Appointment of Minister-in-Charge in Blackstaff Mission Area

Sunday December 14th 2025

The Rev Gareth Campbell, curate in Christ Church, Lisburn, has been appointed Minister-in-Charge of the Parishes of St Mary Magdalene, St Aidan and St Simon, Belfast (Blackstaff Mission Area).

Gareth is married to Sarah, and they have two young children. He grew up in Ballinderry and was a member of Glenavy Parish. A past pupil of Wallace High School, Lisburn, he studied Youth and Community Work with Practical Theology through YouthLink and Belfast Bible College from 2012-2014. During this time, he worked as a Youth Worker with Drumglass Parish in Dungannon.

He moved to Armagh Diocese as a Youth Officer, and a year later was appointed Youth Worker at Lisburn Cathedral, Diocese of Connor, remaining there for three years before a move to Seagoe Parish, Diocese of Down and Dromore, where he was Youth Worker for four years.

While in Seagoe, Gareth obtained his Master’s in Theology through the Church of Ireland Theological Institute (non-residential) and he was ordained a deacon intern at a service in Lisburn Cathedral in September 2022, serving his deacon intern year in Derryvolgie Parish.

Following his ordination as a priest in September 2023, Gareth moved to Christ Church, Lisburn, as curate.

He said his years in Christ Church had been ‘an excellent learning experience.’ “I have gotten to experience every element of parish ministry and am very thankful to the Ven Paul Dundas for his training.

“We as a family have valued our time at Christ Church, and leaving was at difficult decision, but we felt that this was where God was calling us.”

Looking ahead to his move to South Belfast, he said: “We are excited for a church in the heart of Belfast where we can engage in all elements of ministry. The churches have been on their own journeys over the past couple of years and we are looking forward to being part of their next chapter.

“They have undergone a couple of years of reforming and restrategising, and now is the time to go out and serve in the heart of Belfast with its ever-changing demography.”

Gareth continued: “As we move forward as one church, we will be seeking a way to meet the needs of the community and show God’s love to all within that community.”