New minister to develop pioneer ministry to autistic community

A man with a passion for sharing the love of Christ with autistic people has been ordained as a Church of Scotland minister.

The Rev Steven Owens will divide his time between providing spiritual leadership at Bellshill West Parish Church in North Lanarkshire and developing the St Thorlak’s community, a pioneer initiative to benefit people with the lifelong developmental disorder.

Mr Owens, 44, celebrated Holy Communion for the first time in Bellshill West Church following his ordination at Hamilton Old Parish Church in September.

His wife Marie, daughters Rebecca and Lauren, mum Betty and other family members, friends and Church of Scotland colleagues and representatives from ecumenical partner churches attended the ordination service.

Prior to ministry, Mr Owens was the head of Autism Training at the National Autistic Society. He said: “I was called initially to parish ministry and was very clear that pioneer ministry is only something I would support, but would not do myself.

“God had other plans, and my call developed to parish ministry with pioneer ministry alongside.

“I know I am in the right place with Bellshill West for this time and trust that God will lead me to where I am meant to be next. “In the meantime, there is plenty for me to do here and in developing St Thorlak’s Community further.

“It will seek to develop an online community for autistic Christians and work ecumenically with the local church to make church life more accessible for autistic Christians and their families.

“If I can help the church grow capacity in this way, I feel I will be answering part of the call I feel affirmed that God is placing on my life.”