We are pleased to welcome Isaac McNish who will be taking over as Head of Ministry following the retirement of Sally Piper.

Isaac, who lives on the Lizard, will be joining the Ministry team from December 2 and is looking forward to bringing his experience in ministry and theological education to the role.

The Rt Revd Hugh Nelson, acting Bishop of Truro, said: “This is such an important role for us, and I am delighted that Isaac has chosen to bring his skills, faith and energy to the Diocese of Truro. I am looking forward to working with him.”

Explaining what attracted him to the job, Isaac said: “The role’s focus on developing both ordained and lay ministry aligns with my calling to serve the church in mission. I am deeply inspired by the Diocese of Truro’s bold vision for Change and Renewal. I look forward to helping to bring about this vision of creating a fruitful and sustainable church. As most of my professional and ministry training has taken place within and from Cornwall, I am deeply passionate about continuing to serve and develop ministry within the Diocese of Truro.”

Familiar Face

Isaac may well be a familiar face to some of you from one of his previous roles as South West Youth Ministries area co-ordinator for Cornwall. For the last four years, he has been undertaking doctoral studies through London School of Theology with his research focused on how people develop a sense of belonging to a church congregation.

Isaac’s faith journey began in earnest at secondary school when he joined a church-based youth group on the Lizard. Following school, he took a discipleship year where he got involved in local ministry and ended up undertaking three years of theological training with Moorlands College through the Methodist Circuit on the Lizard and Mount’s Bay.

Isaac’s early years were spent on the family farm in Nottinghamshire. At 14, he and his family moved to a small holding on the Lizard and Isaac went on to attend Mullion School and Truro College. After a completing a degree at Exeter, where he met his wife Hannah, the couple returned to the Lizard. They now live there with their three children and fluffy golden retriever Rory.

Reflecting on what is to come, Isaac said: “I am most looking forward to encountering the wide range of people, stories and places that make up the Diocese of Truro. I believe there is a rich heritage of ministry and mission which continue through to today. I look forward to learning with and from the people who are currently leading and serving across the diocese.”