Minister

Introducing Myself as Minister Elect of the Merseyside Unitarian Ministry Partnership

It is with deep gratitude and heartfelt joy that I share the news that I have been called to serve as Minister Elect of the three chapels in the Merseyside Unitarian Ministry Partnership: Cairo Street Chapel in Warrington, Park Lane Chapel in Bryn, and Matthew Henry Chapel in Chester.

This is both a personal and spiritual milestone. I embrace it with humility, reverence, and an open heart. It is the privilege of my lifetime to have received this calling.

A Heritage Rooted in Unitarianism

My connection to Unitarianism runs deep, across two centuries and many generations of my family. I often say, half-jokingly, that I am something of a “gold star” Unitarian. My journey begins with my fifth great-grandfather, Smith Whitehead, whose name appears in the original treasurer’s book from 1806. There he was, donating £5 a month toward the construction of the first Nazareth Chapel in Padiham, East Lancashire — my ‘sending’ chapel. That chapel opened in 1822, and the family legacy continued with my fourth great-grandfather, a master carpenter who helped build the new Nazareth Unitarian Chapel that opened in 1874.

Through the Whitehead family, I am also connected to John Bibby, former GA President from 1939 to 1940, and Dr. Rev. Jeremy Goring, longtime Minister of Lewisham Unitarian Church. This heritage has shaped my identity and strengthened my commitment to this movement of free and loving faith.

A Call to Serve, Grounded in Relationship and Place

This journey hasn’t been without its challenges, including the search for somewhere to live. But recently, I found a flat that felt inexplicably right. Peaceful, quiet, and rooted in something I couldn’t quite explain.

A few days later, I happened to mention the general location to Anita Snape from Park Lane during a pastoral call. She paused and said that she and her grandmother had lived in that village. When I gave her a little more detail, she realised that her grandmother’s house had been just across from the one I now live in. Her grandmother had even been friends with the previous resident.

She plans to find a photo to show me. That connection brought unexpected joy and a sense of spiritual reassurance. It reminded me of a line from Agatha Christie: “One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is to have a happy childhood.” And perhaps one of the holiest things is to be reminded of it, through love, through memory, and through the mystery of connection.

With a grateful heart, I begin this new chapter. Perhaps, just perhaps, something sacred is at work.

Academic Journey and Ministry Formation

I am delighted to share that I have passed my degree in Theology, Ministry and Mission, and I am expected to graduate with a 2:1. The ceremony will take place at Durham Cathedral during the Winter Congregation in January 2026. One final step remains: a professional panel interview (VIVA) in September. If all goes well, I will be placed on the GA roll of ministers and can begin planning for my ordination, which could take place in November.

This journey of study has been challenging but transformative. I am grateful to the many members of our congregations who supported me along the way.

A Ministry of Pastoral Presence and Community Action

My calling is deeply rooted in pastoral care. I believe ministers should walk alongside people in their joys and sorrows, their doubts and convictions. But I also believe we are called to act. For me, ministry is not only about the pulpit but about being present in the world. Deeds, not creeds.

Together, I hope we can continue to build chapels that are open, inclusive, and caring — spaces where people feel they belong. A loving congregation can be a sanctuary to all who seek connection, peace, and meaning.

A Final Connection, and a Sense of Home

A recent discovery in my ongoing genealogy research brought another surprising moment of affirmation. I found that a fourth cousin of mine had married into the Brindle family. At first, I thought little of it, until I traced the line back and realised they were descendants of James Brindle, a name closely connected to Park Lane Chapel. Through this connection, I now find myself related, by marriage, to families in Bryn, Warrington, and Chester.

It felt like yet another nudge from the universe, telling me that I am exactly where I need to be. These aren’t just congregations. In a very real and emotional sense, they are our family.

I will do everything I can to lead with love, humility, and strength. I hope we can worship together, grow together, and show the wider community what becomes possible when we unite in faith, justice, and compassion.

May our shared ministry be a blessing to the generations yet to come, as it has been for those who came before.

Staying Connected

As your Minister Elect, I want to be as accessible as I am present. If you ever need to reach me for pastoral support, questions, or simply a conversation, you are welcome to contact me directly:

Mobile: 07549 860601

Email: Rob4man@hotmail.com