Welcome to Reverend Richard McLean our Incoming Executive Officer
Statement from James Watt, Moderator of Southern Presbytery
I am thrilled to advise that the Council of Southern Presbytery has appointed the Reverend Richard McLean of Wellington as the Presbytery’s Executive Officer to take up the role on 15 April 2024.
With Rev Alan Judge not seeking re-appointment when his term concludes early 2024, the Council reviewed the role and decided to refocus it on helping the Presbytery implement its Strategic Directions Statement, strengthen relationships across the region and manage staff. There was strong interest in the role. A Council task group interviewed short-listed candidates. The Task Group and the Council were unanimous in their decisions.
Richard has been a minister of word and sacrament for 27 years, first in South Africa and since 2009 in New Zealand. He has been minister of Plimmerton Presbyterian Church in Wellington since 2010. Richard recently completed aMaster of Faith-Based Leadership and Management (MFBLM) at the University of Otago, with Distinction. Richard has served in regional and national roles including as convener of the Assembly’s Council of Assembly 2018 – 2021. Richard is an excellent listener and has broad experience in the areas for which the Council is seeking expertise.
The Presbytery Council is looking forward to working with Richard in implementing the Presbytery’s Strategic Directions Statement.
The Council will be making a temporary part-time appointment for the time between when Alan Judge finishes and Richard takes up the role.
James Watt
Moderator of Southern Presbytery
18 December 2023.