“I believe the time is right”
CEO Alastair Bateman announces he is to step down
Photo: “The privilege of a lifetime” – Alastair Bateman is set to step down as CEO of Church Mission Society
Church Mission Society’s CEO, Alastair Bateman, has resigned from his post and announced he will step down at the end of July 2025 after six years, saying, “I believe the time is right.”
Reflecting on his time at CMS, Alastair said: “Serving in this community – so deeply committed to following Jesus, rooted in prayer, and bearing the fruits of the Spirit – has been the privilege of a lifetime.”
The search for a successor is now underway, led by the chair of trustees, Rev Jeremy Moodey.
Arriving in May 2019, Alastair saw his main task as creating an environment for healthy and sustainable growth. During his time, he has overseen a far-reaching review of CMS’s mission strategy as well as steering the society through a global pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.
Work to refine the vision and strategy stayed true to CMS’s long history of making disciples of Jesus at the edges. It resulted in a focus on supporting highly relevant, locally-led mission initiatives in specific contexts around the world.
These include situations where people are pushed to the edges, for instance by violent conflict in DR Congo; where they are marginalised or in the minority as followers of Jesus, such as in the Middle East and North Africa; or where people may be disconnected from church, as we often find here in the UK.
Alastair describes these ventures as “built on the gift of deep relationships”. A gathering of the partners involved, which took place in Cairo last year, was a significant milestone: “I saw relationships flourishing among a wonderfully diverse group of people.” Another recent highlight was the launch of the Acts 11 Centre for Global Witness and Human Migration last September. It was also a joy to visit people in mission in South America in 2024 to see what God is doing there.
“These and other milestones have convinced me that now is an appropriate time to pass the baton to the next leader who will guide CMS forward in this new season,” Alastair said.
Rev Jeremy Moodey, chair of CMS trustees, said: “I have worked closely with Alastair since joining the trustee board last October and then becoming chair of trustees in April of this year. I was looking forward to our collaboration as chair and CEO, but I fully understand his decision to step down now after six years of faithful service at the helm of CMS. I especially respect his sense from God that now is the time for him to explore a new direction and calling.
“I am deeply thankful for the commitment, leadership and vision Alastair has given to CMS in his time with us, particularly in regard to the development of a new strategy, one that he and his colleagues helped shape with great wisdom, prayerfulness and energy. It has enabled CMS to discern a clearer path to follow in the delivery of pioneering mission in the UK and overseas.
“I wish Alastair every blessing as he continues to seek the Lord’s guidance for his next challenge in ministry.”
The closing date for applications to succeed Alastair is 9 May 2025. Applications can be made through Macaulay Search.
Pray together
- For Alastair as he takes this step of faith
- For the search for a new CEO and for God to provide the right person
- For CMS staff and people in mission in this time of transition
