People news: Mike Haslam to move on

Mike Haslam, our Chaplaincy Adviser and Mission Development Team Leader has been appointed to become the Director of Transforming Ministry in the Diocese of St Asaph in the Church in Wales.

Julia Hill, Head of Mission Support and Ministry Development said, “Mike has been in our diocese since 2010 when he was Chaplain at Taunton Academy and Honorary Associate Priest in the Alfred Jewel Benefice. Mike became Chaplaincy Adviser in 2017, in which time we have seen a glorious flourishing of chaplaincy across our diocese in a wide variety of contexts: from pupil chaplains to Anna chaplains, and chaplaincy in education, industry, healthcare, emergency services, communities and beyond. The richness of our chaplaincy network is a result of Mike’s hard work and imagination, as well as the grace of God!  

“Since February 2023, Mike has also been the interim team leader for the Mission Development team and has worked closely to build and develop the team, which ranges from pioneering and chaplaincy to inclusion and diversity to environment and world mission. Mike has continued to serve and support local churches. Mike’s work in chaplaincy and the mission team give us a wonderful foundation on which to build for the future. St Asaph’s gain is our loss, but we wish Mike well for the next stage of his ministry and are immensely grateful for all he has brought to our diocese, as well as to the wider church and our communities.”

Bishop Michael said, “Mike will bring rich gifts and skills to the Diocese of St Asaph and it will be exciting to see all that the future will hold as under God he ministers there. Here in Bath and Wells, Mike’s contribution has been outstanding. His work in support of chaplaincies across our diocese has been exceptional and it’s been great to see this reflected and honoured both locally and nationally. We wish Mike Godspeed and all the very best for the next stage of his journey.”

Mike said, “I have loved being in Somerset over the past 15 years, being a chaplain, working within local churches, leading the chaplaincy network and more recently the mission team, and joining in God’s work of salvation among us. By God’s grace, we have seen growth in so many ways and in so many contexts. It’s been a privilege and pleasure to be a part of that. I will be incredibly sorry to leave so many wonderful people and communities who I’ve journeyed with. Thank you all. However, I believe that God is calling me to the next step in the journey and I’m really excited about the role in St Asaph. As Director of Transforming Ministry, I will be leading and overseeing work in discipleship, lay and ordained vocation and training, new forms of ministry and mission and church growth. Please continue to pray for me, as I will for you.”

Mike’s last day working in the diocese will be 9th November and he will begin his new role on 17th November. Mike will be working with Mission Support and Ministry Development colleagues to ensure a smooth transition. 

There will be a farewell for Mike in Flourish House on Thursday 7th November at 2.30pm. Please let us know you are coming by completing this short form.