A vision for World Ministry
David Martin interviews Chris Wray ICM Chair of Trustees
Chris before we dive into the vision of ICM today tell us a little about yourself.
I’m originally from County Tyrone, but after university Sarah and I got married and moved to Dublin in 2008. Since we’ve been in Dublin we’ve also added two boys and two dogs to the mix, so outside work, church and ICM life is full and busy!
When we moved to Dublin we settled in Immanuel Church, and then as a family joined the launch team for Christ Church North Dublin. I also became a Trustee of ICM in 2011, and have served as Chairman since late 2020.
Life is busy for you and taking on the role of chairman of ICM during this particular period is hardly what you needed. Can you sketch some of the main challenges faced by ICM and explain why you are still so committed.
Some challenges are common to all charities, and so finance, governance and charities regulations are areas of focus for the trustees as we seek to be careful stewards and to ensure that ICM is on a sound footing for the future. Other challenges are linked to our role as a church planting mission agency, as we seek to care for the existing churches, plant new ones, and raise up workers. Two particular areas of concern for us at present are the need to renovate our headquarters building in Bachelor’s Walk and to ensure we are making best use of it, and the on-going difficulties in our relationship with the Diocese of Dublin.
With all the headwinds that ICM is facing it would be easy to become discouraged, but really these things are no different to the challenges that Christians have always faced as they seek to take the good news of the gospel out into the world. As Trustees, we feel our need to continue to rely on God’s faithfulness and provision and to maintain our unity in the gospel. It is also massively encouraging to see churches planted and growing, and to see men and women, boys and girls grow in their love and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. That’s the reason we exist as a mission agency, and the best possible encouragement
So what in your mind is the most important contribution ICM can make to healthy Anglican evangelicalism across Ireland today?
Healthy churches need to look to scripture as the ultimate and final authority for all matters of belief and practice, and to be outward looking and passionate about sharing the good news of the gospel. That’s what it means to be evangelical. But it’s also helpful to remember that we aren’t the first Christians to consider these questions, and to draw on the wisdom of those who have gone before us. As Anglicans we are grounded in a rich history of doctrine and practice that gives us a distinctive identity, and which connects us with millions of other Christians around the world. That is a huge encouragement, and a reminder that we don’t stand alone.
ICM is in a unique position to help revive old churches and see new ones planted, and to serve and support those churches in being evangelical and distinctively Anglican.
Part of the opposition within Dublin Diocese has been because of the multiplication of church plants, both by those who are missionary staff workers and by ordained Anglican clergy. Is it right that ICM should continue with its vision to start and strengthen healthy Anglican churches if certain dioceses remain unwilling to collaborate?
Yes it is, but let me say some more to unpack that a bit. As Trustees we are conscious of the responsibility we have to act wisely and charitably, and to seek after Christian unity. The gospel need in Ireland is huge, so we also need to partner with other Christians and especially those who share ourAnglican heritage and identity. However, our first loyalty is to the Lord Jesus and our mandate is the great commission. That is why we want to plant churches in the first place, and why we will continue to do so even in the face of opposition.
More than that, I am personally convinced that there is a need for church planting and rejuvenation outside of the existing parochial structures of the Church of Ireland. As far as possible I want to work alongside the existing Anglican structures, but the work needs to continue regardless. As Chairman of ICM I would truly value the prayers of all ICM supporters as we seek to navigate these matters with care, and in a way that brings honour to the Lord Jesus.
Given what you have said, it will come as no surprise that you are actually a member in one of these church plants, Christ Church North Dublin. While there is a lot to think through at an organisational level, what real difference can small church plants make to their communities and to thecollective witness of other churches in the area.
Churches like CCND are the reason that ICM exists, and everything we do as a mission agency should be for the good of local churches. Local churches are God’s vehicle to build his kingdom, and are vital to bring Christians together for public worship and to equip us all for mission in the home,workplace, school, or wherever we find ourselves throughout the week. We are also increasingly learning that evangelism is hard and takes time, so CCND and other churches like it allow us to be present and to build relationships in our communities. The launch team in CCND is made up of Christians from local Anglican, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches, so it is also very encouraging to all of us to see such practical and meaningful Christian unity in action.
What would you most value prayer for when it comes to the trustees, the plans for ICM, the future need for more church plants and the strengthening of existing evangelical churches across Ireland.
Please pray for wisdom in facing and moving through the challenges outlined above, and for unity and clarity of purpose among the Trustees and staff. Also pray for continued trust and reliance on God’s promises to call people to himself and to build his church, and that we would continue to seek to play our small part in that with perseverance, faithfulness and joy.
One final question. I know you are an avid reader, so who most inspires you as a Christian to remain joyfully faithful to Jesus, especially in the midst of challenges and oppositions, both personally and at a more formal level in leading the ICM board of trustees.
Two names (both Anglican!) that come to mind are J. I. Packer and Bishop J. C. Ryle. I find myself coming back to their writing again and again and am always encouraged by the richness of their wisdom and understanding of biblical truth. They were men whose hearts were aflame with love towardsGod and people, and whose writing is accessible, practical, and relevant to every Christian today. Finally, they were men who faced opposition and who did so with humility and confidence in God’s goodness, and so have much to teach us in facing similar challenges today.