“The Admitting and Commissioning of new evangelists is a reminder that the important work of Church Army continues even, and perhaps especially, in difficult times. Church Army currently faces many challenges but it’s vital that we keep the main thing the main thing and remember our primary calling as Christians is to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to serve our communities, especially those who are most in need.

The Admitting and Commissioning of new evangelists is a sign of hope and an opportunity for thanksgiving. The vocation of individuals who have been called is affirmed and we gather to pray for them and ask for God’s blessing upon them. In turn, they will commit to praying for the communities they serve even as they seek to be a blessing to the people among whom God has placed them. The work of CA Evangelists is always a reminder of God’s love for each and every person, including and especially those who are most marginalised.

As Chair of Trustees, it’s a joy to participate in this service; to be present in the Wilson Carlile Centre, to celebrate the beginning of these new ministries, to give thanks to God for all that CA has been and to look forward in hope and anticipation for all that lies in the future. “

“We’re eagerly awaiting our upcoming Admitting and Commissioning service, which will take place on a Saturday again this year – making it even more special! Hosting it on a weekend allows more people to join us, including the friends and family of those being Admitted and Commissioned, as well as the wider Church Army family.

This year, we’ll be celebrating nine remarkable Evangelists as they reach this significant milestone. This day marks the culmination of years spent discerning their vocation and undergoing formative training.

During their time with us, we refer to our students as Evangelists-in-Training. That’s because they’ve already been called and equipped by God to be Evangelists when they arrive! While with Church Army, they deepen their faith as disciples of Christ, explore their vocation within both our organisation and the Anglican church, and refine their skills as Pioneering Evangelists.

Many of our Evangelists being Admitted and Commissioned have also achieved a Diploma or Certificate of Higher Education in Theology, Mission and Ministry, accredited by Durham University through the Church of England’s Common Awards. This accomplishment is a testament to their dedication to growing in knowledge and understanding of what it truly means to be an Evangelist.

We’re excited to celebrate this wonderful occasion together as a family. It’s a day to honour their journeys and witness the incredible impact they’ll continue to have in their mission.”

“I’m so excited to be commissioning this year’s cohort of Evangelists. Having met and interviewed each one I was blown away by the love and passion these wonderful people carry. They love people, they love their communities and of course they love Jesus. With much talk of a quiet revival, I was especially excited that many of these are young adults, reaching young people and other young adults. What a privilege for Church Army to play this part in equipping them for ministry, and a huge thank you to our supporters whose generosity makes this training possible.”