Soul Survivor Watford has appointed Rev Simon Nicholls as the church’s new associate pastor.
The church shared the news of Rev Nicholls’ appointment via Instagram, noting that he will begin his role in September.
“I’m really looking forward to taking up my new role and bringing all that I have learned and been moulded by over the past eight years to add in to the mix at Soul Survivor Watford,” Rev Nicholls is quoted saying in the post.
“As a family, we are excited about being part of your wonderful community and playing our small part in seeing Watford brought alive in the name of Jesus; partnering with what you’re already doing to love God, love people and love the world,” he continued.
Rev Nicholls is familiar with the church, having joined in 2001 to take the ten-month leadership course now commonly known as Soul 61. Following his gap year, Rev Nicholls stayed in the congregation to work as an operations manager from 2002 to 2012.
From 2012 until 2014, he spearheaded Soul Action, the social justice branch of Soul Survivor, founded in partnership with Tearfund in 2009. He left to train for ordination in the Church of England in 2016 and has since served in Bournemouth and East London, including as an associate pastor.
Commenting on Rev Nicholls' appointment, Soul Survivor Watford told Premier Christian News: “We are delighted to appoint the Rev'd Si Nicholls as our new Associate Pastor. After a thorough recruitment process, Si was a standout candidate, bringing his experience from 8 years serving faithfully at churches as a curate and associate priest in Bournemouth and London, since he left Soul Survivor in 2016 to pursue ordination.
“We look forward to welcoming Si and his family as they join us to serve our church and the community of Watford.”
The appointment has sparked some discussion on social media, with some noting a previous message from the church leadership expressing their intention to recruit from “outside the church” to bring fresh perspectives and strengths. Soul Survivor Watford declined to comment on this point.
Fiona Scolding KC will publish a report in the coming months on the safeguarding allegations against Mike Pilavachi and the culture at Soul Survivor Watford.
To hear more on the allegations facing Soul Survivor and its founder, Mike Pilavachi, check out Premier's Soul Survivors podcast.
(This story has been edited to correct a few inaccuracies)
