Damian Herbert has been appointed as the new Transformation Programme Director for the Diocese, replacing Rob Quarton who will be retiring at the end of April. Damian joins our diocese from the Church of England Birmingham where he has been helping parishes develop their vision and strategy for mission.
The Transformation Programme Director will play a key role in keeping our ambitious plans to be a numerically larger church in 2030 than 2019 on track. Under God’s grace we hope to increase in the number of healthy and sustainable churches, double the number of children and young people worshipping in our churches, and to see 100 new worshipping communities, offering accessible and contextual expressions of church.
Damian said: “This is an exciting vision and I feel privileged to be able to play a part in ensuring we have healthy, flourishing churches throughout the Diocese. I have a real passion for the parish church and want to see the Church of England thriving with as many lives as possible impacted by the love of Christ. I am looking forward to being part of the diocesan team and also to getting out and about, meeting the experts in our parishes and building fruitful relationships.”
During his career, Damian has been involved in different types of church plants and started a new worshipping community when he was working as a Children and Families Missioner. He has been a Growing Younger Facilitator at the Diocese of Birmingham, supporting churches with reaching children and families, and in his most recent role, he has worked with over 100 parishes, helping them to develop and grow.
Diocesan Secretary, John Preston, said: “Damian joins us at a really important time. The skills and experience he brings will enrich our transformation journey. We welcome his passion for seeing the church grow and for walking alongside parishes as new things emerge.”
Damian will start as Transformation Programme Director in mid-April based partly in the diocesan office and partly out and about in parishes. He is a member of Bournville Parish Church where he is the Lay Vice Chair of the PCC and also leads ‘Rise and Shine’ an intergenerational breakfast service. He was also previously Director of Music and Worship at Riverside Church in Birmingham.
