College cuts: doubt over evangelism centre

An evangelical theological college has axed the role of Director of Ministerial Training, bringing into doubt the future of its specialist centre for training future evangelists.

Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, said loss of income due to the pandemic necessitated the change – which means theologian evangelist Greg Downes (photo) will lose his job as well as his family home, which went with the role.

Part of Downes’ role has been as Dean of Wycliffe’s Wesley Centre for Missional Engagement – launched in only 2018 with the express purpose of raising up a new generation of evangelists. On its website, under heading ‘the team’, Downes is currently listed as its only staff member. In a statement, Michael Lloyd, Principal of Wycliffe, said he ‘hugely regretted’ the step. He said: ‘The last two years have been a challenge … as for numerous other institutions … with the loss of all conference income and most of our B&B business due to the pandemic. We are doing all we can to maximise income and reduce expenditure [but] very sadly, it has become necessary to make one post redundant.’