On 1st February 2023, Rev Jannet Mudavanhu was appointed as minister of Trinity Union Parish in Newtown and St Anselm's Union Church in Karori. This appointment was on a 12-month trial basis as this shared-ministry with two separate parishes was a new venture for not just Jannet but also for Trinity and St Anselm's and their relevant partner churches. Jannet apportioned 60% of her time with St Anselm's and 40% with Trinity.
This shared-ministry arrangement worked very well from a ministry perspective but St Anselm’s found it could not afford the 60% share of the stipend plus housing costs, and the trial 12-month appointment was not extended.
As from 4th February 2024, St Anselm’s reverted to the “guest preacher“ model used prior to Jannet Mudavanhu’s appointment. We have a pool of 4-5 regular guest preachers, all following the same church lectionary, thus providing a continuity that suits the congregation. We also have another small group of preachers we can call on if necessary and from time to time members of the congregation take the service, sometimes using online material from, for example, St Michael’s Uniting Church in Melbourne.
Guest preachers and other ordained ministers are brought in as necessary for guiding the congregation on theological matters and conducting special services such as weddings, funerals and baptisms.