The Church Mission Society has today (1 July) announced that Rev Philip Mounstephen, who is currently Chaplain of St Michael’s Church in Paris, is to take up the post of CMS executive leader.
Philip has been at St Michael's, a large multicultural church in the centre of Paris for five years and has gained a reputation as a passionate and visionary leader who encourages and enables others to grow.
He described himself as "thrilled and delighted" to have been asked to lead the CMS community in mission. "I look forward to working in life-changing mission with partners the world over who share our abiding passion – that the world would know Jesus Christ,” he said.
Philip is deeply committed to the church around the world. At St Michael's he has seen significant success in building up a church community including French, English and Tamil speaking congregations made up of over 40 nationalities. He has developed the church's international connections in Africa and Asia and acted as consultant and companion to a Turkish-language church in Istanbul.
John Ripley, the Chair of CMS trustees, said that Philip emerged from a highly talented field of candidates as "a very strong communicator and influencer who we are confident will inspire the whole CMS community and engage all sorts of new audiences."
Philip succeeds the Rt Rev Tim Dakin, who is now Bishop of Winchester. He is expected to start work with CMS during October when he will meet colleagues from the collaborative international network made up of CMS, CMS Africa, Asia CMS and New Zealand CMS.
Philip's past experience also includes a variety of positions at CPAS, including Acting General Director, and leading a multicultural church in Streatham, south London. He is very much a 'people person' and his current role brings him into regular contact with everyone from the homeless to ambassadors. He is married to Ruth and father to 20-year-old Kitty. Among his many and varied interests are history, collecting vinyl records and supporting Newcastle United.
Church Mission Society (CMS) is a community of over 2,500 members who want the world to know Jesus. Members commit to seven promises as they aspire to a whole lifestyle shaped by God's mission. CMS supports people in mission in over 35 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. It was founded in 1799. www.cms-uk.org
