The Diocese of Lincoln is delighted that Joel Botham and Tina Obbard will be joining the diocesan team as Children, Youth and Families Enablers. They will be at the centre of inspiring, encouraging and nurturing younger generations as they discover God and grow deeper through the love of Christ. They will work alongside the current Children, Youth and Families enabler Micki Carey-Slater.
Serving alongside parishes and mission partnerships, they will be offering practical expertise, training, mentoring, and creative solutions that help local people thrive. Young people will encounter faith in life-changing ways through their passion for Christ.
Joel joins the diocese after serving as a Director of 0-18’s ministry at St Thomas’ Church, Brampton. He has 15 years of experience in Children, Youth and Families ministry, alongside a background in other youth work in local communities. He’s served in a variety of different contexts and traditions, including national festivals and conferences.
“My hope is that the lives of children, young people and families will be transformed through encountering Christ, and that they will discover in our churches and schools places where they are known, loved, welcomed and able to flourish.”
Joel is excited by the opportunity to support churches and schools across Greater Lincolnshire. His love for communities is driven by helping them recognise where God is already at work and exploring how they can join in with that mission.
He is inspired by the opening words of John’s Gospel, especially when “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”. For Joel, it is the way this tells us about the character of God that makes it special. God is not distant, but steps into our situations and meets us where we are.
He wants his own ministry to be incarnational – to meet children, young people and families where they are and to listen to their stories. Journeying alongside them is important to Joel.
“I’m excited to partner with churches and schools, to listen, to dream together and to discover where God is already at work.”
Joel enjoys getting outside and exploring when he’s not immersing himself in church life, and he particularly enjoys walking in the countryside. He’s a big fan of good food, coffee and conversation – especially with family and friends including his wife and children.
Tina joins the Diocese of Lincoln from Safe Families and Home for Good, where she served as a Church Relationship Coordinator. She has helped churches to understand and respond to the biblical call to care for children and families.
Before that, she worked as Children, Young People and Families Worker at St James’ Church, Wetherby with Linton, West Yorkshire. Her career has been dedicated to supporting children, young people and families.
“I am looking forward to returning to work for the Church of England. It almost feels like coming home. I’ll be combining my passion for church with my heart for communities and families.”
Tina is excited to serve churches across Greater Lincolnshire. She is particularly passionate about helping congregations develop sustainable ministries that support and inspire children and young people.
Tina hopes to encourage churches to be confident, outward-looking communities that reach children, young people and families with the good news of Jesus Christ. She wants to help churches recognise the gifts and strengths they already possess, building ministries that make a lasting difference.
A Bible verse that is particularly meaningful to Tina is Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” For Tina, this passage is a reminder of the peace and strength that can be found in Christ, and it is a verse that has become especially important to her family.
“My hope for this ministry is to help churches continue to build into outward-looking churches, equipped to inspire and serve children and young people. To help congregations recognise their gifts and develop sustainable ministries that make a real difference.”
Away from work, Tina enjoys spending time with her husband and two adult sons. Whether swimming, baking, gardening, reading or learning new skills, she believes in lifelong learning. She has recently taken up calligraphy and is learning British Sign Language. She can often be found on the Lincolnshire coast with Peachy, her German Shepherd.
With the support of the Diocese of Lincoln's Transformation Fund, a summer holiday project at Utterby Church has created a welcoming space where families can explore different hands-on activities, bringing the heritage of Utterby and its church life.
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