Rev Tim Bateman, St Luke’s Birmingham

0121 820 5621 │St. Luke’s Church, Great Colmore Street, B15 2AT│ [email protected]

Rev Tim Bateman, St Luke’s Birmingham

I am a millennial in the last year of my 20’s, married to Claire with 3 young children (all under 5 years), living in inner-city Birmingham. Those in my demographic are underrepresented in the Church of England. If elected I would be excited by the opportunity to serve Birmingham Diocese in the House of Clergy at General Synod.

Current Post - St Luke’s, Birmingham (Associate Vicar) (2020-present) Previous Posts - Holy Trinity, Twickenham (Ordinand) (2014-16) - St Aldates, Oxford (Curate) (2016-2020) Academic - Theology (BA), Oxford University (2010-2013) - MA in Christian Leadership, St. Mellitus (2014-2016)

Why vote for me? My age, family, location and experience give me a particular perspective and insight into shaping issues at General Synod. In the last 16 months I have led St Luke’s Church, situated in an economically deprived area, through a period of unprecedented change. This has included the church setting up a Food Bank, Community Shop, Job Club, Debt Centre, a Befriending Scheme and Parent Support Groups. These initiatives have greatly benefitted the local community. In an area of rich ethnic diversity, St Luke’s is committed to being a place of welcome to all. Through my ministry I gain valuable insight and local knowledge of people’s needs and beliefs and am learning how the Church can serve them and connect with them. A part of my current role includes pioneering initiatives to connect with young families, such as our new Children’s Play Area/Café, Colmore Coffee and Bright Play. Whilst overseeing ministry at St Luke’s, I also serve on the clergy team at Gas Street Church, which has enabled me to see the impact of its mission and ministry in reaching young people as well as in local parish ministry. I am also a Governor of a CofE MAT Primary School and chair a Youth Foundation delivering support to young people.

In previous posts I engaged with students, mentored young adult house groups, began a youth group, and ran a Diocesan Youth Weekend Away. I am approachable, a good listener, and not afraid to ask searching questions and be questioned. I believe I have perspective and insight which will make me a useful member of General Synod, together with academic credentials demonstrating a sharp mind able to tackle challenging issues.

My Top 3 Priorities: Mission, Evangelism and Discipleship I long to see a church that nurtures growth! Key to this is reaching new people, inviting them into a relationship with Jesus and then nurturing them in their faith. At General Synod, I can offer personal insight and experience in reaching millennials and families and how to nurture them with the transforming life of Jesus. Through debates, motions and engagement with the Archbishops’ Evangelism Task Group, I can input into directional strategy and the release of resources to reach the emerging generations. Reform, Renewal and Social Transformation I long to see a church that experiences spiritual renewal and sees revival of the Christian faith in our nation. I long to see a church that is at the forefront of social transformation through racial, economic and environmental justice. I believe the Church has a unique message and mission to work towards this. Living in one of the most socially, racially and economically diverse parts of the Diocese, and a church that is working well to bring about change, I can bring a current and relevant contribution to General Synod in these areas. I am passionate about the flourishing of local mission and ministry at a parish level, and would endeavour to see resources directed towards this.

Faith and Doctrine I long to see a church that is passionately faithful to Christ’s teachings and discerns God’s voice in this generation. The next General Synod will look into the learnings from LLF, where we listen to people’s experiences, and attempt to discern what God is saying in all this. I hold qualities that will be helpful in these discussions: prayerful, insightful, tender hearted, and a good listener. Finally… I am energetic and passionate about serving Christ wherever he leads me, and believe I have much to offer if elected to General Synod. Please consider giving me your support as your 1st choice candidate (if not consider me for your 2nd or 3rd vote).