Church Army is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Barlow as its next CEO. Matt brings over 30 years of charity and ministry leadership experience with him, both in large charities and local churches.
Matt will start his role at Church Army on 5th November at a crucial moment in our mission to share the good news of the gospel with the increasing number of people living in poverty and deprivation.
Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford and Chair of the Board of Trustees says:
“I and the entire Board of Trustees are delighted to have Matt join Church Army. Through theprocess of application and interview Matt’s passion for the people we serve, his profoundly lived faith and the depth of his experience shone through. Our work to support those on the margins has never been more needed or so challenging. I believe that Matt will significantly strengthen the Church Army team across this vital next season.”
Matt joins us having worked for Christian charities, most recently Mary’s Meals, and leading his local church. Much of his previous career was with Christians Against Poverty (CAP). He joined as it was forming and served there for 21 years, with 14 of those as CEO. Under his leadership the charity experienced significant growth and gained national prominence. His leadership was recognised with five ‘Best Leader’ awards and two ‘1st places’ in the ‘Sunday Times Best Companies to work for’ awards.
Matt also founded and led the Light Church, a socially active, inner-city church in Bradford. He served for 14 years in leadership, including four years as full time Lead Pastor. Matt’s heart for sharing Jesus in word and deed with those most in need has been central to his work and life.
Matt Barlow says:
“I’m humbled and excited to be invited to step into the leadership of Church Army. It is a privilege to join in with this long and storied history of combining faith and deeds. At a time when life is incredibly hard and bleak for so many, I’m looking forward to playing my part in seeing many people helped out of their troubles and given the chance to experience the God who loves them. As we keep Jesus central, I’m believing for many beautiful souls to come to know him and the new life he has to offer. I can’t wait to join in as we navigate this next season of the incredible organisation that is Church Army.”
About Church Army:
Church Army believes every person has an inherent, God-given dignity and worth. We are an army of hope, training and empowering people to transform their communities through faith shared in word and action. We do this through:
- Centres of Mission – hubs that build relationships, support those living in poverty, and grow creative, accessible church communities. Each Centre of Mission looks different. They are shaped entirely by the needs of their area; activities, initiatives, and outreach programs vary massively depending on the context.
- The Marylebone Project – the largest women’s-only hostel in London and the UK, providing life-changing services for homeless women, many of whom have reached a crisis point in their life due to experiencing domestic abuse; mental health issues and/or substance abuse.
- Ty Bronna – working with homeless young people (aged 16-21) in Cardiff, providing them with accommodation and supporting them into independent living.
- Waterways Chaplaincy – helping people who live on our waterways get practical support and the opportunity to know God’ love for them.
- The Ruby Project – ensuring women can choose a life without sexual exploitation – where women involved in the sex industry can pursue genuine alternatives to survival strategies, abuse, poverty and drug dependency.
- Missional Youth Church Network – enabling local schools, churches and community projects to work together to reimagine church with young people.
