A Wrexham-based Evangelist is to be admitted and commissioned to the Church Army at a special ceremony in Sheffield Cathedral on Saturday (19 July).

Jack Wright serves as the Pioneer Youth Evangelist at the Wrexham Centre of Mission, which is a partnership between the Church Army and the Diocese of St Asaph. He is one of nine candidates who will be admitted into the Office of Evangelists under the authority of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

Much of Jack’s ministry revolves around the youth initiative called Tin Can near Caia Park in Wrexham. This initiative provides a safe space for children and young people, many of whom face significant challenges at home, from exposure to drugs to living in poverty.

Alongside Tin Can, Jack has started a mentoring programme at a local high school, focusing on young boys struggling with behavioural and confidence issues. A highlight of this programme is the creation of a peace garden, a project managed entirely by the boys. Jack said: “Giving them the responsibility to manage the project and budget allows them to gain key skills and experience a sense of ownership. It’s about building self-confidence and helping them grow empathy. Beyond just teaching them, I get to be a positive male role model, which many of them have never had. It’s about giving them hope and confidence in their ability to achieve more.”

Raised in a Christian home, Jack always had roots in his faith. Though he drifted slightly during his early teens, his belief never wavered. At 17, he found a renewed and living faith that inspired him to be baptised at the age of 18.

The next chapter of Jack’s life saw him serve for five years in the Royal Signals of the British Army. “At that time, I needed direction and discipline, and the army gave me that, along with the chance to see the world,” Jack recalled. But his service was more than just about structure or travel—it was a unique opportunity to share his faith, too. “Sharing Jesus has always been part of my DNA. No matter where I’ve been, I’ve shared my faith. During my time in the army, I had some incredible conversations about Jesus. It was clear that God wanted me there at that time.”

Today, Jack is the Pioneer Youth Evangelist at the Wrexham Centre of Mission, living with his wife Leusa, their son Tomos, and their two dogs, Leo and Piper.

Jack’s commissioning ceremony will be hosted in Sheffield Cathedral, and will be led by the Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford. You can find out more about the service here.

The Wrexham Centre of Mission was set up in 2015 and is led by Josh Smith, from the Church Army. You can find out more here.