Church Army UK & Ireland, a registered missional charity focused on evangelism among marginalized communities, has issued an urgent call for prayer as it faces severe financial strain—warning that job redundancies are “likely” and that “significant changes to the way we work” are imminent.
A press release issued in February, followed by a LinkedIn post on March 24, announced that major restructuring is underway to address the financial shortfall, with changes affecting both the organization’s structure and how it delivers its services.
To date, the charity has covered its operational deficits through financial reserves, but projections indicate those reserves will be exhausted within a year unless immediate action is taken.
“Like many other charities today, we are facing financial challenges,” stated the Church Army post on LinkedIn. “So, we are proposing a major restructure to become more sustainable, while also re-focusing on our core mission of igniting faith and restoring life across the UK and Ireland.
“We’ll have to make some tough decisions, including likely redundancies and significant changes to the way we work.”
Employees were informed about the proposed changes on Feb. 26, with a formal consultation now underway. The charity said it is working alongside Anglican dioceses and other missional partners to explore sustainable solutions and prevent the closure of key projects.
Implementation of the changes is expected by April 2026.
“Yet, we know that as the world grapples with division, loneliness, and uncertainty, the role of faith in providing meaning and purpose has never been more vital,” the release said.
Church Army CEO Matt Barlow affirmed the organization’s ongoing commitment to gospel outreach, even amid transition.
“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,” Barlow said. “Thank you for standing with us as we pray for Church Army.”
The planned changes include a strategic shift from operating high-cost projects to prioritizing training and equipping people for evangelism—particularly in communities facing poverty and distress.
Church Army UK & Ireland has gained good standing for training evangelists in providing practical support to those in need, while sharing the good news about Jesus.
Barlow expressed deep regret over the impact the restructuring will have on staff and communities.
”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,” he said. “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.”
He added that the charity is investing in compassionate transition support, including career assistance and pastoral care.
However, Barlow also believes the charity still has an important role in addressing the issue of spirituality as the world struggles with “division, loneliness and uncertainty.”
“This restructuring is an opportunity to position ourselves to meet this growing openness,” he said. “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.”
“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, said the decision came after “deep reflection and prayer.”
“We remain committed to financial integrity, transparency, and mission-driven action and open to what God might be leading us towards next,” she said. “Our responsibility is to sustain the work of this 140-year-old charity for future generations.”
