What Church Leaders say

about Mark Russell

"I am delighted that Mark has been appointed as Chief Executive of Church Army, and he has my prayers and best wishes as he takes on this key leadership role at such an important time."

Dr Rowan Williams
Archbishop of Canterbury

"It is a personal delight to me to know that Mark Russell has been appointed Chief Executive of the Church Army. Since we first met nine years ago, Mark and I have shared a close Christian friendship in which he has brought constant encouragement to me in ministry. As a prayerful leader, he has often made sacrifices in order to carry others in his heart. He has an unwavering confidence in the sovereignty of the Lord, which results in his leadership of communities with the kind of risk-taking faith necessary for the Church to become and remain effective.

In appointing him to this crucial role, the Church Army has chosen a gifted evangelist whose experience and wisdom belie his 31 years. As a Youth Pastor in Ireland his training in the legal profession helped inspire and develop, on a national basis, the first interaction between young people and all politicians from all parties in Northern Ireland.

Mark will bring energy and challenge to all aspects of the mission of the Church Army. During his stewardship everyone will be enriched by his openness to the Spirit of God who is already working through the Army personnel and their mission.

With prayerful and proud support."

Revd Desmond C Bain
President Methodist Church in Ireland  2005/06

"This is an inspired appointment. Mark Russell has brought great gifts to the Archbishops' Council and will do the same for the Church Army. Mark has an infectious love for Jesus Christ and just the refreshing commitment to evangelism that the Church Army and the rest of the Church of England needs right now."

The Most Revd & Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu
Archbishop of York

"Wilson Carlile's original vision for the Church Army was an early example of encouraging pioneer ministry before ABM had thought up the creation.  ... The new appointment of Mark Russell is a very hopeful indication that the Church Army is up for challenge and change".

Rt Revd & Rt Hon Richard Chartres DD FSA
Bishop of London

"I am delighted to hear the news of Mark's appointment. Church Army continues to do remarkable work for God's kingdom in some really difficult places, and I look forward to working with Mark and his colleagues in the coming days."

Rt Revd Tom Wright
Bishop of Durham

"Mark's appointment comes at a time of great significance for the Church Army. Rarely has there been a more opportune moment for the Church of England to make connections with people who do not know the Gospel. The Church Army has a huge role to play in that. Mark's background, experience and enthusiasm will be a great asset to us all. May God bless and strengthen him and the Church Army as they respond alongside us to God’s urgent call."

Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch
Bishop of Manchester

 

"I am delighted at this appointment which is exciting and imaginative. Mark has my support and prayers."

Rt Revd John Gladwin
Bishop of Chelmsford

 

"I was delighted to hear of Mark Russell's appointment, which is good news for Church Army and the wider Church. I look forward to the developing contribution of Church Army to the life and mission of the Church of England."

Rt Revd Peter Forster
Bishop of Chester

"I congratulate Mark and the Church Army on a very hopeful coming together of gifts and possibilities. I have no doubt they will find they live in 'interesting times', ones in which God will bring great blessings to the Church Army through Mark's time as Chief Executive."

Rt Revd Dr Peter Selby
Bishop of Worcester and Bishop to HM Prisons

 

"Church Army is an important part of our life here in Sheffield being the home of the Wilson Carlile College which is well used by the diocese and is one of the jewels in our crown. We waited with eager expectation for the appointment of a new Chief Executive. What a surprise it was to read of Mark's appointment and what a joy - Church Army are in for exciting times. The combination of Mark and the Holy Spirit is a very heady one indeed."

Rt Revd Jack Nicholls
Bishop of Sheffield

"While we have been talking in general times about fresh expressions of church the new Chief Executive of the Church Army, Mark Russell, is an excellent model of 'a new expression of leadership'. To say that he breaks the mould is an understatement. I pray that he will not allow the system to quench his enthusiastically radical approach to evangelism. On the contrary, I dare to believe that the Church Army will be radically transformed by his leadership. For many years the Church Army has had an honoured place within the lay ministry of the Church of England - I look forward to it being once again a revolutionary and prophetic catalyst for change."

Rt Revd Colin Bennetts
the Bishop of Coventry

"Mark Russell is not daunted by the inevitable structures of institutions. He understands their place, but knows that changing hearts and minds has to happen first if we are to move forward in the mission of God. He has the patience to work in the structures and the passion to inspire others."

