What We Do
St Ninian's Church is a modern group of communities where we value what is ancient as well as embracing what is new.
Here are the three main ways we explore and grow faith together:
1. St Ninian's on Sunday mornings.
At 10.30am, every single Sunday morning, our core congregation meets in our main worship space. This group use the traditional forms of worship that have been handed on to us over the centuries through The Church of England - but always in an informal and accessible way. We enjoy the power and beauty of our space and are accompanied by the church's impressive organ as we sing old and modern hymns and songs, and there is time at the end of the service to enjoy refreshments and conversations together.
This congregation is led by our Vicar - Rev'd Steven Herron, and our Associate Pioneer Minister - Rev'd Alex Brown
2. Sunday at 10 (The Cat With No Tail pub)
At 10am, also every Sunday, another congregation meets at "The Cat" pub around the corner. This entirely separate congregation have been growing here for around 30 years and follow a more simple version of worship, enjoy singing together using more contemporary music, and appreciate the informality and flexibility of the pub environment. There is also time for refreshments and conversation at the end of this service.
Sunday at 10 is led by Chris Wildman, along with Pioneer Ministers, Rev'd Fran Griffiths and Rev'd David Griffiths.
3. Pioneer Church, Douglas
Pioneer church is around 5 years old and has multiple ways of exploring or deepening faith; from wild adventures in glens, through Saturday evening meetings in coffee shops, all the way to free-form evenings of modern worship songs, or mornings exploring faith through art. Some of these happen in the worship space at St Ninian's, whilst others happen out and about around our beautiful island.
All of these things involve refreshments. Have you spotted a theme?
Pioneer Church is led by Rev'd Alex Brown (St Ninian's Associate Pioneer Minister)
CPAS - The Churches Pastoral Aid Society
From the word go, St Ninian's was under the 'Patronage' of CPAS - a group of churches who share the same ethos when it comes to faith. CPAS have always emphasised the centrality of the Bible and a need for a personal encounter with God through Jesus. CPAS have 4 key goals:
1. Every church a pathway to faith;
2. Every leader a catalyst to making Jesus known (evangelism);
3. Every Christian a courageous 'witness' (able to share their personal story of faith);
4. Every child the chance to explore Jesus for themselves.
To see about the work of CPAS for yourself - hit this link, or the picture.
Who's Who?
When you come to St. Ninian's Church for a function, a service, a party or just to look around - you'll probably find some of these people. Here are our titles and a little biog about us too.
Rev'd Steven Herron: Vicar
I grew up in Southport and, after working across Merseyside as a Paramedic and lecturer for almost 10 years, moved to the Isle of Man in 2016. I was ordained in 2020 and have enjoyed volunteering with many organisations over the years, having been a Scout Leader and volunteer with St John Ambulance for over 20 years.
I love the outdoors, music, hiking and kayaking, as well as playing tuba with Douglas Town Band. I'm married to Sarah and have 2 incredible daughters, all of whom constantly outwit me! I love a good curry and can never turn down a slice of lemon drizzle cake!
I now serve as part-time Vicar of St Ninian’s while also still working for the Isle of Man Ambulance Service as a part-time Paramedic. Clearly, I like to keep busy and I also run a small first aid training company, am a trustee of the Ellan Vannin Home, an advising member of the Patient Consultative Committee of Hospice Isle of Man and volunteer my time with the Cheshire and Isle of Man Army Cadet Force as well as being the island’s Scout Association Chaplain. Finally - I'm also a clinical team volunteer and educator with St John Ambulance Merseyside.
Rev'd Alex Brown: Associate Pioneer Minister
I also have two part-time jobs, but both of mine are with the Church of England. In my role at St. Ninian's I oversee ways we can engage people in new, innovative ways of doing and being church. In the rest of my time I run Pioneer Church, which does just that but with no building.
I moved here in 1997 and spent 20 years running a charity here which engaged in youth work, training young leaders, and leading churches across all denominations into missional thinking. I'm a Director of a local anti-addiction charity (Motiv8), and of Emmanuel Bible College (NW England), as well as being a dramatist and writer. I've got a beautiful wife, two amazing girls, two pets that I'm sadly allergic to, and with ADHD ... also way too many batteries!
Marilyn Payne: Church Warden
Marilyn's biographical info will appear here soon! Watch this space.
Paul Naylor: Church Warden
There'll be a short biography for Paul here too. Please be patient. :)
Julian Power: Head of Church MUsic
We are so honoured to have Julian as our head of music. He has been the organist of St Ninian’s for over 45 years. He is a conductor of choirs and operatic societies, and was awarded British Empire Medal by the late Queen Elizabeth for services to Music.
Julian is a Master of Business Administration, Fellow of Chartered Management Institute and Hon Treasurer of St Ninian’s and other Island charities, as well as being a director of numerous international businesses including some licenced by Isle of Man Government’s Financial Services Authority.
David Sweet: Parish Safeguarding Officer
I came to the Island in Aug 1997 after spending many years a Deck Officer in the Merchant Navy to take up the role of a Personnel Officer for the Company I work at sea. I spent 18 years recruiting young people to complete a 3 year training programme to become the future Captains and Chief Engineers in the Merchant Navy. When I retired, I had 100 Trainees on the programme 25% were women.
Since retiring I have been involved with St John's Mill as General Manager and now Company Secretary.
I have been involved with Safeguarding since 2016.
Our Facilities
At St Ninian's we pride ourselves on keeping our facilities up to date, clean and usable. Here are some images of the space we look after for each other and potentially for you to use too!
