The Diocesan Director of Vocations (DDV) for The Church of England in Lancashire (Blackburn Diocese) is preparing to become the new Director for Ministry for the whole of the Church of England.

Nick was recently congratulated in person by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York following the announcement; while the new Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Philip North, paid tribute to the 'tremendous energy' Nick has brought to the Diocese since his arrival. 

As DDV in our Diocese, Nick has led the Diocesan ‘Growing Leaders’ team overseeing lay and ordained vocational discernment; the start of ministry development for clergy and all lay ministry.

The latter includes the innovative ‘M:Power’ urban leadership and church planting project.

Another key element of Nick’s time in our Diocese has been leading the formation of Emmanuel Theological College on behalf of all the North West bishops.

The college was formally launched at a service in Blackburn Cathedral in 2021 and is going from strength to strength.

Reflecting on the achievements he has led in Blackburn Diocese, Nick said today: “I am deeply grateful to God for my fabulous colleagues across Lancashire and for all that he has enabled us to do together”

Nick was born and brought up in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. He came to England to study engineering at Nottingham University and worked in international business, before pursuing his calling to become a priest.

His training at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, was followed by ten years of parish ministry in the Diocese of Manchester, including a period as an Area Dean. 

Nick is married to Revd Jo McKee, who is parish priest of St Andrews in Radcliffe, Manchester and the Country Director of the international Arrow church leadership development programme.

On his new national role in The Church of England, Nick added: “I am looking forward to becoming Director for Ministry and working in partnership with colleagues across the country, so that together we can share our faith in Jesus Christ with renewed simplicity, humility and boldness. 

“I am passionate about developing the support we offer to people from all backgrounds and traditions to explore God’s call on their lives, together with how we form, deploy and resource them for life-long mission and ministry.”

Commenting on the news of Nick’s appointment, the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Revd Philip North said: “Whilst we will miss Nick enormously, it goes without saying that this is a remarkable achievement and is testimony to the tremendous energy Nick has brought to this Diocese over the past five years. That energy, alongside his strategic mind, will be put to good use in this challenging and critical new role.

“It is a significant post, based at Church House in London, where Nick will lead the teams who are responsible for selecting, forming, equipping and developing the clergy and lay ministers The Church of England will require to fulfil its vision and strategy.”

Pictures top to bottom ...

• Revd Canon Nick McKee
• Revd Canon Nick McKee, centre, is congratulated on his new role by (l-r) Rt Revd and Rt Hon. Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London; the Most Revd and Rt Hon. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; the Most Revd and Rt Hon. Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York and the Bishop of Chester, Rt Revd Mark Tanner, who is Chair of the Ministry Council.
• Rt Revd Philip North

Ronnie Semley, June 2023