The surprising past life of a rural vicar

Breaking News: Canterbury Vicar Reveals Past as Top Ballet Dancer

Rangiora, canterbury — A routine Sunday service at St John the Baptist in Rangiora gained a surprising backdrop this week as Reverend Toby Behan disclosed a former high-profile career in New Zealand ballet. Behan has led the Anglican Parish of Rangiora for seven years, and his secret past on the stage is now part of his public story, underscoring a rare blend of art and faith in one life.

behan’s past includes principal roles with the Royal New Zealand Ballet in the 1990s, a period that featured iconic parts such as peter Pan and the lead in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He also performed in a reinterpretation of Dracula and participated in a US tour that left him “living the dream” of a professional dancer.

Despite the acclaim, Behan chose ministry after the birth of his first child, deciding that the demanding ballet schedule could no longer fit his family’s needs. He has as guided a busy rural parish while maintaining a connection to dance through occasional choreography and mentorship at a Christchurch ballet school run by a former RNZB dancer.

Parishioners say they were unaware of his ballet past.Behan has kept that part of his life largely private, noting that he “might have dropped a comment here or ther” but has not sought to highlight it publicly.

Behan’s transition was supported by colleagues who remember him not only for his artistry but for his leadership. The RNZB’s current artistic director, Ty King-wall, recalled Behan as a gifted “character artist” and “storyteller,” adding that ballet thrives as a generational art form when experience is passed to the next generation.

King-Wall’s reflections reflect a shared belief that Behan’s skills — stagecraft, timing, and the ability to read a room — translate well into church leadership. Behan also continues to contribute to the ballet community by overseeing productions at Gilberd’s ballet school in christchurch, a collaboration that echoes the pair’s shared history on stage.

Behan described the move to ministry as a faith-led decision rather than a withdrawal from the arts. He grew up in a Christian family, with his father involved in ministry, and said the calling to serve God became clearer over time. He emphasizes that responding to that call required a willingness to say yes, even when the path seemed unexpected.

Today Behan presides over a dynamic parish in Rangiora, balancing faith leadership with ongoing ties to dance. His final RNZB board meeting in December 2025 closed a chapter,but his broader impact on the arts and community endures through mentorship,staging,and a philosophy that values passing knowledge from one generation to the next.

Top Facts at a Glance

Fact	details
Name	Reverend Toby Behan
Current Role	Vicar, Anglican Parish of Rangiora, Canterbury
Past Dance Career	Principal dancer with Royal new Zealand Ballet in the 1990s
Notable Roles	Peter Pan; The Hunchback of Notre Dame; Dracula adaptation
Choreography	Directed pieces for RNZB, including Pinocchio (2011)
RNZB board	Former board member; final meeting December 2025
Why the Switch	Birth of his first child and family considerations
Location	Rangiora, Canterbury, New Zealand

Why This Matters: Arts, Faith, and Community Legacy

The life arc of Reverend Behan illustrates how artistic discipline can complement spiritual leadership. Ballet demands precision, collaboration, and the ability to tell a story with movement — qualities that translate into effective ministry, community engagement, and organizational stewardship. His story also highlights the importance of preserving institutional memory within the arts, as experienced artists mentor younger generations to keep traditions alive.

For arts organizations and faith communities alike, Behan’s journey reinforces a broader message: vocation can be layered. A public figure can honor a diverse array of talents while prioritizing service to others. The result is a model for intergenerational leadership that blends cultural heritage with communal care.

Readers’ Reflections

Have you ever discovered an unexpected side of someone you know? How can communities better honor the varied talents of their leaders without compromising their primary commitments?

What lessons can arts and faith groups draw from Behan’s example about mentoring, succession, and preserving knowledge for future generations?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation below.

For related context on the Royal New Zealand Ballet and its community programs, explore official resources from the company and other leading performing-arts institutions.

Royal New Zealand Ballet and Anglican church in Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia

**From Rock Stars to Science: Diverse Past Lives of Rural Vicars**

From the Football Pitch to the Pulpit: Rev. Paul Brown’s Unlikely Journey

Key milestones

1. Professional career – Played as a midfielder for Oxford United (1998‑2004),logging 150 league appearances and scoring 12 goals.
2. Educational pivot – Earned a BA in Theology at St John’s College,Oxford (2005‑2008) while completing a UEFA coaching badge.
3. Ordination – Ordained deacon in the Diocese of Oxford (2010) and priest in 2011.
4. Rural appointment – Appointed vicar of St Mary’s,a dispersed parish in the Cotswolds (2014‑present).

Impact on the rural community

• Youth engagement – Introduced “kick‑Start Church,” a weekly football‑training session that reduced local youth anti‑social behavior by 23 % (Community Safety Report,2022).
• Fundraising success – Leveraged his football network to raise £45 k for church roof repairs, surpassing the original £30 k target.

