Rev Simo: How I lost a letter and gained a calling

Rev Simo: How I lost a letter and gained a calling

Being neurodivergent is a gift from God and brings about creative ideas.

So says Rev Simo (aka Rev Simon Faulks), an Anglican vicar with a passion for sharing stories about God – and a first-time exhibitor at CRE 24.

‘We are all made in the image of a creative God and that takes many different forms,’ he says. ‘Neurodivergents often have a very creative outlook. My own experience with dyslexia and ADHD means life is not always easy and it certainly wasn’t growing up, but it has brought about many of my ideas. I am keen, therefore, to encourage others who are neurodivergent – and to help the church support both the participation and ministry of others who don’t always fit the typical mould.’

Rev Simo stepped down from his role as rector of five parishes in 2022 and began to establish Not Ashamed. He also serves part-time as assistant minster at St Mary’s, Bletchley and provides cover to other local churches.

The name Rev Simo came about when, at a youth work conference, the ‘n’ got missed off his name badge!

With more than 25 years’ experience in ministry, he has always looked for ways to use his interest in circus and illusion in ministry.

‘It naturally developed into storytelling,’ he explains. ‘I realised I was telling stories and using these other elements to help illustrate them. “I am not ashamed of the Gospel” (Romans 1:16) is my prayer for life and ministry.’

He will highlight two areas of ministry at CRE. Firstly, a discipleship workshop called Enter the Story that can be used as a tool for sermon preparation, RE Lessons and home groups. Some have taken it on as a way of exploring the stories of the Bible. Secondly, an all-age-friendly evangelistic storytelling show called Strange but True.

‘I love to be able to work with churches and schools in creative ways and I’m looking forward to meeting people at CRE 24,’ he says, ‘to talk over the various ways I believe I can help them make the gospel more dynamic and accessible to all ages.’

• Not Ashamed (and Rev Simo) are on stand C41 at CRE 24

Main photo: First-time CRE exhibitor Rev Simo

CRE 2024

Tickets for CRE 2024 are available now!

Looking to exhibit? Only two stands now available. For more information contact James Batterbee on 0161 250 2306 (E: james@creonline.co.uk). Click here for a brochure, floor plan and price list.