From leading worship in Chapel to teaching New Testament, taking the emergency phone and fitting in a Saturday parkrun, the role of the Warden of Cranmer Hall is wonderfully varied. In this interview, Nick Moore reflects on the path that brought him to Durham, what makes St John’s and Cranmer Hall so distinctive, and the mix of community, learning and faith that shapes life at John’s.
Tell us a little bit about your background and the path that brought you to St John’s.
I have been involved in Christian ministry in a range of places (France, and both the South and North of England), and I also had the privilege of doing a doctorate in theology some years ago. My first job at St John’s (teaching and looking after the MA programme within Cranmer Hall) brought these two things together in a wonderful way.
What does your role involve day to day?
I’ve served as the Warden of Cranmer Hall for nearly three years now, overseeing the ministry training that is offered within St John’s. That means that no two days are the same! It is a wonderful mix of all kinds of different things: I’m involved in governance as a director and trustee of the College; I share in leadership decision-making as part of the College Officers team; I lead the Cranmer staff team; I am in Chapel each day in term-time, joining in our regular worship services (and sometimes leading or preaching at them!); I take my turn as ‘on call’ holding the emergency phone; and I’m also a New Testament scholar and teach, research, speak, and write in that area.
What makes St John’s distinctive within Durham?
Well, of course I would say Cranmer Hall! In fact, I think that makes us unique within the UK and even perhaps in the world! It is an incredible gift to have ministry training and a university college within the same institution, and my experience has been that this is mutually enriching for those in both ‘halls’ within the College.
Outside work, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy a parkrun – I’m a big fan of this incredible community movement which is engaging more and more people (and the average times are getting slower, a sure sign that it’s encouraging people to take up exercise!). So I might see you by the Graham Sports Centre at 9am on a Saturday morning…
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