Bishop John has appointed Andrew Sillis to be the new Area Dean of Greater Dudley Deanery and Gary Crellin to be the new Area Dean of Malvern and Upton Deanery.
Andrew replaces David Hoskin who has completed a three-year term and has decided to step down while Gary replaces Mark Badger who has become Archdeacon of Worcester.
Area Deans have a ministry of leadership and care in partnership with Bishop John, Bishop Martin and the archdeacons. They work to support clergy and laity, representing the parishes at meetings with the diocesan senior staff and sharing information with parishes as we continue to work together to build healthier and more sustainable churches across the Diocese. Andrew and Gary take up this role in addition to their parish ministry and other roles, heading up a Deanery Leadership Team.
Andrew Sillis – Greater Dudley
Andrew Sillis has been the Vicar of Stourbridge since 2015 and has been working as a sub-dean in the deanery for the last three years. He said: “I very much enjoy working at the deanery level. The focus of the deanery is so much more about mission and making disciples, whereas at the parish level there’s a lot of detail, some of it unnecessary, which can slow churches down. It’s important to remember that our job, above all other things, is to make disciples.”
Andrew is married to Rebecca, a secondary school teacher, and they have two adult children, one is a soldier and the other studying Environmental Science at University in Bristol. Andrew has previously worked in the dioceses of Oxford, London, Guildford, and Europe, as Chaplain in Cologne and Bonn. “Worcester is definitely my favourite”, he continued. “I’ve never felt so close to colleagues across the Diocese - it’s similar to a family atmosphere whenever we gather.”
Andrew has just one priority for his work in the deanery. “The important thing is for the deanery to be delivering on the diocesan priorities: for children and families, new worshipping communities, renewal churches and supporting ministers of all kinds. If we do those things, every church can grow.”
Gary Crellin – Malvern & Upton
Gary Crellin is the Vicar of the parishes of Powick and Guarlford and Madresfield with Newland. As the incoming Area Dean, he is keen to represent both the urban and rural perspectives equally with both having a role in creating a sustainable future for the deanery. Gary is married to Alison and has three grown up daughters, including one currently studying at Liverpool University.
He said: "Having a daughter up in Liverpool has enabled me to become acquainted with the great city of Liverpool, its history and geography as well as its humour: especially the humour of the late great Ken Dodd. One of Ken Dodd's catch phrases - "if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans" - is very apt, I think. I am sure this is not a comment on my appointment as Area Dean, even though I am surprised and humbled to be asked; I think it is more to do with how we all should engage with the future, together. We need to listen to God's voice of encouragement, bravery and comfort, as well as challenge, as we move forward with our plans for transformation and change and work openly and together to rise to the challenges that are ahead".
