Face to Face
with Mark Armstrong
Mark from Bangor NI recently took on the role of Ireland Supporter Development Officer for Langham Partnership. VOX caught up with him to find out more.
Tell us about yourself?
I am Mark Armstrong and I live in Bangor, Co. Down, Northern Ireland. I am married to Lorraine for the last 35 years (for which she needs a medal) and we have been blessed with 2 adult sons, 1 daughter-in-law, 1 future daughter-in law, 1 grandson and a second grandchild due in November 2023. I became a Christian at the age of 18 following a friend having a serious accident. I have had several job roles, but for that last 13 years I have mainly been involved in various aspects on Christian ministry including church pastorate and missionary.
Why did you join Langham?
I first encountered Langham in 2016 when serving as a missionary. I was in supplying theological resources to Zimbabwe. At that time, we had developed an electronic App. that allowed church leaders to receive books and other resources that would assist them in their ministry. The app provides the framework for leaders, but it needed books. I met with Langham literature team who caught our vision and partnered with us by giving us the license to have the books on the app. It was then I came to appreciate Langham’s desire that every church deserves a well-trained well-resourced leadership. In 2023, after considering future ministry the opportunity arose to serve with Langham as the Ireland Supporter Development Officer.
Tell us a bit more about the vision and what Langham does?
Langham Partnership’s vision is to see churches in the majority world to grow to maturity in Christ so that they are equipped to mission in both the local and global context. Vital to this growth is the ministry of pastors and leaders who believe, teach, and live by the Word of God. Our mission is to strengthen the ministry of the Word of God through: nurturing national movements for biblical preaching (Langham Preaching); fostering the creation and distribution of evangelical literature (Langham Literature); and enhancing evangelical theological education (Langham Scholars) especially in countries where churches are under resourced.'
What does your role involve in NI / Ireland?
As the Ireland Supporter Development Officer my role is to introduce Langham Partnership to a many individuals and groups as possible on the Island of Ireland. where my prayer is that they catch the vision of our founder Rev Dr John Stott and partner with us in prayer and support. I also work in maintaining and developing relationships that have already been built.
What would you love to see happen?
There is the danger that mission can be reduced to a few verses in the bible, where it can be perceived that it is only for a certain group within the church. However, I have a passion to show that mission is a central theme in the bible where from Genesis to Revelation we see God in action, God is on a mission. When I first discovered that it revolutionised my thinking of mission, and my desire it that others would see that mission is central to the bible where there is a role for every Christian in the work of mission.
How can Langham be a blessing to the church in Ireland and Northern Ireland?
As I have recently became a fulltime member of staff in Langham, I have been thinking on how we can serve the church in Ireland. I have already had a few conversations but would love to have more to learn about the needs and challenges of the local church leadership as they seek to teaching and explaining the bible. I am more than happy to travel and learn so that Langham can serve the church in Ireland effectively.
How can people/ churches get involved with the work?
I just love talking about Langham… where it is in a coffee shop or a church pulpit and love it when the opportunity arises to share what Langham does. We have several websites that can give more information https://uk.langham.org. I can be contacted personally on my email address or call me on +447523180611.