Rt Revd James Jones
Bishop of Liverpool

"I am delighted that Mark Russell has been appointed Chief Executive of the Church Army. As a fellow member of the Archbishops' Council and the General Synod many of us have already become aware of his exceptional gifts as one who understands how the Church needs to adapt and change to the challenges of a new millennium."

Rt Revd Tim Stevens
Bishop of Leicester

"I am excited by the appointment of Mark Russell as the new Chief Executive of the Church Army. Mark has made a tremendous impact since his arrival on Archbishops' Council and particularly in his informed and passionate speeches in General Synod. His appointment is good news for evangelism in the country and good news for the church at large."

Rt Revd George Cassidy
Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham

"Mark combines infectious enthusiasm for the gospel with a mature appreciation of the Church's strengths and weaknesses. He's a man of transparent faith and conviction who is open to others and genuinely interested in people. It's a bold move for Mark and for Church Army."

Rt Revd Graham James
Bishop of Norwich, and Chair of Ministry Division of Archbishops' Council

"This is a very exciting and creative appointment which promises to be of great benefit to Church Army and the Church of England as a whole. Mark's enthusiasm and vision to keep Church Army relevant and real, radical and bold, even dangerous, is so refreshing and just what is needed today. I look forward to working with Mark very much."

Rt Revd Michael Langrish
Bishop of Exeter

"This is a brilliant and bold appointment that says the Church Army is looking to the future. It's good news for young leaders, good news for the Church of England and good news for the Kingdom of God".

Rt Revd David James
Bishop of Bradford

 

"The appointment of Mark Russell to the Church Army is an imaginative example of the Church directing itself towards mission priorities. The Church Army has contributed so significantly to both mission and Christian social outreach over the years and not least through its training college in Sheffield. I look forward to Mark's contribution to the wider Church."

Rt Revd Stephen Platten
Bishop of Wakefield

"Mark Russell's appointment as CEO of the Church Army represents an exciting and creative development in the life of the UK Church. He has the heart of an evangelist as well as being a gifted and dynamic leader. I believe that his appointment will prove to be outstanding. I look forward to seeing how the Church Army will prosper under his leadership."

Rt Revd Mike Hill
Bishop of Bristol

"I welcome Mark's appointment for the wealth of experience he brings to this post and the exuberance with which I believe he will express this through his faith into new and creative Christian mission initiatives. Grassroots peace-making, legal study, church and political networking and productive youth ministry experience all suggest to me an ideal pedigree for leadership in an organisation eager to encourage 'fresh expressions' of church while also supporting God's continuing work in some of the most needy areas of society."
Rt Revd Nicholas Reade
Bishop of Blackburn

"I am thrilled to hear of Mark's appointment. He is a young Ulsterman of immense ability and authentic spirituality. His leadership gifts are evident and proven. He is passionate in his commitment to Christ. This is a wise and visionary appointment totally in line with Church Army's creative and imaginative ethos and ministry."

Rt Revd Ken Clarke
Bishop of Kilmore Elphin & Ardagh 

"Since Mark's appointment to Archbishops' Council, he has become one of General Synod's favourite speakers. Anyone who can regularly enthuse and entertain Synod members, whilst offering evangelical and often critical challenges to go into the world and make them Christ's disciples, must be someone whose gifts the Church needs to encourage. So I am delighted for the Church and the Church Army at such an inspirational appointment."

Rt Revd Stephen Venner
The Bishop in Canterbury & Bishop of Dover

"I welcome this exciting and innovative appointment. Mark Russell will bring imagination, energy and a real heart for evangelism that is community based and forward looking. Church Army are to be congratulated on their creative approach."

Rt Revd Pete Broadbent
Bishop of Willesden

 

"I am delighted to learn of Mark's appointment to lead Church Army. His flair and enthusiasm for mission have been greatly valued in the Diocese of St Albans and increasingly beyond. Now he will be a gift not only to Church Army but to the whole Church of England. I know he will bring energy and leadership to our outreach and to our living of the Gospel."

Rt Revd Christopher Foster
Bishop of Hertford

"I welcome with enthusiasm the news of Mark's appointment.  I feel that Mark's personality and gifts are ideally suited to help Church Army move on and he will be an effective part of the Church's mission and ministry in years ahead."

