Evangelist in new Blackpool church role

A new religious leader has been appointed to support churches in Blackpool.
Reverend Peter Lillicrap with Matthew RowleyReverend Peter Lillicrap with Matthew Rowley
Reverend Peter Lillicrap with Matthew Rowley

Pioneer evangelist Matthew Rowley, 43, will begin work as the Lead Evangelist for a Church Army Centre of Mission in Grange Park in June.

The funding for the role will come out of a £1.54m grant awarded to the Diocese in December last year as part of The Church of England’s ‘Renewal and Reform’ initiative.

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Mr Rowley will continue work already under way on the Grange Park estate with the help of churches of St Mark’s, Layton, and St Luke’s, Staining.

He said: “I am delighted and really excited to be taking up this appointment; to be following the great commissioning of Jesus which is to go and make disciples of all peoples.

“The focus is to build a Christian community of all ages on Grange Park. The hope is that as the work is established we can inspire and encourage churches across Blackpool in their outreach and to see growth and new works started.”

Reverend Peter Lillicrap, from St Mark’s and St Luke’s, added: “I am delighted about the appointment of Matthew and very grateful to the Church commissioners for putting their faith and financial backing into this initiative.”

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