Church Army is preparing to open its doors to new members after it voted to become a Mission Community in the Anglican Church in the UK and Ireland.
More than 90 per cent of those who voted said "yes" to the decision and the constitutional changes were approved at the organisation's Annual General Meeting held on 22 November.

The changes mean that the Church Army can open its doors to anyone who has a heart for evangelism, so many more people will be able to join - including those who are ordained, those who feel called to be evangelists in the wider church and Church Army's existing volunteers and supporters. The Army hopes to create a new community of people who are passionate about the gospel and who want to share it through words and action with those on the margins of society.

Church Army hopes that through this extended network of mission-minded people, communities will be transformed and evangelism resourced. Mark Russell, Church Army chief executive, said: "This is an historic day for Church Army and I'm so excited about what the future holds for our new Mission Community. The vision is for Church Army to be an inclusive movement of evangelists, lay people, ordained, full-time, part-time, young and old - all of who are committed to changing our nation."

Mike Gilbert, mission community exploration officer, added: "After an extensive exploration that has been marked by prayer, respect and grace, we have now entered a new chapter in the life of Church Army. We hope that our Mission Community develops into a natural home for many people who are committed to evangelism and who are longing for a depth of spirituality and strength of community."

Church Army will now look to appoint a dean of community to lead and care for its members. For more information about this role, and to apply, please visit the recruitment page on www.churcharmy.org.uk

Further details of how people can join the Mission Community will be announced in 2012.