Mark Packer

My passion is discipleship. By which I mean empowering and encouraging Christians, irrespective of age or history, to grow straight and tall as personally committed followers of Jesus Christ, with their primary life derived from being rooted in Him whilst also being embedded within and an active member of their local church family.

Having worked in advertising, PR, management consultancy, information management, IT and UG and PG medical education for I am also an alumnus of St Augustine’s. I am now joining the college staff with a broad portfolio of responsibilities.

I am currently the curate in the United Benefice of Shipbourne with Plaxtol, not far from West Malling. My wife Susan and I have a dog called Hector. 

On the afternoon of my ordination as a deacon I was asked by someone from the Diocesan Marketing Department (who knew?!) how I felt about being ordained. My, entirely unrehearsed, response was: “I’ve been waiting all my life for this. I just didn’t know that this was what I was waiting for!” So, whether you are an ordinand, are starting to explore God’s calling on your life or just tentatively dipping your toes into theology. I have been there, am still there, and am looking forward to journeying with you.

In my spare time (ha, ha!), I enjoy walking, play the acoustic guitar, listen to music, read, am a Paddle Sports leader Boys’ Brigade and hope to get back to roasting my own coffee.