By Tola Mbakwe, Premier Christian News. (Photo: David Castor/Public Domain)
The pioneer of the global Alpha Course, the Rev Nicky Gumbel, has been elected to the Church of England’s General Synod, with a manifesto calling for the Church to refocus on evangelism and reach a new generation with the Christian faith.
The 71-year-old former vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) was among the clergy candidates seeking election to represent the Diocese of London in the House of Clergy.
It will be Gumbel’s first time serving on the Church of England’s national governing body, which debates and approves legislation, agrees forms of worship, discusses national and international issues, and approves the annual budget.
In his election manifesto, Gumbel said he was saddened that the Church had not experienced the growth he had hoped for during his 40 years in ordained ministry, but expressed hope for its future.
“We have a new Archbishop. We will have a new Synod. It is a new season,” he wrote.
Gumbel, who was ordained in 1986 after practising as a lawyer, served as a curate under Bishop Sandy Millar for 19 years before becoming vicar of HTB, a position he held for 17 years.
He has since served as a full-time Alpha chaplain, travelling internationally with his wife, Pippa, and observing what he described as the “remarkable vibrancy” of churches around the world.
In his manifesto, Gumbel argued that the Church of England must concentrate on what unites Christians rather than allowing internal disagreements to dominate its agenda. He also warned against the Church becoming too focused on its own internal affairs.