General Synod Election Candidates 2026

OPENING STATEMENT
As the Church of England, we are uniquely placed to see people discipled and grow into maturity
with a deep and rich faith, to which I am wholeheartedly committed. I am passionate about seeing
the Church work together in mission and evangelism across parishes and deaneries to make Christ
known.
I am offering myself to serve on General Synod to see:
•
Mission, evangelism and fresh expressions of church become the main priorities for the
next few years, particularly exploring how we might prevent parishes from closing through
church growth.
•
Churches grow and flourish as the Gospel is communicated to wide and diverse
communities, seeing people follow Jesus with their whole lives.
•
A Church united around the cross, bringing hope and vision for the future, particularly to
communities in rural and diverse parishes.
•
A Church that recognises the wider role of local churches, understanding that they are
part of something much bigger through their work in schools, care homes and community
groups.
PERSONAL DETAILS
My name is Matt Beer. I grew up in South Africa and moved to the UK in 2007. I currently live in
Witney with my wife, Emily, our two young children and our spaniel, Zach.
It is a delight and a privilege to be the Vicar of Cogges, part of a market town, and South Leigh, a
rural parish on the edge of the town.
Previously, I was the leader of a BMO (Bishop’s Mission Order) in Telford in the Diocese of
Lichfield for five years. Before that, I was curate of St Mary’s Bletchley and Parish Assistant at
Christ Church Abingdon in the Diocese of Oxford, before being ordained in 2016.
I have a particular interest in seeing schools flourish as they nurture a new generation of leaders.
I am also a passionate gardener, countryside walker and runner, and I love a good barbecue with as
many people as possible!
My journey of faith began when I was invited to Sunday school as a child. I noticed that the people
at the church were different from the people I had previously met in life. They were full of life,
loved one another and spoke about Jesus like a friend. As a teenager, I decided to make a
commitment to follow Christ, and I have not looked back since.
WHY AM I STANDING?
Having lived in another country and culture, I believe we are so fortunate that this country is
covered by prayer, parishes and a commitment to see lives changed wherever we live. We are
intimately involved in the best and worst moments of people’s lives, bringing hope and security as
we share the Gospel.
I am committed to seeing mission and ministry continue as we preach the Gospel afresh to every
generation. With a particular passion for seeing young people and children grow into lifelong
apprentices of Jesus, I have served the Diocese of Oxford on the ViSC Committee, and I am
currently serving on the CNC to select the next Bishop of Oxford.

I am Assistant Area Dean for Witney, helping to serve 38 churches across the deanery. I have also
served in the Milton Keynes Deanery. I have been specifically involved in youth provision, served
as a governor at seven schools and as Chair of Governors at three others. I have also served on
Bishop’s Council.
I also have a huge passion for mission and evangelism, coupled with a large amount of experience
in international and local mission. I have led teams for SOMA in Central and Southern Africa and,
more locally, organised mission and evangelism events in the UK.
I am passionate about the Church and her mission to the people of the UK, and I have had a
growing sense that I need to put myself forward to stand for General Synod. This sense has not
gone away over the last few months; instead, it has grown into something much bigger.
I would love to see the voice of younger generations and fresh expressions grow louder in General
Synod.
WHAT AM I INTERESTED IN?
•
Parish and diocesan deployment, particularly in rural communities.
•
Lay ministry.
•
Resourcing parishes and deaneries, particularly around finance, parish share and
vacancies.
•
New church communities and fresh expressions, while also protecting and strengthening
the work of the parish church.
•
Social responsibility.
•
Education.
•
The Anglican Communion.
WHAT CAN I OFFER?
I am described by friends as full of energy, enthusiasm and humour, which I bring into everything
that I do, whether my focus is mission, buildings or finance.
I believe I could offer experience of cross-cultural mission, fresh expressions, education, emerging
generations and lay ministry, experience of leading a large church alongside a rural church to the
other voices that will be elected.
FINALLY
Should you vote to elect me to General Synod, I hope my approachability, experience and passion
will be put to good use in serving the whole Church. I would value the opportunity to bring the
things that you are passionate about into the debate.
Thank you for reading this and for considering voting for me. Please do pray for me and for the
others standing as we seek to serve Christ, his Church and the world.

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