Dear Friends

I want to share some important news with you about the next chapter of my journey.

During the summer of 2025, I experienced an unexpected stirring, through prayer, prophetic words, and a vivid dream that suggested I needed to pay attention to the possibility of a fresh missionary calling, one that might involve leaving Bridlington. At first, this seemed impossible. I could see no greater place to live out my calling to activate discipleship and mission than within CCBN.

However, in November, an opportunity emerged that both Penny and I sensed needed to be pursued. Following a selection process over Christmas and the New Year, I have been offered the role of Director of Mission and Ministry in the Diocese of York. A friend described it well as “the same calling, but a new assignment.”

In this role, I will have the opportunity to lead, support and influence discipleship and mission across nearly 600 churches, working as a member of the diocesan leadership team. It will undoubtedly be a new missionary journey that takes me for a time into the centre, having previously always served on the edges.

While I am excited about what lies ahead, I am also deeply sad to be leaving. The past eight years have been an extraordinary privilege. I have learned a great deal and have been able to serve in ways I genuinely believe the Lord entrusted to me.

When I applied to be vicar here in 2017, I wrote about the need to clarify and refresh vision, simplify structures, develop the next generation of leaders, and release every disciple to make disciples. Much has been accomplished in these areas, and I sense that my time of leadership here is now ending.

I remain profoundly grateful for CCBN - for the people, the partnership, and the shared commitment to discipleship and mission. My last day as Vicar of CCBN will be Sunday 5th April (Easter Sunday). I am confident that the leaders and teams we have in place across CCBN are in good shape to be able to navigate a vacancy period and the discernment process regarding the next person to lead this wonderful Network.

With thanks and every blessing

Mark Carey