Neale is to be ordained as a deacon on Saturday 1 July and will serve his her curacy in the benefice of Abbots Bromley, Blithfield, Colton, Colwich and Great Haywood.
Neale is married to Rachel, and they have a five-year-old daughter. In September 2021, after 17 years working in retail management, Neale began ordination training at the Queen’s foundation in Birmingham.
Neale believes that the church has a great opportunity, especially in these difficult and turbulent times, to live and breathe the Gospel and reach out into the community. To see where God is already at work in the community and join in, demonstrating the transformative power of God’s love and the hope found in Jesus Christ. Neale believes that being a part of nourishing and supporting both churches and the community is central to his ministry.
Neale began ordination training with the fear that he had to fit a particular mould, of what an ordained person needed to be. However, through his training and initial ministerial formation Neale says, "you can still maintain your own identity, personality and interests whilst serving in the church, God calls you."
If anyone feels that God may be calling them to a particular role, they should be patient and trust in what God might be saying and talk to someone about it. Be prepared for good times and bad times along the discernment journey but ultimately trust in the faithfulness and the generosity of God and be open to engaging and learning with the diverse people that the Spirit inspires.