Evangelism Ministries has chosen a parish rector from the heart of the Shire to head its efforts to train up Sydney Anglicans.

The department’s board this morning announced the appointment of the Rev Canon Jim Ramsay, Rector of Engadine Anglican Church, as the new Director of Evangelism Ministries (EM).

Canon Ramsay brings 37 years of parish ministry to the role, which he will take up in the second half of 2005.

"It really is a Mission-driven role; I'm quite honoured by being asked to do this," Canon Ramsay says.

"I'm thoroughly committed to the Diocesan Mission and I'm looking forward to seeing Evangelism Ministries continuing to facilitate evangelism and training as we work hand in hand with the Mission goals."

Canon Jim Ramsay is married to Lesley and they have four adult children and four grandchildren.

Since being ordained a deacon in 1969, he has served at the parishes of Dundas, Gladesville, Beverley Hills, Bexley, Bexley North, Liverpool and Engadine.

EM Chairman the Rev Michael Raiter says Canon Ramsay will be instrumental in taking the vision of the Diocesan Mission and "bringing it down to earth'.

"Few people in the Diocese have wider respect than Jim Ramsay," Mr Raiter says.

"He's ministered in some tough locations and is a man of influence around the place. He'll be given an ear where other guys might not be."

Mr Raiter says EM is changing its focus to concentrate more on providing ministry training for parishes.

"Itinerant evangelism will remain very much a part of EM " we'd like to employ more staff " but it is also repositioning itself in order to drive the Mission forward," Mr Raiter said.

Acting Director of EM, the Rev Stuart Robinson, has accepted the Archbishop's invitation to become Rector of St Paul's, Chatswood.

He is currently Minister of Pyrmont Community (Anglican) Church and will continue to serve as a diocesan consultant.