A move to bring together the ministries of Evangelism and New Churches, Ministry Training and Development, and Anglican Media has taken a step forward with the announcement of an interim director.

The provisional board of the new Evangelism and Ministry Partnerships (EMP) group has announced that the rector of St George North, the Rev Canon Phil Colgan (pictured above), will begin as its interim head on September 1.

Mr Colgan will remain as St George North’s senior minister, as the EMP position will be one day a week for the remainder of 2025 and then two days from January. 

Synod last year approved in principle a proposal to bring the three ministry bodies together, and a provisional board was appointed in July this year.

“In keeping with the Archbishop’s Purpose and Priorities for the Diocesan Fellowship, the desire is to establish a single entity that is ‘greater than the sum of its parts’ in the way it collaborates and communicates to support parishes, diocesan organisations and other ministries in the multiplication of Christians, leaders and churches,” said the board’s chairman, Archdeacon Simon Flinders.

“Over the next few months, Phil will work together with the board, the CEOs, directors and the staff of the three organisations to lead a phase of organisational design. Together we will address perceived hurdles and consider possible structural models and strategic priorities for a future EMP.”