05.09.2025
Meet Aaron Halliwell: A Pioneer With Ambitious Plans for Crinken
On Saturday September 13, Crinken Church will celebrate the commissioning of Aaron Halliwell as Pioneer Minister. This new role marks an exciting chapter for the parish and wider diocesan family, with a focus on creative outreach, worship development, and community engagement.
Originally from Carlisle in England, Aaron studied Musical Theatre at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before moving to Belfast and then Dublin. He brings a rich creative background alongside a deep faith and sense of call to pioneering ministry. “I feel God has been preparing me for this pioneering role,” he says, “and I can’t wait to step into all He has planned for me in this season.”
Aaron’s pioneering project at Crinken is ambitious and diverse, designed to meet people where they are and open fresh pathways to explore faith. Crinken is based in the heart of two fast growing housing developments, creating opportunities for Aaron to introduce a wide range of people from different walks of life to Jesus. Worship will be the heartbeat of his ministry, with all other initiatives flowing from that centre. Alongside worship development, the project will include outreach programmes, pastoral ministry, and opportunities for personal spiritual growth.
Some of the ideas already taking shape include Open Mic nights, Alpha and drama classes, a Games Café, Worship Academies, and sports clubs. The hope is to create spaces that are welcoming, creative, and faith–filled — places where people can encounter Jesus in authentic and accessible ways. Collaboration will also be key, with Aaron working alongside local organisations and other churches in the community.
Reflecting on his hopes for this new chapter, Aaron says: “I believe the most important thing that will grow this project will be my personal and spiritual commitment to Jesus Christ. My prayer is that Crinken will be a community where people can discover a faith that is real, joyful, and life–giving. I hope to see new connections form, barriers come down, and lives changed through the love of Christ.”
As Aaron begins this pioneering ministry, the commissioning service will not only mark a new season for Crinken Church but also signal a wider commitment within the diocese to explore fresh expressions of church and creative mission in today’s world.
Aaron wants to thank the Archbishop for his support, the Revsd Rob Jones and the Revd Scott Evans for their leadership, Crinken for their commitment and his family and fiancée for their unwavering encouragement as he steps into this next chapter of life.