Wales: New evangelical leader

Alun Ebenezer is the new Director of the Evangelical Movement of Wales (EMW), it has been announced.

In the past, EMW has had General Secretaries, but the organisation says the new title better reflects the role today.

The EMW describes itself as "not a denomination or association, but [a] servant of gospel churches". Up until now, Ebenezer has had shared responsibility in the EMW for its children and youth ministry.

The charity writes: "Over the years, the EMW has been served by a number of General Secretaries. Often appointed from among the members of the Management Board, each has brought their own gifts and provided leadership to the Movement's ministries. Looking back, we can see God's good hand in providing the right person for each season.

"We are delighted to announce that Alun Ebenezer has accepted our invitation to become our new Director. The new title better reflects the nature of the role. Alun will serve on a parttime basis during his first year, and we are grateful for his willingness to take on this responsibility."

Ebenezer has been Co-Acting Headteacher of Caldicot School (Ysgol Cil-y-Coed), Monmouthshire, South Wales, a co-educational (mixed-sex) school with around 1,300 students, since 2024. Ebenezer was reportedly asked to take over at the school after "a difficult period which saw teachers striking over 'violent and abusive behaviour' by pupils".

Earlier this year, it was reported that Caldicot School, under Ebenezer's leadership, had been "removed from a list of sites needing significant improvement".

Ebenezer has an MA in Education Leadership and has experience leading INSET (school staff training) and speaking at conferences. He is the author of Christian books And They Crucified Him and The Heart of the Problem.

The EMW's team of staff and volunteers coordinates support for its various ministries, which include conferences and camps. Its trustees are all members of the management board and have responsibility for particular areas of the EMW. Ebenezer, of Zion Baptist Church, Brynmawr, has been serving as a trustee with "Children and Youth" responsibility alongside Hannah Mitchell of Pontrhydrun Baptist Church, Cwmbran. Other key figures include Director of Ministries and Senior Staff Member Steffan Job, Chair of Trustees Jeremy Bailey, and Pastoral Director Phil Swann, who is the main speaker at this year's Aber Conference – an annual evangelical event run by the EMW, which today saw an announcement made about Alun's appointment.

"Please pray for Alun as he begins this new chapter of service, asking that the Lord will give him wisdom, strength and grace as he leads the work of the Movement," the EMW added.