Succession
The R+R leadership and trustee team are delighted to announce that we have officially appointed Jesse Duley as our new Senior Pastor – whoop! whoop!
Jesse Duley and his wife Marie have been part of Kingdom Vineyard in Scotland for 20 years, and Riverside Vineyard in London for 5 years before that. They’ve served in every ministry going, but Jesse’s primary role in Scotland has been as Worship Pastor, while Marie has worked as a high school Librarian.
For some time God has been speaking to Jesse about moving into a Senior Pastor role by way of succession, and over the last year it became evident that this would be to Rock and Redeemer Vineyard in Dunstable - to which Jesse and Marie have both eagerly given their “yes!”
All in all, we received 16 applications for the role! That’s pretty encouraging in itself. Out of those, we shortlisted four credible candidates to interview, progressed two for a second interview where Jesse came out as the strongest candidate. We are delighted that he feels the same and wants to join us as our new Senior Pastor!
The beginning point
Last summer, our founding pastors Henry and Debra Cross felt called to move to the south coast to lead Bognor Vineyard. Within three months, they’d sold their house, secured school places for all of their children, and were provided with accommodation ready to start the new academic and church year!
As well as being extremely grateful for the swiftness of God's provision for the Cross family, it also gave us faith in believing God will likewise provide our R+R church family with exactly what we need at the right time.
“God’s faithfulness in the past gives us faith for the future.”
Thanks to the strong foundation Henry and Debra built, the remaining leaders were able to form an interim group that kept church life flourishing for six months. This stability allowed R+R to plan a considered and robust recruitment and discernment process, rather than feeling pressured to rush and make an appointment to fill the gap.
The discernment process
The leadership and trustee team spent the summer working ‘behind the scenes’ to prepare for the transition ahead. They sought counsel and advice from the wider Vineyard movement, including VCUKI’s Succession Lead and R+R’s Vineyard Regional Leader.
And the church prayed! This is the single most important thing we can do in any season. You prayed in your home groups, and you prayed as individuals and families in your homes. You gathered for 24-hour prayer days at the start of the academic year in September, and again as we stepped into the New Year in January.
And the church listened! You asked God to lead and guide us in this decision, and He was faithful to answer. The prayers, prophetic words, and dreams you shared with the leadership teams and with one another have been invaluable. They have illuminated and informed the succession panel’s conversations and discernment process throughout the search.
And the church has thrived! Beyond prayer, you have continued to serve one another and give financially. So thank you for doing more than just waiting; thank you for responding to God’s call, to keep worshiping, praying, and sharing His love with those around us. We rest in the promise that God is the one building His church, and is faithful to finish what He has started.
The end is in sight
Last year we shared our hope that we’d be able to appoint a Senior Pastor by early 2026. Well praise God, that hope has been fulfilled! Jesse Duley will join us on Monday 9th March, which means his first Sunday with us will be on Mother’s Day 2026 (15th March).
Leadership Team:
James, Suze, Paul, Becky G, Becky B & Amy
Trustee Team:
Andrew, Emma, Fliss, Steve
Questions?
If you have questions, then please do feed these back through your small group leaders, or drop us an email.