The Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles, the regional body of the Church of Scotland covering the North East of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, has appointed a new Presbytery Clerk, Rev Stella Campbell, who will start in post in July 2024.
The Presbytery Clerk post is an important role within the Church of Scotland, providing strategic and organisational guidance and advice for congregations and members of Presbytery.
Stella says, “I am very much looking forward to beginning my new role as the Presbytery Clerk of the Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles. A considerable amount of work has gone into forming the new Presbytery and developing upon the values we set out at the very beginning. With so much change happening locally, regionally and nationally, congregations, elders and ministers need to be supported. It is an exciting time to be involved with the Presbytery and helping to shape its work, especially in inspiring congregations in determining what mission looks like in their local context.”
Stella was ordained as a minister in the Parish of Skene in 2012. Prior to that she studied divinity at Aberdeen University and completed her probationary period in Queensferry Parish Church linked with Dalmeny. Before entering ministry, she was a chartered tax consultant with Ernst & Young in London and Aberdeen, moving north of the border in 2005. She hails from Northern Ireland, growing up the youngest of three children, on a farm. Faith in God has always been a very important part of her life, becoming a Christian at the age of 11 and serving in the church and youth organisations over the years. She is passionate about Jesus and sharing both the good news of the gospel and the deep love of God with others. As a proud Aunty of four niblings, she loves spending time with her family, alongside supporting the Irish rugby team.
The Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles was formed on 1 January 2023 with the union of six former Presbyteries. Rev Stella Campbell was appointed as the first Moderator of the Presbytery, a role which encompasses chairing Presbytery meetings and leading the many Presbytery services that have taken place in the early months of the life of the new Presbytery.
Stella says, “It has been a privilege to serve the Presbytery as its inaugural Moderator and gradually get to know more of the people across its significant geography. I have enjoyed coming alongside those working out what the future might look like. The last 16 months have provided me with a great insight into the challenges that lie ahead and into the opportunities that God is inviting us into.”
Rev Peter Johnston, Convener of the Presbytery’s Business Committee and Staffing Group, says, “We are delighted that Stella has accepted the invitation to be our next Presbytery Clerk, taking over from Rev Elspeth McKay. The experience, knowledge, enthusiasm and sensitivity that Stella will bring to this role will be an asset for the Presbytery that has got to know her better during her time as Moderator.”
Rev Elspeth McKay stepped down from her role as Presbytery Clerk at the end of December 2023 and the Presbytery has been ably served in the interim by Miss Ruth Mackenzie and Mrs Eunice McConnach, as Depute Clerks.
Stella will be joining a team of staff for the Presbytery, including an Administration Officer, Treasurer, Mission Development Officer, and soon to be appointed Youth Development Officer.
Stella will be leaving her current role as parish minister of Kingshill in order to take up this full-time new role. She says, “It will be a wrench to leave my current congregation, Kingshill Parish Church, where I have ministered for the last 12 years. They are a wonderful church family and have lovingly supported me, and my family, over the years. I have learned much from them and pray that they would continue to grow in their faith and witness.”
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Rev Peter Johnston
Convener
Business Committee & Staffing Group
The Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles
Tel: 07834 281176
Email: pjohnston@churchofscotland.org.uk
Rev Stella Campbell