14 September 2026
The Rev’d Dr Rebecca Aechtner has been appointed as the Head of Vocations and Discipleship (incorporating the role of Diocesan Director of Ordinands) for the Diocese of Chelmsford.
Rebecca currently serves as Area Director of Ministry for Two Cities (London and Westminster) in the Diocese of London. She has previously served as a parish priest and a theological educator.
Welcoming Rebecca’s appointment, the Rev’d Canon Rob Merchant, Dean of Mission, Ministry and Education said:
"I'm delighted that Rebecca will be joining our Mission and Ministry Department in this new role leading the Vocations and Discipleship Team. Rebecca's experience as an incumbent, a theological educator, and as Area Director of Ministry for Two Cities (London and Westminster) in the Diocese of London, means she brings a gift of experience, insight, and practice to enable the development of vocations and discipleship across our diocese. We look forward to welcoming Rebecca to the wider diocesan team serving our parishes, worshipping communities, and schools."
The Head of Vocations and Discipleship is a new role in the Diocese or Chelmsford, leading the newly formed Vocations and Discipleship Team in the Mission and Ministry Department. The Vocations and Discipleship Team brings together our Lay Ministry Adviser, two Assistant Directors of Ordinands, a Vocations Outreach Officer and a team administrator, to support the development and delivery of a diocesan wide vocations strategy with the goal of increasing the number of people in vocational discernment and training, alongside supporting the continued development of the Course in Christian Studies, which has enabled people to grow in discipleship and explore vocation for over 30 years.
Commenting on her appointment, Rebecca said:
“One of the greatest privileges of ministry is accompanying people as they grow in faith and discern their vocation. I am excited to take up the role of Head of Vocations and Discipleship, working with colleagues across the Diocese to encourage and equip people of all ages and backgrounds as they explore God's call on their lives.”
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev’d Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani said:
“We know from experience that people growing in discipleship are people ready to follow Christ’s call into new vocations, both lay and ordained. Rebecca’s appointment is good news for all who encourage and support vocations and discipleship in our diocese. I am very much looking forward to working with her and our Vocations and Discipleship Team.”
Rebecca will begin her role as Head of Vocations and Discipleship on 12 October.
About the Rev’d Dr Rebecca Aechtner
Canadian and German, Rebecca holds a PhD in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Edinburgh (New College). She trained at St Mellitus College North West and was ordained in 2016 in the Diocese of Blackburn, where she served her curacy and first incumbency. She lives in London with her husband, Anderson Jeremiah, who is the Bishop of Edmonton, and their two children.”
