Mission in Chesterfield
In the south of Chesterfield, in a small, economically struggling parish, Revd. Sally-Anne Beecham has been quietly, but powerfully, helping transform the fabric of her community.
Since being ordained in 2019, Sally-Anne’s journey has evolved from working with disadvantaged youth in London and Sheffield to now leading a revitalised ministry at St. Augustine’s, where her work has brought warmth, guidance, and support to many in need.
Sally-Anne’s journey to ordination was unconventional. Before joining the church, she was a dedicated education officer for Kingston’s Youth Offending Team, and later, the manager of Sheffield City Council’s Attendance and Inclusion Service. “My previous roles opened my eyes to the unique challenges facing low-income communities and young people,” she reflects, “and that experience has profoundly shaped my approach to ministry.”
We’ve made the church building a central point for help and hope, especially for those who might never step into a church otherwise.”
Sally-Anne Beecham
After three years at St Hild, Sally-Anne was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of St. Augustine’s. Since then, her leadership has expanded beyond traditional worship, helping infuse the parish with new energy, inclusivity, and community outreach.
Today, St. Augustine’s isn’t only a place of worship but also a sanctuary for the community’s most vulnerable. The church has opened its doors to host an array of services that address local needs: a weekly food pantry, advice hubs, clothing donations, and holiday programs for children. “We’ve made the church building a central point for help and hope, especially for those who might never step into a church otherwise,” she explains. The congregation actively participates, with some members volunteering to support these initiatives.
Establishing worship communities
One of Sally-Anne’s most fulfilling projects has been establishing new worship communities. Recognising that traditional Sunday services didn’t meet everyone’s needs, she helped introduce a family-centred congregation inspired by the Messy Church model and a seeker-friendly evening service. “Many of the people we’re connecting with have a belief in God but no church experience,” she says. “We’re inviting them not just to attend, but to help run these groups, to give them a sense of ownership and belonging.”
In addition, her ministry extends to Hope House, a homeless hostel next to the church. She provides weekly devotionals for its residents and designs evening worship services with them in mind. The effects of this ministry have been profound.
“Some men from Hope House have shared experiences of encountering God in ways they can’t explain,” she shares, describing how several have gone on to Bible college or returned to help others in need.
The spiritual growth and transformation happening here are truly inspiring.”
Beyond her parish duties, Sally-Anne has taken on the role of Estates Focal Lead for the Derby Diocese, where she develops resources and networks to support clergy working in low-income areas.
“My background with the Youth Offending Team and city council taught me how to serve complex communities, and I bring that experience to this role,” she says. Her work aims to share best practices, helping other church leaders make a meaningful impact in similar communities.
Reflecting on her training at St Hild, Sally-Anne credits the institution with preparing her for this work:
St Hild provided flexibility for me to continue working part-time and gave me practical, relevant skills,” she recalls. “Its emphasis on socio-historical context has helped me make the Bible accessible, especially to those unfamiliar with it.”
The connections she made at St Hild have also been invaluable, providing a network of support and friendship that continues to sustain her
The connections she made at St Hild have also been invaluable, providing a network of support and friendship that continues to sustain her.
As Sally-Anne looks to the future, she hopes to deepen St. Augustine’s role as a community hub and spiritual refuge. Plans are underway to launch a parent-and-carer support group, another step towards building resilience and trust within the community.
“Seeing people’s lives transformed by faith and compassion is what gets me up in the morning.”
