Church Army set to make cutbacks amid challenging financial climate
26 February 2025
Church Army, like many other charities, have reached a point where the financial pressures on the organisation need to be addressed through several significant changes to our organisation and our service delivery.
We are proposing a major restructure in order to become more sustainable whilst also re-focusing on our core mission of Evangelism to people living on the margins. It is currently just a proposal under consultation, but we anticipate that will mean some tough decisions, including likely redundancies and changes to our service delivery. Our goal is to refocus our resources so we can reduce costs while staying true to our core mission.
The proposed plans outline a change in strategic emphasis; from running high-cost projects to focusing on training and equipping people for evangelism to support those facing poverty and distress. Church Army has a long history of training Evangelists to provide practical support alongside the gospel message.
After a number of years of operational deficits being covered by reserves, our operational reserves will likely be exhausted in around 12 months if no action is taken.
A proposed downsizing and restructuring process will see us significantly reduce our workforce and budget by April 2026.
Staff were informed of the proposed changes on 26th February 2025, and a collective consultation has begun before final decisions will be made. We will also work with dioceses and partners to explore sustainable paths forward to try to prevent the closure of key projects.
Matt Barlow, Church Army’s recently appointed CEO, says: ”We’ve had to make incredibly tough decisions to ensure a financially sustainable future for Church Army, while delivering more broadly on our mission and charitable objectives.
“I feel deeply for every member of our team and the communities we serve who these proposed changes may impact. The changes are not a reflection of the passion and dedication our staff demonstrate every day in their work, nor a reflection of the positive impact we have had in the communities we serve.
“We are investing in compassionate transition support for affected staff, including career assistance and pastoral care. We recognise the impact this will have on our staff and those we serve – especially individuals facing poverty and distress. We are committed to providing support through this transition and ensuring that those affected receive appropriate care and support.”
As the world grapples with division, loneliness, and uncertainty, the role of faith in providing meaning and purpose has never been more vital. In the face of secular decline, studies1 show there is a growing openness to exploring spirituality.
“This restructuring is an opportunity to position ourselves to meet this growing openness,” says Matt. “We recognise the deep need for faith, hope, and connection in today’s world. As we refocus our resources, we want to ensure that the message of Jesus Christ remains accessible and relevant to those searching for meaning in the midst of the challenges they’re facing.”
Matt says: “While the process of resizing and restructuring is immensely painful, we believe there is a bright future for Church Army. Returning to our core mission of training and equipping not just Commissioned Evangelists but anyone with a sense of calling to mission and evangelism, especially to those facing poverty and distress.”
The Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Chair of the Board of Trustees, concludes: “Our trustees have made this difficult decision alongside the leadership team with deep reflection and prayer, knowing that our responsibility is to sustain the work of this 140-year-old charity for future generations. We remain committed to financial integrity, transparency, and mission-driven action and open to what God might be leading us towards next.”
1 https://www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/article/gen-z-half-as-likely-as-their-parents-to-identify-as-atheists-wp2vl0l29 and https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/gen-z-religion-spritual-atheist-b2687395.html
