Phil

Rev Phil Warrey

Originally hailing from Gowerton in South Wales I trained as an Electrical Engineer in Pontypridd, before moving to Bristol to work in a Mechanical Engineering company for 26 years. My work took me to many different countries firstly to commission equipment I’d been involved in designing and later in helping to sell the equipment. Then the closing of our office in Bristol became the catalyst I needed to launch me into training and full time ministry.

It was while at college, I first ventured into a Methodist Church, and it was there that I experienced a welcome that was to be a change in my life. Mission England, Billy Graham and some good church friends propelled me to offer to be one of Mr Wesley’s Preachers, and I was accredited in 1989. Alongside my preaching and work, I also became a Youth Leader, a BB Officer and a driver for Torch Trust. Following redundancy in 2009 I started ministerial training in Wesley College Bristol and then with STETS at Sarum Salisbury.

Following a year as a student minister in Midsomer Norton, Farrington Gurney and Horizon Bath, I took up my first appointment in the Southend & Leigh Circuit looking after Rayleigh, Rochford and Hockley & Hawkwell Churches. Now in my second appointment, I was encouraged to take on the role of superintendency, alongside 3 churches. I am beginning to settle into this role, but really still a lot to learn….

Also in 1989 Caroline and I married, and we have 2 wonderful daughters of which we are both very proud - Theresa and Jessica, both grown up and married. We also have three grandchildren.

Caroline and I have been involved in Christian Puppet Teams for a number of years, and have now established a team in the circuit.

Outside of Circuit Life, I work voluntarily as part of the operations team on the Methodist 3Generate Event, Greenbelt Faith and Arts Festival (for whom Caroline now works), and an event with the Boys’ Brigade called UniteBB. I am learning to play the Ukulele badly, and enjoy photography.