The Diocese of York is pleased to confirm the appointment of the Revd Canon Mark Carey as its new Director of Mission and Ministry. In this role, Mark will build on his long-standing service across the diocese, strengthening our shared commitment to Living Christ’s Story.
Mark brings decades of parish and leadership experience, shaped by a deep conviction that God forms ordinary disciples for extraordinary faithfulness in everyday life. He will lead and develop the diocese’s Mission and Ministry team, working alongside clergy and lay leaders to equip and resource parishes, support local mission, and help communities flourish as confident missionary disciples.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Mark as our new Director of Mission and Ministry. He brings immense parish experience, a track record of growing churches, a love of souls and a thirst for justice. His pastoral heart and strategic eye are just what we need.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Mark said: “I am grateful to be continuing my ministry within the Diocese of York, serving our shared calling to live Christ’s story in this generation. Across the parish contexts in which I have served, I have seen how God forms ordinary disciples for extraordinary faithfulness in everyday life. At this time of renewed spiritual openness, I believe the Holy Spirit is inviting us to grow in confidence as missionary disciples.
“I look forward to leading and developing a team that continues to discern new ways of equipping and resourcing parishes, so that every community may more fully participate in the mission God is already bringing to life among us.”
A track record of parish renewal and church planting
Born in Enfield and one of four children, Mark spent his early years living in Durham and Bristol before beginning his working life as a social worker, supporting children and young people in local authority care. That early experience of listening, advocacy, and steady presence has continued to inform his ministry and leadership.
Ordained in his late twenties, Mark has served in a wide range of parish settings across Yorkshire, including curacies in Wakefield and Sheffield, followed by a first incumbency in a semi-rural parish in North Sheffield.
For ten years, Mark oversaw a significant parochial reorganisation that led to the planting of Kairos Network Church, serving in the Deanery of Harrogate. This work was marked by careful discernment, partnership, and a commitment to reaching new people while deepening discipleship.
For the last eight years, Mark has served in Bridlington as vicar of a network of churches across seven locations, supporting 11 worshipping communities of different types—an approach that reflects the breadth of local contexts across the diocese and the need for flexible, locally-led mission.
Mark is married to Penny, and they have three children and a grandchild. Outside parish life, Mark’s loves include Arsenal FC, coffee, beer and Jesus—though, as he freely admits, not necessarily in that order.
Looking forward
In his new role, Mark will focus on enabling parishes and local leaders with practical support, thoughtful formation, and a clear sense of shared direction—helping churches grow in confidence, creativity, and faithfulness as they join in what God is already doing in their communities.
Mark will be hosting sessions at our Diocesan Conference at the University of York in July. Further details about his start date and how parishes can connect with the Mission and Ministry team will be shared through diocesan channels in due course.