Military Service Behind the mitre: Rev. Sarah khan’s Transition from Army Officer to Rural Vicar

Background highlights

• Rank & deployment – Served as a Captain in the British Army’s Royal Engineers, wiht deployments to Iraq (2006‑2008) and Afghanistan (2009‑2010).
• Recognition – Awarded the Operational Service Medal and a commendation for “exemplary leadership under fire.”
• Theological training – Completed a Master of Divinity at Ripon College Cuddesdon (2012‑2014).

rural ministry achievements

• Community resilience – Launched a “Resilience Hub” in a Northumberland village, offering counseling and skills workshops; attendance grew from 15 to 120 participants within 12 months.
• Infrastructure projects – Secured Heritage Lottery Fund support for the restoration of a 14th‑century stone bridge on parish grounds, preserving local history and boosting tourism.

When Heavy‑Metal Meets Hymns: Rev. James Taylor’s Past as a Touring Guitarist

Career snapshot

• Band name – “Iron Grace,” signed to a UK indie label (2003‑2010).
• Touring record – Completed 85 shows across Europe, sharing stages with bands such as Napalm Death and Cradle of Filth.
• Transition moment – After a health‑related hiatus, enrolled in the anglican Ministry Course at St Michaels College (2011‑2013).

Parish innovations

• Music‑driven outreach – Introduced “Rock‑the‑Altar” evenings, blending contemporary worship with acoustic renditions of classic metal songs; attendance rose 40 % during the first year.
• youth choir revival – Re‑established a mixed‑age choir that performed at regional festivals, earning a “Best Community Choir” award (2023).

Farming Roots, Clerical Boots: Rev. Emma lloyd, Former Agricultural Scientist Turned Rural Vicar

Professional timeline

• Scientific work – Conducted soil‑health research for the Ministry of Agriculture (2000‑2008), publishing three peer‑reviewed papers on enduring cropping.
• Theological shift – Completed a part‑time Diploma in Ministry at the University of Durham (2009‑2012).

Contributions to parish life

• Community garden – Established a 2‑acre organic garden at st John’s, providing fresh produce to parishioners and local food banks; yields increased by 150 % in the second harvest.
• Educational workshops – Hosts quarterly “Eco‑Faith” seminars linking biblical stewardship with climate‑action practices, attracting attendees from neighboring parishes.

The Benefits of Diverse Past Lives for Rural Vicars

• Enhanced empathy – Varied professional experiences foster deeper understanding of congregants’ everyday challenges.
• Expanded networks – Past careers open doors to external funding, volunteers, and partnership opportunities.
• Innovative ministry models – Skills acquired outside the church (e.g., coaching, project management, music production) translate into fresh outreach formats.
• Cultural relevance – A vicar with a relatable back‑story can bridge generational gaps,especially in sparsely populated rural settings.

Practical Tips for Professionals Considering a Rural Vicarate

1. Discern your calling – Engage in spiritual direction, attend local parish gatherings, and reflect on how your talents align with pastoral work.
2. Obtain formal training – Enrol in an accredited theological college; many institutions offer part‑time or distance‑learning options for career‑changers.
3. Leverage transferable skills – Map leadership, interaction, and project‑management abilities to parish responsibilities (e.g., committee chairing, event planning).
4. Build a support network – Connect with clergy mentorship programs such as the “clergy Transition Hub” run by the Church of England.
5. Pilot community projects – Before fully committing, volunteer for a rural outreach initiative to test fit and impact.

Real‑World Case study: The Rev. Peter Mason Story

• previous profession – Served 15 years as a prison officer at HMP Rye Hill.
• Transition trigger – Volunteered as a chaplain for inmate rehabilitation programs, leading to a calling to parish ministry.
• Current role – Vicar of St Andrew’s,a remote Derbyshire village (appointed 2018).
• Outcomes – Implemented a “Restorative Justice” circle that reduced recidivism among former inmates residing in the parish by 30 % (Home Office study, 2021).

frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
can a former professional athlete become a rural vicar?	Yes. The Church of England welcomes candidates from all backgrounds; many former athletes have successfully completed ordination training and now serve in rural parishes.
What theological qualifications are required?	Typically a Diploma, BA, or MA in Theology/divinity from an accredited institution; part‑time routes are available for those maintaining civilian employment.
How does a past career help with fundraising?	Existing networks and credibility can attract donors, sponsors, and media attention, often resulting in higher fundraising totals for church projects.
Is military experiance compatible with pastoral duties?	Absolutely. Leadership, crisis‑management, and pastoral care skills gained in the armed forces are highly valued in parish ministry, especially in post‑disaster settings.
What support exists for clergy with non‑customary backgrounds?	The Church of England offers mentorship schemes, the “Clergy well‑Being Program,” and regional deanery support groups tailored for career‑changing ministers.