Meet Anna

Anna lives in Sheffield with her family, but her story of faith and ministry has been a lifelong adventure. Raised in a Christian household, she made the decision to dedicate her life to Jesus at the age of 9. Over the past 25 years, Anna has devoted herself to ministries focused on homeless and vulnerable individuals, as well as youth work. Her heart always had a desire to share God’s love with those who need it most.

However, Anna wanted to explore training, something that could equip her to serve more effectively. Reflecting on her experiences, she shares, “I had done previous training courses, but I couldn’t find the Jesus I knew in the training. My heart is to reach people who don’t know Jesus, and that training just didn’t align with that.”

Anna’s passion for evangelism has taken her on mission trips to Rwanda and Malaysia, and she’s brought hope and love to countless lives through her ministries. Despite this, she never really thought of herself as an evangelist until joining Church Army.

“I long to see people meet God wherever they are, whatever their circumstances—especially in places where the traditional church can’t always reach. That’s what Church Army is about. It’s about translating church for people who aren’t familiar with it, taking God’s love into places and contexts that others might find uncomfortable,” Anna explains.

From an Academic Concept to a Tool for Connection

Her time in training with Church Army has been affirming and life giving. It has not only complemented her years of experience but has also deepened her understanding of theology, shifting it from an academic concept to a lived, applicable tool in her ministry. She’s learned to engage with diverse theological perspectives, enabling her to connect with people from all walks of life.

“Knowing about the cross is good news for Christians, but what does it mean to someone who doesn’t know Jesus, who’s homeless or struggling with substance misuse? Church Army has taught me how to make it relatable and accessible to those in difficult situations,” she shares.

The sense of belonging within the Church Army family has been a cornerstone of Anna’s growth. The encouragement from her cohort and the opportunity to share experiences and stories of God’s work across the UK and Ireland have fuelled her confidence. She’s

drawn strength from the insight that this is a collaborative mission, supported by both her tutors and contemporaries.

“The tutors are amazing. They’ve worked tirelessly to ensure we not only have the tools we need but also the confidence to use them to achieve our goals. The support has been amazing really,” Anna reflects.

A Meaningful Milestone

For Anna, Admitting and Commissioning is a profoundly meaningful milestone. It’s not just a ceremony; it’s a declaration of readiness to step into everything Jesus has planned for her. It marks the start of a new chapter, acknowledging and celebrating God’s calling on her heart.

After Admitting and Commissioning, with her enduring love for God’s people and the training she has gained, she will continue to serve in her current ministry, spreading the message of hope with compassion and grace. She will be more involved with her church leadership and hopes to step into prophetic evangelism, finding those who have yet to experience God’s love.