The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

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Appointment of new Diocesan Youth Officer

Wednesday January 8th 2025

Dave Armstrong has been appointed Connor Diocesan Youth Officer.

Connor Diocese is delighted to announce the appointment of Dave Armstrong, formerly a staff worker with mission agency Crosslinks, as Diocesan Youth Officer.

Dave, 35, grew up in Donacloney, Co Down, where he now lives with his wife Amber and three young children. A former pupil of Banbridge High School, he worked in retail for 10 years before taking up a post with Crosslinks, initially as a short-term mission and young adult worker, and later working in church partnerships and running summer camps.

Growing up in a Christian family, Dave came to faith at the age of eight. He became involved in youth summer camps from the age of 16 and was also a Sunday School teacher. In his early 20s, he took over running the youth fellowship in Donacloney Church – a role he maintained for seven years.

“As I was doing this, I was being mentored to really look at how I could help with teaching ministry in churches, and my rector at the time, the Rev Bryan Martin, was a big influence on me,” Dave said.

“That gave me a heart for God’s Word, teaching God’s Word and helping people understand God’s Word.”

Newly appointed Connor Youth Officer Dave Armstrong and his wife Amber.

Soon after he began working with Crosslinks, Dave trained as a Diocesan Lay Reader in Down and Dromore.

Reflecting on his appointment as Connor Youth Officer, Dave said: “We prayed about it, and it felt that this was where God was calling me.

“I am looking forward to meeting people across the diocese who have a heart and passion to help young people to get to know Jesus and God’s Word, and to help them grow young disciples of Jesus. I want to help churches develop and resource a vision for youth ministry in their own context, and I am looking forward to supporting the diocese on a wider basis.

“My real heart is to see young people across the diocese grow deep roots that will stand them strong for years to come that they will continue to walk with Jesus beyond their teens and beyond youth events.”

Outside of work and his family, Dave enjoys taking his son to football matches, and is a Leeds United fan. He also enjoys board games.

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, said he was delighted that Dave would be joining the diocese as Diocesan Youth Officer. “His previous experience of youth work and his passion for encouraging young people to know and follow Jesus will be a real asset to all of us as we seek to grow our work amongst young people across the parishes of the diocese,” Bishop George said.

“I know that many will join me in welcoming Dave and praying for him as he takes up his new responsibilities later this month.”

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