Revd Dr Cristopher (Cris) Rogers, currently Priest-in-Charge of All Hallows, Bow in East London, has been appointed as new Director of Mission for Church of England Birmingham.
The Director of Mission is a senior role, providing strategic leadership of mission across the diocese in alignment with our vision of growing churches at the heart of each community.
Cris will lead the Mission Support team as it works to support churches across Birmingham and the region that spiritually and numerically flourish, proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, make disciples, and serve and transform their communities.
Cris has been Priest-in-Charge of All Hallows, Bow – a missional church in East London – since 2010. He has led the church from a small congregation into a flourishing worshipping community, alongside planting and supporting new churches.
He completed his curacy at Christ Church, Roxeth and has an extensive background in youth work and church planting. This includes work in North London, and also here in Birmingham at St Michael’s, Boldmere, where he developed a youth congregation and skate park ministry.
Cris has published various books related to mission and discipleship and is also Chair of Spring Harvest Easter Conference.
Cris will bring particular focus to the work of church planting and revitalisation as well as parish growth, ensuring that Church of England Birmingham continues to prioritise an increase in the number of young disciples.
Announcing the appointment, Bishop Esther said: “Cris brings a deep love for Jesus and his Church, together with a proven track record in church growth, disciple-making, and the revitalisation of local congregations.
“He has served for many years in a richly diverse urban context in East London, where his ministry has combined spiritual depth with outward-facing mission, particularly among those on the margins.
“Cris has a longstanding connection with Birmingham, having begun his ministry here. He brings a genuine affection for this place and a desire to see the Church flourish in every context. Join me in praying for Cris and his family as they prepare for this transition.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Cris said:
“I am thrilled to be able to come back to Birmingham to play my part in the exciting vision here.
"I am looking forward to serving as Director of Mission, helping to strengthen churches, grow disciples and see new communities of faith take root across the diocese."
The Church of England Birmingham includes over 187 worshipping communities across 146 parishes in Birmingham and parts of Solihull, Sandwell, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
Cris will take up the role in September 2026.