New chairperson speaks of “passion for evangelism”

News Release: 31 January 2012

Church Army has welcomed its new Chair of the Board, the Bishop of Chelmsford Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, who has spoken of his “passion for evangelism” while visiting the organisation’s Wilson Carlile Centre in Sheffield.

Bishop Stephen was elected onto the board in November and brings with him a wealth of experience in mission. He has been the Bishop of Chelmsford since 2010 and before that was the Bishop of Reading. His previous jobs have included being a member of the Springboard Team which was the evangelism initiative of Archbishop George Carey, and the Diocesan Missioner for Wakefield. He was also a founder member and chair of the Archbishops’ College of Evangelists.

When reflecting on his new role at Church Army, Bishop Stephen said: “Throughout most of my ministry I’ve had a very particular concern for evangelism and helping churches engage with it. Therefore Church Army as an organisation was a very obvious fit with my own passions and experience.

“I’m very excited about Church Army’s work and I hope I will be a critical friend who from time-to-time says the uncomfortable thing. I also have a particular hope that Church Army evangelists and pioneer ministers will become increasingly central to the life of the church.”

Mark Russell, Church Army Chief Executive, said: “It is a real pleasure for Church Army to welcome Bishop Stephen onto our board and I would like to thank him for accepting the role. He is a missional leader committed to evangelism, and I look forward to working with him.”