Ordination of Jonathan Napper as Deacon

It was a joyful evening on Wednesday as friends, family and the congregation of St Mary’s Church Radcliffe-on-Trent gathered to celebrate the ordination of Jonathan (Jo) Napper as Deacon, welcoming him into this new phase of ministry.

Jo grew up in Bishop’s Stortford, Herts where he met his wife, Gill, when she was studying for her teaching degree. They married in 1979 and have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Jo’s career spanned 47 years in private and public sector organisations working in Human Resources. He and Gill started a Baptist church plant in Farnham, Surrey with another couple in 1991, and Jo co-led this as an Elder for 25 years. Jo and Gill moved to Orston, Notts in 2017, and in 2019 found themselves worshipping in Radcliffe. Jo retired in Aug 2023, and his prayerful desire to be used by God unexpectedly led to his exploring ordination. He has been studying at St Mellitus via the Caleb Stream. Jo and Gill love walking, caravanning, running their Life Group, hosting friends at home, and trying to keep up with their growing family.

Bishop Andy gave the sermon, reminding the candidates, “you are called, like Peter and like John, to be rocks”. Drawing on Matthew 16:13-19, he shared three ways in which we are all called to join in the task of building the church: to simply surrender, to stay steadfast, and to steward securely.

Jo will serve his title with the Revd Canon Mark Tanner in the Benefice of Radcliffe-on-Trent and Shelford. Please join us in praying for Jo and his wife Gill as they begin this new season of ministry.

As we’ve celebrated the ordinations over the past few weeks, it may be that you have felt God stirring something in your heart about his call on your life, whatever that might look like. If you want to explore this further, visit our vocations page for more information about support we offer for those exploring their calling.