Revd Canon Glyn Webster
Prolocutor of the Northern Province of the Church of England

"I am delighted that Mark has this opportunity to bring his gifts and vision to this post. He has enlivened Archbishops' Council, and under God, will do the same for Church Army, I am sure."

Canon Dr Christina Baxter
Chair of the House of Laity, General Synod of the Church of England and Principal of St John's College Nottingham

"I warmly welcome Mark Russell's appointment as Chief Executive. It confirms Church Army's commitment to share the gospel with real energy and authenticity. Mark commands the confidence of the wider Church. He is a leader with a rare combination of gifts - passionate focus on God, wholehearted commitment to the Church, and a living awareness of our changing culture. Under his leadership I am confident that Church Army will continue to shape the agenda and to be a central force in the move to a mission-shaped church."

Revd Paul Bayes
National Mission and Evangelism Officer - Archbishops' Council

"I am glad that the Church Army has been bold in the appointment of its new Chief Executive. Mark Russell will bring tremendous energy, imagination and determination to the task of invigorating and developing an organisation which has such an enviable record of pioneer ministry."

Very Revd Vivienne Faull,
Dean of Leicester

"I truly welcome Mark's appointment as Chief Executive, he will I am sure breathe new life into Church Army and the wider community. When I heard his maiden speech in General Synod I was impressed and continue to be impressed by his wealth of experience and quality of debate which will enable him to promote Church Army's work and ministry as a tangible and credible influence for those with whom we engage. Mark is a young man with a passion for the lifeblood of the church and he will create hope and expectation in extending the Kingdom of God through fully engaging with God's Mission of Love to the world. I look forward to working with him."

Sister Anne Williams C.A.
Community Missioner and Mission Enabler, Durham Diocese

"What an inspired choice the Church Army have made for their new leader! I have watched Mark's fine leadership gifts in action with admiration and I believe many will benefit as a result of this new appointment. May the Lord give him wisdom, keep him energized, humble and anointed with his Spirit."

Revd Dr Derek Tidball
Principal of London School of Theology from 1995-2007 and Vice-President of the Evangelical Alliance

"I was really pleased to learn of your appointment as Chief Executive of Church Army. I have always been deeply impressed by your energy, drive, vision and passion for the work of Christ and particularly for young Christians in the body of Christ. I have every confidence that your appointment will be hugely beneficial to Church Army and the wider body of Christ. On behalf of all of us here at the Evangelical Alliance, a heartfelt congratulations, accompanied by our prayers and promise of support for your future work."

Joel Edwards
General Director, Evangelical Alliance

"These are the days when the Church desperately needs pioneering missionary minded leaders who have heads screwed on and hearts on fire. Mark Russell is one such man. He is one of the Church's brightest hopes for the future."

Revd Dr Mark Stibbe
Author of Prophetic Evangelism

"Mark is one of the most gifted individuals I know - a passionate evangelist and natural leader. This visionary and strategic appointment will help Church Army - and the Church of England in general - as we seek to embrace the challenges and opportunities for mission afforded to us by our changing communities."

Revd Gavin Collins
Vicar of Christ Church Chorleywood (Mark's Parish Church)

"I am delighted to hear of Mark Russell's appointment as Chief Executive of Church Army. Mark's passion for the honour of Jesus, his personal commitment to evangelism & compassionate mission, his willingness to think outside the box, his vision for church planting amongst those unreached by traditional church, and his passion for training and empowering every Christian to be true disciple of Jesus make him an ideal person to carry forward Wilson Carlile's vision for the Church Army. Under Mark's leadership I am sure it will have much more to contribute to the transformation of the nation under the grace of God. Congratulations to those who made this bold appointment."

John Coles
Director of New Wine

"I am delighted by the appointment of my friend Mark Russell as the new Chief Executive of Church Army. Church Army has a wonderful history of effective evangelism - as Mark takes the baton for this next season of Church Army's life and ministry, there is no doubt he will bring a fresh perspective, passion and possibilities in seeing the Kingdom of Christ extended."

Canon J.John
Evangelist, the Philo Trust

"Mark's commitment to the local church, his passion for evangelism, and his strategic mind, places him in a great position for this role. I am excited and thrilled at his courageous decision, another example of God appointing people in strategic roles in order to see the Kingdom of God advance. I strongly endorse and support this appointment."

Roy Crowne
National Director, Youth For Christ