paid posts, as well as encouraging ordinary people in the pews to get out, serve the community, and share their faith, we hope that we can grow and change.”