Rev. Mark Derry
Senior Priest (Rector)
Mark Derry joins the Church of the Epiphany from his most recent posting in South Africa, where he was Rector of St John’s Anglican Church and Dean of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth. Mark is married to Debbie (for more than 30 years) and they have three grown up children, Kate, Matthew and Meghan. He is a “second career” minister having previously spent nearly 20 years in the corporate environment, first on regional newspapers as a journalist, and subsequently, in the Communications Department of Delta Motor Corporation (General Motors South Africa) and then Volkswagen South Africa as National Public Relations manager, before responding to his call into full-time ministry. In 1985 Mark had an epiphany (good word!) experience on a park bench in Ireland in Galway Bay, that affirmed his relationship with a living God; and in 1995 Debbie and Mark attended one of the first Alpha courses in South Africa, and received a baptism in the Holy Spirit, which set the course for a move into full-time ministry. Apart from a B Journalism and Media Studies degree, Mark has a B Th degree and Honours Degree in Biblical Archaeology. He has also completed an MA programme on Christian Spirituality, achieving the level of Distinction. In terms of churchmanship Mark has been exposed to a wide range of Anglican worship styles and liturgies, from Anglo Catholic to Charismatic to Reformed Evangelical. As a teacher/pastor Mark’s leadership has been one of EER – Equip, Empower, Release -- in investing in this and the next generation, growing and mentoring future leaders, be it clergy or lay.