Simon Taylor
RECTOR
Simon's key verse from Scripture is John 12:21: “We would see Jesus”. Life is a story of becoming centred around serving Christ and seeking to reflect Christ in our lives. Nothing is off limits and it is an invitation to everyone no matter our past or background.
Simon’s family comes from the South East but he was born in Manchester and it’s quite a story, but it explains why Simon’s football interest is Manchester United.
Previous Christian ministry has included leading an urban estate church, working with statutory agencies, serving as a Diocesan Officer and being part of a multi-church parish of 30,000 people.
Prior to being a vicar Simon was a primary school teacher. He was an acting deputy head teacher, on the early cohort of the National Primary Qualification in Headship (NPQH) and a management leader in the largest school of its type in England.
In his spare time Simon loves reading on leadership, military and other history; mountain-biking; DIY; and studying. Study includes a Masters in Effective Leadership and Organisations and degrees in Theology, Geography and Education.
Wider work Simon has been involved in has included:
Reflecting on a theology of pastoring in ‘Closing the Back Door of the Church’ (Grove publication);
Producing part of the Evidence to Action Church of England strategy material, including presenting Busbridge&Hambledon as a case study at conference;
Leading regional Diocesan Education staff in exploring ‘a theology of Christian distinctiveness in church schools’;
Sharing with other churches the story of a churches’ journey into statutory partnerships and ministry with older people;
Advising a number of churches on theological and practical considerations when embarking on building-reordering.
In recent years Busbridge and Hambledon Church has shared its resources with others by becoming involved in theological research on faith and community engagement through the THEOS GRA:CE project. The church was invited to offer good practice information for the Church of England’s Pastoral Advisory Group work on Living in Love and Faith.
Simon is Area Dean of Godalming with Haslemere (Deanery). This involves mutual support, care and leadership with many other churches across an area of Surrey which is equivalent to the size of the Island of Barbados. The churches and clergy of the Deanery are known for their enabling, equipping and encouraging attitude and Simon is grateful to walk with such a close group of clergy who serve in different contexts and have different approaches whilst valuing one another highly.
Simon is currently a member of the Church of England’s leadership development course.