The Diocese of Durham and Church Army, in a joint venture, are delighted to announce the appointments (subject to references and DBS) of both Steve Grasham (Church Army) and Father Richard Brown SSC as Joint Lead Evangelists to the new Sunderland Centre of Mission. Fr Richard and Steve will head up new mission initiatives in the parishes of St. Luke Pallion, S. Mary Magdalene Millfield, and The Good Shepherd, Bishopwearmouth. They will assist the churches in their reaching out in word and action, sustained and empowered through prayer, to reach children, young people, and adults with the good news of Jesus Christ. Together they will explore new ways of being church that are appropriate for new disciples. Over time they will work with other churches in the deanery and diocese to help them become more confident in evangelism. 

Please pray for them as they prepare to leave their existing roles and homes, for the people of their current and future parishes and for the new Centre of Mission partnership between the diocese and Church Army. We hope they will be in post by early February 2024.

The Bishop of Durham said, 'This is a wonderful development for the parishes, and the church in Sunderland. I am excited that we are partnering with Church Army in this new venture. I am sure that it will bring the joy of the Gospel to many new people.