charismatic,disciples,eucharist,evangelical,evangelistic,good news,gospel,mission,pcc,progressive,scripture,tradition

Nick Munn
General Synod election address
September 2026

My background
I grew up in Chester diocese, attending St Michael and All Angels, Bramhall with my
parents. As a teenager I became a server, was confirmed, and gave my life to Christ at
an evangelistic event in Glossop. By that point I was pretty sure Christ had claimed me
already, but that night I felt the power of the good news in a different way that needed a
response. From those beginnings, my faith journey within the Church of England has
encompassed both eucharist-centred, liturgically rich churches and the Word-focussed
informality of evangelical and charismatic worship. I long to see the Church of England
also continue to be enriched by these different traditions, not divided by them.
After a brief career as a scientist, I joined the civil service, and currently work for a
government department. After becoming a licensed lay minister in London in 2013, a
couple of years ago I returned to the north-west of England with my wife Heidi and our
two teenaged sons. I now serve at Norbury church in Hazel Grove, near Stockport,
where Heidi is the curate. Although a distinctly average musician, I have for many years
played guitar in worship bands and gradually learned to sing tenor, a little. I have even
become lead guitarist for a local progressive rock band! As well as being an avid reader,
I also enjoy cooking, computer games and simple DIY.
Why I am seeking election
I am standing for General Synod because I believe in the calling of the Church of
England to share the love of Jesus with a world that is longing for hope, meaning, and
reconciliation. As a lay minister and someone who has spent many years working within
government, I have seen how good governance can enable people to flourish, and how
poor governance can drain energy, trust, and joy. Sadly, too often in recent years,
General Synod has not been a good advert for Jesus and for the Church. Although much
of this can be laid at the door of a hostile, secular press and, ultimately, the devil, I
believe we can, and must, do better.
My experience in public service has shown me that institutions thrive when they focus
on building solutions together rather than rehearsing disagreements. The Church is no
different. We are a diverse body, and that diversity is itself a gift from God — but only if
we learn to work collaboratively, listen generously, and act with humility. The world does
not need to see us fighting; it needs to see us loving one another as Christ commanded.
I am standing because I want General Synod to become a place where our shared
mission – God’s mission – is the priority. The Church’s calling is not to endless internal
debate, but to proclaim and embody the transforming love of Jesus. Every hour spent in
conflict is an hour not spent serving our communities, nurturing disciples, or reaching
those who have never heard the gospel.
20 of 31

We also need to set an example. Synod should model the kind of leadership we want
the Church to be known for: gracious, prayerful, and rooted in Scripture, tradition and
reason. We must be willing to admit when we have fallen short, and courageous enough
to change course when necessary or to take risks for the sake of the gospel. The Church
deserves a Synod that reflects the character of Christ: patient, truthful, and loving.
Consider voting for me because…
If elected, I will work to bring a more constructive, solution-focused approach to Synod.
My background in government has equipped me to navigate complex issues, build
consensus, and help groups move from disagreement to action. I know how to listen
carefully, ask the right questions, and help people of good will find common ground
even when they start far apart. These skills are urgently needed for the General Synod to
enable the Church’s mission as it is meant to. As just one, flawed person there is a limit
to what I can achieve but, working with others from across the church and with the Holy
Spirit’s help, I believe I can make a difference.
Less critically, but I hope still usefully, I bring a range of skills from the modern
workplace and experience from church life as a lay leader. Part of this is simply having
experienced the same challenges that face many of us every day: balancing the
practical requirements of work, home and family with the call to serve and follow Christ
at all times and in all places. As the husband of a member of clergy, I also see
something of the pressures and complexities that bedevil our ordained ministers, which
Synod also should address.
As a PCC member, I have experienced the pressures of dealing with GDPR and with
constrained financial resources, of making the best use of modern technology to
communicate the gospel and run a church, and of coping with events like the pandemic
that challenge the culture of parish life. There is much that churches and congregations
can learn from each other, and much Synod can do to help share those lessons.
Above all, I want to help Synod become a place where hope in Christ is rekindled. The
challenges facing the Church of England are real, but so is the power of the gospel.
When we work together, guided by the Holy Spirit, there is no limit to what God can do
through us. My commitment is to serve as best I can with integrity, humility, and a
steadfast focus on mission.
I would be honoured to represent you and to help General Synod serve the whole
Church better, enabling it to flourish and faithfully to share God’s love with the world.
Nick Munn
[email protected]
21 of 31