Bishop David Highlights the Impact of Ministry in the Workplace

Across the Church of England, people are called to a wide variety of ministries – some lay, some ordained; some full-time, some part-time.

Recently, Bishop David visited one of the Diocese of Manchester’s Ministers in Secular Employment (MSEs), the Rev Debs Crossland, in her workplace.

The Church of England describes Ministers in Secular Employment as “deacons or priests whose ministry is focused on the workplace. They tell the story of God’s love in that place, helping people to make connections between life and faith”.

For Debs, that vocation is lived out through her role as Clinical Lead at a nurse-led mental health hospital run by Turning Point, a social enterprise delivering health and social care services. Alongside her nursing responsibilities, she also serves as the hospital’s Spirituality Lead.

The visit from Bishop David and his Senior Chaplain, the Rev Canon Anne Edwards, coincided with a Spirituality Day organised by Debs. Earlier in the day, an Imam had visited the hospital, and in the afternoon staff, volunteers and service users at different stages of their rehabilitation had the opportunity to meet with Bishop David.

Gathering around the dinner table, Bishop David listened to people’s stories and heard about the activities they had been involved in. Just as the Imam had answered questions about Islam, Bishop David was asked about Christianity, the significance of saints’ names, the Diocese of Manchester and much more.

Reflecting on the visit, Bishop David said:

“Our Ministers in Secular Employment make a vital and distinctive contribution to the mission of Manchester Diocese. They act as our visible ambassadors to wider institutions whilst also bringing to us expertise on particular areas of life.”

Debs, who recently received Turning Point’s national Leader of the Year award, is also a self-supporting minister serving Christ Church Healey and All Saints Hamer, and St Ann’s Belfield. She was ordained priest this Petertide.

Speaking about the Spirituality Day, Debs said:

“This gathering of different faiths as we celebrated a multi-faith day at Douglas House Hospital also reminded me on reflection of the importance of unity in diversity: even with the most vulnerable of people in society. There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one” (Galatians 3:28).

“As we look ahead, we are inspired to continue creating spaces where people can come together in peace, build relationships, and grow in mutual respect and understanding. An honour and privilege to serve God as a Clinical Lead Nurse, and was a really fruitful day. Thanks be to God.”