Rich Johnson, Vicar of All Saints in Worcester is to be the new National Leader of New Wine, a network of evangelical churches in England.
Announced at the New Wine Leadership Conference last month, Rich will take on the role from May. He will be seconded to New Wine for 45% of his time while continuing to work in our Resourcing Church for the other 55%. The Trustees of New Wine, recognising how Kath and Rich lead together, have also invited Kath Johnson to also be part of the leadership of New Wine going forward alongside her role with IJM (International Justice Mission).
Rich said: It’s a huge privilege for Kath and I to receive the baton of leadership of New Wine England from the Harcourts over next few months as I become National Leader & we form a new leadership team. We’re so thankful for the support of All Saints and others in the Diocese as we take on this challenge.” 
Rich has been part of the New Wine family since he came to faith in Jesus as a member of Trinity Cheltenham. He recently developed a new strategy for networking church leaders around the country. Bishop Jill Duff, one of the trustees of New Wine, who chaired the interview process commented: “Rich brings vision, prayerfulness and strategic clarity. We were unanimous in our decision to appoint him. Team is vital to him and our passion to grow younger and more diverse was already on Rich’s heart.”
Bishop John welcomed Rich’s appointment saying: “I am delighted that Rich has been appointed as the next Leader of New Wine. He is an exceptionally gifted leader and pastor who has done so much in his role as Vicar of All Saints over the last ten years. He will be brilliant in this new role and here in Worcester we can bask in reflected glory as well as continue to benefit from Rich’s considerable ministry in our midst.”
