Meet Laurence

Growing up in Belfast, Laurence’s foster family first introduced him to church. At 18, he encountered Jesus, a moment that changed everything and set him on his own faith journey. It wasn’t long before Laurence got involved in children’s ministry and leading worship, areas where his passion and faith have since flourished.

Now living in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, Laurence shares his life with wife Millie, their 18-month-old daughter, and their two cherished rescue dogs, Willow and Bella. Together, Laurence and Millie embody God’s love by fostering children who need a place of safety and care, offering both long-term placements and respite care to children in need.

Answering the Call to Ministry

At Hope Church, Craigavon, Laurence serves as Youth and Community Pastor. Laurence’s calling was first nurtured years ago when he volunteered at his local church, managing a programme called Sunshine Corner, regularly welcoming up to 120 children. Here, he realised God was leading him towards a life of ministry rather than the teaching career he initially envisioned. His compassion and deep connection with young people became a bridge that allowed him to engage meaningfully and speak to their lives.

Laurence’s faith and ministry deepened further when a Church Army Evangelist-in-Training became part of his church. This connection led him to see Church Army as a place of belonging and opportunity. Reflecting on his training, Laurence described it as transformational and affirming:

“I had done theological training before, but it never felt tailored for someone like me, someone who doesn’t necessarily fit the mainstream. At Church Army, I found my tribe. People who are pioneers, people who understand someone from a working-class background called to reach others like them. The tutors have been amazing. They care, they support you, and they want you to be your best. Everything they teach is relevant, sharpening me for the ministry God has laid on my heart.”

Transformational Training and Faith in Action

For Laurence, the training has been more than academic; it has strengthened his relationship with God, shaped him spiritually, and equipped him with practical tools to

serve his community effectively. It pushed him beyond theological foundations and into contextual ministry, enabling him to fulfil his calling. Now standing on the foundation laid by his training, Laurence looks to the future with excitement. His Admitting and Commissioning as a Church Army Evangelist is not only a personal affirmation of his calling but a push to go deeper into God’s plan.

“I’m thrilled to worship with my classmates and the Church Army community, to soak up the joy and affirmation of this milestone. It’s been challenging, but it’s also brought incredible joy. I want to advocate for the amazing work Church Army does, following in the footsteps of Wilson Carlile and reaching those who feel lost.”

After Commissioning, Laurence will be starting a wonderful new role as Minister-in-Charge of the Parish of Stormont in the Diocese of Down. This is an exciting challenge and a great opportunity for Laurence, who says it wouldn’t have been possible without his training and Commissioning as a Church Army Evangelist.