Who we are...
YSOM is based at the Diocesan Office in York but our courses take place across the Diocese, focused on three centres in York, Beverley and Middlesbrough.
The staff team at YSOM are also drawn from across the diocese, both lay and ordained, bringing together a wealth of experience and expertise in ministry and theological study. From a wide range of backgrounds, socially, educationally and in tradition, we share a passion and a vision to help equip Christian disciples, men and women, to fulfill the calling that God has given them.
The staff team at YSOM are also drawn from across the diocese, both lay and ordained, bringing together a wealth of experience and expertise in ministry and theological study. From a wide range of backgrounds, socially, educationally and in tradition, we share a passion and a vision to help equip Christian disciples, men and women, to fulfill the calling that God has given them.
Core Staff
Lynn Comer
Director of Lifelong Learning Lynn has been responsible for the development of YSOM since its inception in 2013, and previously worked in partnership with diocese, as a senior lecturer in theology and ministry at York St John University. She has a degree in Theology and Psychology from Leeds University and an MA in Theology also from Leeds. Lynn has served as a Licensed Reader at St Luke the Evangelist in York since 1996 and is currently the national advisor for Reader CMD. She lives in York with husband Mark and has a grown up Son living in Chester. Lynn oversees the management, quality assurance and day to day running of the York School of Ministry, being the key link with our partners at the Yorkshire Theological Education Partnership and with Durham University and Ministry Division. At YSOM she acts as academic tutor for students at Level 5 and 6 and teaches Old Testament and Pastoral Studies, including Worship, Liturgy and Spirituality, Preaching, Theological Reflection and oversees placements and placement based modules. Lynn also manages the initial Reader training programme for the Diocese and is responsible for the continuing ministerial development for Readers. |
Jo Slack
Academic Tutor Jo has been teaching theology in Higher Education since January 2013. She held fixed term contracts with York St John University and the Diocese of York and became a permanent member of staff for the Diocese in January 2016. She loves teaching systematic theology and helping her students to practically apply their learning to their own discipleship and ministry contexts. Jo teaches on all the Level 4 modules offered through YSOM and takes the occasional session in Level 5 and 6. As the Level 4 Academic Tutor she is responsible for the academic development and pastoral care of her students which includes identifying individual needs for study skills, assistance with any formal or informal assessment and regular pastoral tutorials. Jo lives in Linton on Ouse and has 2 children of secondary school age. |
ASSOCIATE STAFF
Ian McIntosh
Director of Mission & Ministry Director of Mission and Ministry for the Diocese of York with a background in lay and ordained ministerial formation. He has been involved in discipleship training, co-ordinating Reader training and being Principal of the Eastern Region Ministry Course. He enjoys helping people make connections between faith and wider life. He loves theology which is practical, rooted in context and which seeks the flourishing and liberation of all people. |
Peter Rushton
Peter has served as a Reader in two locations within the Diocese of York - for four years in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough and more recently in the three churches of Clifton Parish in the city of York. Prior to that he lived in Wiltshire, where for 10 years he was involved in delivering Reader training in Bristol Diocese. His three passions are faith, family and football although he is willing to confess that he sometimes struggles to place these in the correct order |
Catherine Reid
Catherine has been teaching at YSOM since 2018 and is currently Chaplain to the University of York. Prior to her current role, she was Vicar of the Ampleforth Benefice and IME 2 Training Adviser for Cleveland Archdeaconry. Catherine is involved in teaching at all levels with a focus on liturgy and worship. She is married to Andrew and they have two young children and live in York. |
Paul Ferguson
As Bishop of Whitby teaching is a significant part of Paul’s role in the Diocese. As well as chairing the Board of Education, he teaches for School of Ministry on the certificate, diploma and BA Programmes in York and Middlesbrough. Paul contributes specifically to Old Testament, Doctrine & History and Ethics modules. |
Mike Peatman
Mike was the Academic Tutor at the Beverley Hub of the York School of Ministry for several years. Mike is the vicar at St Nicholas, Beverley and is looking forward to taking on this role full time as the church grows. Mike has taught a variety of topics across all levels with a particular interest in Biblical Studies. |
Greg Hoyland
Greg spent 20 years in pastoral ministry as a curate, vicar and university chaplain followed by 20 years as a university lecturer in Theology. He taught Biblical Studies, Christian Ethics and Contemporary Christianity to undergraduates and postgraduates as well as Readers and Ordinands. His research area was in ecclesiology. Greg regularly teaches on our biblical studies, doctrine and church history modules. |
John Hoyland
John was ordained in 2021 and is serving his curacy at Clifton Parish in York. He holds an MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission, and has only recently started teaching for YSOM. He's endlessly fascinated by the Old Testament but as yet has no idea what he specialises in. If you don't want to talk to him about Biblical Studies or theology, feel free to try cricket. |
Andrew de Smet
Andrew de Smet is Archbishop's Adviser and Coordinator in Pastoral Care. he is a priest, BACP accredited counsellor/ psychotherapist, mediator and spiritual director. Andrew contributes to our Pastoral Care modules. Previously he has served in Parishes on the edge of the North York Moors, Warwickshire and inner Portsmouth and run a retreat centre. He also paints icons. |
YSOM is the School of Ministry for the Diocese of York. For the Data Privacy Notice for the Diocese of York click here.
COPYRIGHT © 2001 - 2021 THE YORK DIOCESAN BOARD OF FINANCE LTD. REGISTERED CHARITY 244976 - COMPANY LIMITED 22523
COPYRIGHT © 2001 - 2021 THE YORK DIOCESAN BOARD OF FINANCE LTD. REGISTERED CHARITY 244976 - COMPANY LIMITED 22523