StAGs

The Reverend Mark BatesOur Minister

Mark was born in Ashton under Lyne in 1962 and was the youngest of 5 living in Mossley. He went to Ashton under Lyne Grammar school before leaving home to join Lancashire Constabulary as a police cadet in 1978. He met Gill whilst at the Grammar School and they continued the relationship, getting married in 1983. They have two children Jennifer and Jonathon. Both are away studying at university and are not always around.
Mark spent 30 years in the Police Service in East Lancashire and lived in Blackburn throughout this time. He carried out many roles within the Police and was involved in supporting communities. Mark was also involved in the Scouting Movement from 1992 to 2003 when he resigned in order to pursue his other interests (Church)
Mark’s faith journey started in 1994, and he has been firstly a member, then an Elder, a lay preacher, and finally local church leader, before candidating for the ministry in 2004. Mark trained through Northern College where he gained a BA in Contextual Theology. He was ordained and inducted into the Vision Pastorate at St Andrew and St Georges in September 2011.

You may contact Mark