Lead evangelist appointed for Centre of Mission

We are thrilled to announce that we have appointed Hannah Seal C.A. as Lead Evangelist of the Gwent Valley Centre of Mission in Monmouth diocese.

The partnership between Church Army and the Diocese of Monmouth is committed to bringing practical and spiritual hope to the isolated communities within the Gwent Valleys by encouraging them in a journey of discipleship as new followers of Christ.

The Venerable Sue Pinnington, Archdeacon of the Gwent Valleys, says: “We are delighted to be welcoming Hannah as it marks the beginning of the new joint venture between the Diocese and the Church Army in the Gwent Valleys. We are excited by the possibilities the new Centre of Mission in Abertillery will bring for listening to, and engaging with, local residents. Hannah’s appointment is key as we seek to show God’s love and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to everybody in Abertillery and the surrounding communities.”

Hannah has done an excellent job over the past number of years as Pioneer Evangelist in Llandaff Diocese, and is looking forward to moving to Abertillery and launching the Gwent Valley Centre of Mission.

Hannah says: "I've been living in Wales for the last five years and I love the valleys, the sense of community you find among people. I'm excited to move and put what I have learnt during my time in Llandaff Diocese into practice and explore new ways to bring Jesus and hope to the communities. I love the multigenerational aspects of valley communities and I am passionate about all ages learning more about Jesus and journeying together in on our faith journeys. I look forward to being able to get to know people (hopefully over a coffee once restrictions allow) and seeing what God has in store for the area.”

At the heart of this new project is the desire to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and action. The new Centre of Mission aims to be a bridge between the church and the local community, developing a close partnership which will encourage evangelism and mission within Abertillery. It is hoped all denominations will work alongside the project all as we seek to express God’s love for everyone.

The Right Reverend Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth, says: "The Church Army has a track record of engaging effectively with areas of our communities that our churches have traditionally found it hard to reach, especially those parts that are most deprived. Their approach is to live alongside, serve the community and build relationships, thereby witnessing to the love of God and drawing people into discipleship. Hannah has the particular skills and experience to do this and I’m sure that her work, in partnership with others, will be a blessing to the people of Abertillery and to the wider diocese."

Hannah starts her new role on 12 April 2021.