About Evangelism and New Churches

The staff of The Department of Evangelism and New Churches is responsible to a Board of experienced lay people and clergy elected by the Synod of the Sydney Anglican Diocese. The Anglican Archbishop of Sydney is the President of the organization and has representatives on the Board.

The Board consists of:

Rev. Archie Poulos               Chairman (Executive)
Rev. Baden Stace
Rev Stephen Bainbridge
Rev. Andrew Nixon
Mr Allan Dowthwaite
Mr Andrew Mitchell

Throughout the last century, Evangelism and New Churches has been at the forefront of proclaiming the Gospel within Sydney and into the wider world. In 1914 the first Diocesan Missioner was appointed. In 1927 the Board of Diocesan Missions was established. For 50 years its evangelists gave faithful service in preaching the Gospel and in training others. From the seventies through to the nineties, as the Department of Evangelism, this ministry expanded under the leadership of John Chapman and it grew to have a far reaching impact throughout Sydney, Australia and many other parts of the world.

The Staff

Bruce Hall

Bruce, the Director, has been the Senior Minister of Carlingford for the last 27 years and this year has a wider brief of providing advice on Cross Cultural ministry across the diocese. He has had experience in Cross Cultural ministry in Pakistan and various parts of Sydney and taught missions at Moore College for 20 years. He has been involved in 15 church plants and has experience in leading large ministry teams. Bruce is married to Rose, has 4 married children and 5 grandchildren.

Mark Gilbert

Mark is 40 years old and has been working full time in ministry for 9 years, mainly in the Eastern Suburbs and now at Freshwater Anglican Church in the Northern Beaches. He grew up in the Roman Catholic Church before joining the Anglican church when he was 29. Mark is keen to use his experience to help churches reach people who have a religious background but little connection with local churches. Mark is responsible for the biblegroups network of evangelistic bible reading groups.

Cathrein Douglas

Cathrein is personal assistant to Al and manages the day-to-day issues that arise at the office. Previously she has spent time on projects for Connect09, working on the accounts for a few churches in Sydney, and some years in a business office. She is the voice of New Churches whenever you ring and the person to greet you when you drop in at the office.

Noella Budd

Noella is our financial controller and handles all of our money matters for New Churches and Evangelism Ministries.

John Chapman

John is probably the best known Aussie evangelist in the world today. His preaching, writing and training skills are still in demand. He is still linked to Evangelism Ministries in an honorary capacity. For those who want to engage John it is best to contact him direct.