The People File – Rev. Neil Chappell

Neil, Debby, Charlotte, Kristian and Jacob relaxing on holiday!

Neil Chappell began his ministry at Greenacres six years ago, on the 1st August 1993. Greenacres is Neil’s first pastorate since finishing his Ministerial training at Northern College in Manchester. As well as completing his studies at College, Neil gained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology & Religious Studies at the University of Manchester, and satisfied the requirements of the Congregational Federation’s Integrated Training Course. During his time training for the ministry, Neil worked in Churches in the Manchester inner-city areas of Hulme and Moss Side, had summer placements in South Africa and Corfe Castle, and then spent two years as student minister at Ebenezer Congregational Church in Uppermill, just 4 miles from Greenacres.

Since coming to Greenacres Neil has learnt all about the practical insights that the pastoral ministry brings. He has had a specific interest in working with young people - helping to organise Holiday Clubs, The Wednesday Club and Pilots, organising a visit from the young people at Thundersley Congregational Church - and he always looks forward to Parade Services, which are aimed at the children and young people.

Neil has also witnessed at first hand the amount of time and effort needed when a major church project comes along. Greenacres discovered a severe infestation of dry rot in 1991 and put into place plans for the future of the buildings. The work was still in its infancy in 1993 when Neil became minister, and at the beginning of the year 2000 the project is approaching its final phase! Neil has seen what its like to initiate a long-term fund-raising plan and manage negotiations with many interested parties.

Neil feels that Greenacres has been a very challenging prospect for his first church. There have been numerous difficulties along the way, difficulties that are not always taught in the classroom, difficulties that Neil has often found very hard to deal with. But, as one of the Church Members once remarked to him, ‘If you can survive Greenacres for a few years, you can survive any Church!’ There have also been many notable events and high points during his ministry at Greenacres, especially the celebrations of 1997 - the 325th anniversary of the Church.

Of all the facets of the ministry, Neil feels that worship is the one thing that he enjoys the most. He has spent a great deal of time crafting the way he leads worship, and after six years each Sunday is still a great challenge to him. Of specific interest to him are the parables. They featured as a major part of his studies for his BA degree, and he enjoys using them in his sermons.

Neil is married to Debby, and they have three children - Charlotte (10), Kristian (7) and Jacob (3). Debby works at Housing Units, a local store, helps out at Church with the Sunday School and Pilots, and enjoys being a home-maker through decorating and gardening. Charlotte has begun her final year at primary school, and she enjoys playing the keyboard and flute, listening to music, watching Nickelodeon and sleeping. Kristian is growing up fast now, progressing well at school and making many friends. He enjoys Cartoon Network, playing football and supporting Manchester United. Jacob has just completed five months at Nursery - and he thoroughly enjoys every minute of it. He spends his time following Kristian around, eating food, playing with his vast array of toys, being Superman and mucking about in his sand-pit.

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