100 days on…
New CEO Andy Roberts sets out priorities ahead of his commissioning
Photo: “CMS is called to be stirred, stretched and sent again.” – Andy Roberts, CEO
Andy Roberts commissioned as new chief executive officer of Church Mission Society and pledges to be a disturber for Jesus
Canon Andy Roberts MBE will be commissioned on 8 November 2025 as the new Chief Executive Officer of Church Mission Society (CMS), one of the UK’s leading mission organisations. A pioneering mission leader, former CMS mission partner and founder of the Brazilian children’s charity ReVive International, Roberts has served as CMS director of mission since 2021. He succeeds Alastair Bateman as CEO.
First 100 days
In his first 100 days in the role since officially starting on 1 August, Roberts has helped host an international gathering for CMS people in mission, attended a conference in the US, travelled to visit with partners in Asia and the Middle East and spoken at CMS-supporting churches. He said, “I’ve listened to staff, volunteers, church leaders and community partners across our network. I’ve heard stories of lives transformed, faith restored and hope renewed through our shared mission.”
Roberts acknowledged both the encouragements and the challenges facing CMS today:
“I’ve also listened to the realities we face – the need to adapt to a changing world while staying rooted in our mission principles. Despite the uncertainty of our times, our calling remains clear: to serve others with humility, integrity and love.”
A call to Spirit-led disruption
In recent years CMS has intentionally prioritised mission work “at the edges” – of society, of the Church, and in communities where the name of Jesus is rarely seen and heard. Roberts says God is moving powerfully at these edges: “We are living in a time of profound disruption – in the world, in the Church and in our communities. But disruption doesn’t always mean decline.”
He added: “Jesus was the Good Shepherd but also the Great Disturber, as my predecessor, former CMS leader John V Taylor, once described him. Jesus unsettled what was comfortable to draw people into deeper life with God. I believe CMS is called into that same Spirit-led disruption: to be stirred, stretched and sent again.”
As CMS enters a new chapter, Roberts made three key commitments to the CMS board, staff and supporters:
- To listen deeply – to the Spirit, to global partners and to one another.
- To align wisely – ensuring that resources, vision and people faithfully serve God’s mission.
- To lead boldly – with prayerfulness, courage and joy, trusting that God still sends his people into the world.
Under Roberts’ leadership, CMS will continue to focus on:
- Reaching people at the edges of society.
- Making disciples in areas facing continuing violent conflict in East Africa.
- Supporting Christians in minority faith contexts across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
- Advancing the Children’s Charter on Care Reform, creating a safer, fairer future for children in poverty.
- Championing indigenous rights and mission movements in South America.
- Promoting mission that embraces the gifts of migration, modelling hospitality over hostility.
- Inspiring the UK Church to see global and local mission as essential.
Energy at the edges
Roberts concluded by saying that he is encouraged and hopeful that change is coming. He said “I believe God is on the move – especially at the edges. That is where the gospel breaks through. We see it in Lebanon, where Syrian refugees encounter hope in Christ. In DR Congo and South Sudan, where trauma meets the peace of Jesus. In the Chaco, where indigenous communities now lead mission movements of their own. And here in the UK – on estates, in diaspora communities, in places some have written off… but God has not.
“Over the next 100 days and beyond, my vision is that we would dare more boldly, trust more deeply, and follow Jesus more fully – becoming ‘disturbers for Jesus’ so that more people at the edges of society and around the world can experience his presence and love.”
