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Revd Canon Dr Andrew Coleby has retired from his role of Ministry Training Officer. A position he has held since 2017. Andrew has led the Lay Ministry Training Course and had an enormous impact on the lives of individuals and their churches in his time with the Diocese.
Haydon Spenceley, Director of Vocation and Formation, said ‘It has been an absolute joy to work alongside Andrew in my time here. I have lost count of the number of times I have heard from students past and present of the impact Andrew's teaching, knowledge and pastoral care have improved their lives and ministries. A testimony to him is the breadth of those who have found a place on our courses and a route into ministry during his tenure. This breadth beautifully reflects the diversity of God's kingdom and has been a deliberate and determined approach of his. That has been underpinned by rigorous scholarship and a commitment to the truth and teaching the Word with real clarity. Our Churches have thus received Lay Ministers and Readers who are ready to be all God has sent them to be as they serve. Andrew has been a gift to the Diocese and we will miss him.'
To mark the occasion friends and colleagues who have worked with Andrew over the years got together for coffee and cake followed by lunch. Andrew was presented with a selection of wine and a book filled with messages from his colleagues, clergy and lay ministers, along with a lovely bouquet of flowers to say thank you to his wife for all the late-night training and training weekend absenteeism’s she has endured over the years.
Andrew plans to spend time with his family and enjoy his passion for cooking. We pray for him during his retirement that it will be full of joy, continued lifelong love of the Lord and ongoing learning and he will continue to enjoy sharing the knowledge of the love of God with passion.