The Revd Ellie Lister has been appointed as Interim Chaplain to the Rt Revd Paul Davies, Bishop of Dorking and Acting Bishop of Guildford.
A Bishop's Chaplain serves as a trusted adviser and key support to the Bishop, helping to coordinate ministry, build relationships across the diocese, provide pastoral support and assist in the delivery of the Bishop's priorities and responsibilities.
Originally from the Dorset coast, Ellie brings a wealth of experience in education, ministry and church leadership. She studied primary education at the University of Exeter before teaching in Devon, Surrey, Nepal and Malawi. Her passion for nurturing strong partnerships between schools, families and communities led her to complete an MA in Special Educational Needs at the University of Leeds.
Ellie has 30 years' experience in lay ministry across cross-cultural, urban and rural settings, including roles in children's and families' ministry and church communications.
While teaching, Ellie first sensed a call to ordained ministry, training at St Mellitus College. She has recently completed her curacy at St Martin's Church, East Horsley. Alongside her curacy, she has served part-time as an Associate Formation Group Tutor at St Mellitus College, supporting and accompanying those preparing for ministry.
Speaking about her appointment, Ellie said:
“I’m delighted to be appointed as Interim Chaplain to Bishop Paul in his role as Acting Bishop of Guildford. I’m grateful to God for the richness of the relationships I have enjoyed and for all I have learned from the churches I have been part of over the years. At this time, I am especially grateful to the church community in East Horsley.
“I’m very much looking forward to this new and quite different role. I look forward to getting to know people across the Diocese of Guildford and supporting Bishop Paul in his ministry priorities during this vacancy period, including prayer, pastoral care, discipleship, and children and young people. By God’s grace, I hope to play my part in realising the diocesan vision, ‘Transforming Church, Transforming Lives.”
Ellie is married to Rich and they have two adult children in higher education. She has a particular interest in clergy wellbeing, spiritual formation and nurturing vocations. Her Christian journey has embraced a breadth of traditions, and she is passionate about celebrating the richness and diversity of the Anglican Communion.
Outside of ministry, Ellie enjoys walking her labrador in the Surrey Hills, cooking for family and friends, and creating ceramics on her potter's wheel.
Ellie succeeds the Revd Jo Winn-Smith, who served as Bishop's Chaplain for both the late Bishop Andrew and for Bishop Paul, and will begin a new chapter in her ministry, serving as Rector of Esher Parish.
Rt Revd Paul Davies, Bishop of Dorking and Acting Bishop of Guildford said:
“I’m thrilled that the Revd Ellie Lister has accepted the invitation to become the interim Bishop’s Chaplain. The panel were unanimous that Ellie is the person God is calling to this role during this season. She combines a missional focus with an astute mind and a pastoral heart. Please pray for her as she prepares to receive this baton from Jo.”
Ellie will take up the role from Monday 26 October.