Press Releases
Church of Ireland Mission Resource Person
THE REVD CHARLES IRWIN
CHURCH OF IRELAND
MISSION RESOURCE PERSON
INTRODUCING THE MISSION RESOURCE PERSON
Rev Charles Irwin has been appointed as the Church of Ireland Mission Resource Person for a three year period with effect from September 2000. The appointment has been made by the Council for the Church Overseas, with the support of the Council for Mission in Ireland and the approval of the Standing Committee of the General Synod.
Rev Charles Irwin, B.Sc., A.M.E., B.D., worked in the aeronautical industry in India before being ordained in 1980. Most of his ministry has been spent as a member of staff of the Cathedral Church of the Assumption, New Delhi, where he was Sub-dean and pastor to the 1,200 strong English and Tamil speaking congregation. He has been coordinator of the Lay Training Programme of Delhi Diocese for the past 4 years and spent some time as "Missionary in residence" in the Presbyterian Church of the USA.
Charles is married to Jecintha, a headmistress. They have three children, the youngest of whom, Chitra, hopes to come to Ireland with her parents to pursue her education. The family will be living the parish of Greenisland, in the diocese of Connor. Mr Irwin will not have any duties in the parish but it is envisaged that the family will make a contribution to local mission by their presence.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE APPOINTMENT?
The Mission Resource Person was appointed to resource the Church of Ireland in its mission in the 21st century, with particular reference to the area of evangelism. The aims of the project are:
- to bring insights and experience from the world church
- to enable the sharing of ideas, vision, and enthusiasm
- to provide a teaching ministry in areas such as the biblical basis of mission, the overseas experience of evangelism and the theological training of lay people
- and to help the Church of Ireland learn from the understanding of Scripture, liturgy and spirituality of Christians whose historical, economic and cultural experience is very different from our own
The overriding objective is to help the Church of Ireland move towards a greater commitment to mission in Ireland and overseas.
HOW CAN YOU BENEFIT FROM THE PROJECT?
Rev Charles Irwin will be available to any parish, diocese, college or interested group which wishes to make advances in its commitment to mission. He may speak in the context of worship, lead seminars, conduct parish weekends, lead Bible studies or assist in any other way appropriate.
It may be possible, depending on location, to make use of his services for just one meeting or, more effectively perhaps, over a period of up to several weeks.
YOUR PART
It is best to have clear aims and objectives in mind when issuing an invitation to Mr. Irwin. You may wish, for example, to apply some of the ideas found in the report of the Millennium Mission Conference "All God's Children" to your own situation, or to seek new models for mission, or clarify principles of church growth.
It is expected that any group which invites the Mission Resource Person will provide adequate local publicity of the events to take place. The provision of overnight accommodation and subsistence may also be required.
DEVELOPMENT
Groups that use the services of the Mission Resource Person will be asked for constructive comments and suggestions. Please let us know how we can meet your needs.
FUNDING
The Council for the Church Overseas is sponsoring the appointment. Contributions towards the cost have come from the Priorities Fund, some of the Church of Ireland mission agencies, and most of the dioceses either through Diocesan Boards of Mission or Diocesan Councils. .
Donations from individuals, parishes or groups will be most welcome. They should be forwarded to Mrs. Bobbie Moore, Leprosy House, 44 Ulsterville Park, Belfast payable to "The Council for the Church Overseas".
ARRANGING A VISIT
You can arrange a visit from the Mission Resource Person by contacting:
Mr James Myles,
60A Castlereagh Street,
Belfast
BT5 4NH
N. Ireland
Tel: 028-90466489
Mr Irwin will be available for engagements from 1 October 2000. Early booking is advisable.