MICHAEL MITTON

I was born in Edinburgh, and my family moved to the South of England during my childhood. I gained a degree in Theology at Exeter University, and then trained at St.John's, Nottingham before ordination. I served a curacy in High Wycombe, and then became a Vicar in Kidderminster and during this time I became the leader for the St.John's Nottingham Introduction to Pastoral Counselling extension studies course.

I then left parish work for a while when I was invited to become National Director of Anglican Renewal Ministries. During this time I edited Anglicans for Renewal and oversaw the production of a number of training courses. I also travelled overseas, as the co-ordinator of a number of renewal organisations in different countries, and particularly enjoyed my visits to developing countries. Following that, I became the Deputy Director of the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation and headed up Christian Listeners. In 2003 I was employed by the Diocese of Derby to implement a strategy for change called Renewing Ministry after which I worked as part of the Training and Discipleship team as the Mission and Ministry Development Adviser. During my time in working for the diocese I was invited to be Priest-in-charge of St.Paul's Chester Green where I served until June 2019.  Between 2013 and 2017 I served as the half time Fresh Expressions Officer for the Derby Diocese.

 

I now work freelance, and this includes the offering of spiritual direction to around 20 clients. I provide spiritual direction support for the leaders of KXC, a young church in Kings Cross, London, and St.Basil's Church in Devon. I also lead retreats and conferences, and in recent years these have often been at Lee Abbey and Scargill. I also give much of my time to writing both non-fiction and fiction (see this page)

 

I live in Derby and am married to Julia and we have three married children who have given us nine grandchildren.

 

 

Commendation by Rt Revd Alastair Redfern, the previous Bishop of Derby

Michael Mitton offers an outstanding and unique combination of gifts, skills and experience. He has an exemplary and extremely creative ministry as a parish priest; an overseer of diocesan strategy and development, and an encourager and developer of clergy and those in public ministry. Michael brings profound gifts as a spiritual guide and teacher, amazing pastoral insight and wisdom, and above all the ability to hold these things together. He has been, and remains, an outstanding colleague in the Diocese of Derby but with contacts and contributions nationally. I commend him warmly as someone who can make a real difference as a consultant, a teacher, a spiritual guide, a strategic thinker, and an enabler and shaper of individual, group and diocesan ministries and strategies.