Welcome from the Principal Officer

The Ven Mike Lodge Archdeacon of Southend

Chaplain to Southend United Football Team

Mike is married to Linda and they have two grown-up children and one granddaughter.
He was born in rural Gloucestershire and embarked on an eighteen year mechanical engineering career, serving an apprenticeship and leading ultimately to Senior Product Engineer. Coming to faith during this time he left Industry to train for Ordained Ministry at Wycliffe Hall Theological College, Oxford.

 Mike served his Curacy in the parish of St Michael & All Angels, Highworth, Diocese of Bristol, and was Priest-in- Charge of the Parish of St Luke & St John, Cheltenham, Diocese of Gloucester, for 12 years before being appointed Team Rector in the Rayleigh Team Ministry 12 years ago.
 He has experienced a broad spectrum of churchmanship and ministry, including rural and suburban, which has enabled him to understand the importance of sharing the love of God through a relationship with Jesus Christ; sharing the gospel based on the truth of God’s word in today’s context.

 Passionate about the importance of engaging with the local community, Mike is Chaplain to Southend United Football Club, which he established four years ago, although still supports his ‘home’ football team, Cheltenham Town!
time he enjoys Travelling, Gardening, Reading and DIY Projects. 
In his spare