The newest addition to Durham Diocese’s Growing Leadership team is passionate about helping people to develop a deep Christian faith.
Dr Hanna Lucas was appointed as Ministry Experience Volunteer (MEV) Enabler in August, bringing with her a wealth of experience in Christian teaching and writing.
Hanna is overseeing the MEV Scheme – a 10-month gap year opportunity for young adult volunteers, aged 18 to 30, to explore Christian vocation, leadership, and discipleship.
The volunteers are housed and given a living allowance, which enables them to dedicate the majority of their work to church ministry as part of the programme. It also includes a course of Christian formation and discipleship which has been designed by Hanna, to develop a deep grounding in their faith. This program, uniquely, invites the MEVs to commit to a Rule of Life together throughout their year.
There are also additional training opportunities for the MEVs to take advantage of, which include academic study at Lindisfarne College of Theology, Future Youth training delivered by Sheffield Diocese, and other ministry training programs available through Durham Diocese.
Originally from Canada, Hanna moved to the UK 10 years ago to study for a PhD in patristics and systematic theology at Durham University.
Since then she has lectured at numerous institutions, including Durham University, and spent two years teaching at College of Resurrection in Mirfield. She currently also teaches at Lindisfarne College of Theology, where she first became aware of the MEV scheme.
“I’ve been made very welcome,” said Hanna. “Having witnessed the MEV scheme in action through LCT, I knew it was a very exciting initiative and I am very pleased to take on this opportunity.
“It’s important for me to be forming people for vocation who have a deep grounding in the faith and in their relationship with Christ, whatever vocation they go onto next. They could be exploring a future calling in various ministries, including ordination. Regardless, we are all called to be disciples.”
There are four volunteers on the MEV scheme this year, including a young American woman in her early 20s who grew up in South Carolina, but has family here in the North East.
The MEV scheme started back in 2010. Each year there is a 10-month scheme which runs from September until July.
Before taking on the three-year, half-time post, Hanna enjoyed enthusiastic conversations with Growing Leadership Strateg
ic Lead Annwen Stone.
She added: “We share the same vision about formation and discipleship and creating grounded Christians. It’s a privilege to be involved in this process. It is vocational discernment. There is certainly a link between the scheme and future destinations; yet its focus is on tending and nourishing deep roots which will support mature Christian leaders.”
Hanna’s husband is the Revd David Lucas, Team Rector of the Parish of the Upper Skerne. Hanna and David have four children.
She added: “The idea of Catechising and grounding people in the faith is important to me. This is a wonderful opportunity to enable them to have roots that go deep into faith.”
A published writer of religious books and articles, Hanna has also been involved with international conferences and projects serving the Anglican Communion.
Photos
Top: Hanna Lucas
Middle: Hannah pictured with our new cohort of Ministry Experience Volunteers (MEVs).
Bottom: Hannah with her husband, the Revd David Lucas.