For the past 25 years, the Arrow Leadership Programme has equipped and empowered over 400 Christian leaders across the UK and Ireland.
Initially founded by Leighton Ford in 1991 in North America, Arrow nurture and trains leaders aged 25–40 in Christian ministry across various denominations. The 18-month programme combines residentials, mentoring and peer groups, whilst focusing on three key areas: character, leadership and evangelism.
At its centre, Arrow aims to develop leaders who are led more by Jesus, lead more like Jesus, and lead more to Jesus.
After experiencing its transformative impact first-hand in the US, James Lawrence, CPAS Leadership Champion, launched Arrow in the UK in 1999. James recalls, ‘It was a significant transformative process for me. The emphasis on character and Christ-likeness has stayed with me to this day.’
James recognised Arrow’s potential for the UK and Irish church landscape, providing a rich resource for developing emerging leaders. Arrow now operates in 14 countries, including a recently launched programme in Ukraine, but the vision and values remain the same.
In January, CPAS celebrated Arrow UK’s 25th anniversary at the Arrow Reloaded conference. Sixty alumni gathered alongside a panel comprising Craig Hendrickson ( Arrow President), James Lawrence, Jo McKee (CPAS Head of Leadership Development) and Jon Scamman (CPAS CEO). All Arrow alumni, they shared the same reflection: that Arrow was transformational to their ministries.
'It was a significant transformative process for me. The emphasis on character and Christ-likeness has stayed with me to this day.'
Between 2018-2019, Jo McKee took part in Arrow Leadership Programme (ALP) 15. ‘It was so significant for me,’ says Jo. ‘Throughout the programme you develop a personal vision statement. Mine was, “Live today like Jesus is coming tomorrow.” That sense of urgency for serving Jesus and making him known will always stay with me.’
Just a few months later, Jo became the UK Arrow Lead, launching ALP 16 one week after the Covid-19 lockdown began. ‘It was adaptive leadership in action!’ she says.
Over the years, Arrow’s alumni have shaped the ministry of hundreds of churches, charities and organisations, stepping into a variety of roles including vicars, pastors, chaplains, archdeacons, bishops, leaders of theological education institutions and more.
Hilary Edgerton (ALP 2) says, ‘Arrow helped me as a new incumbent to lay down some principles, to have a vision for myself and for the churches.’
Similarly, Tim Fergusson (ALP 9) reflects, ‘The most significant area of development by far was in understanding the framework for identifying, articulating, pursuing and refreshing vision.’
The impact of Arrow endures well beyond the programme itself. Libby Talbot (ALP 12) says, ‘Everywhere I’ve worked I’ve developed an ‘Arrow style’ programme for younger leaders. It’s been a joy seeing the fruit of it.’
David Price (ALP 4), describes its life-changing impact: ‘God used Arrow to make me a better Christian, a better husband, a better father and a better minister.’
Recognizing the ever-changing needs of leaders, Arrow continues to evolve. Jo explains, ‘We're running webinar sessions for participants in between residentials to keep in regular contact and build on the community culture. We're also looking into influences on Gen Z, because they're coming into the programme so the training needs to adapt accordingly.’
'Everywhere I’ve worked I’ve developed an ‘Arrow style’ programme for younger leaders. It’s been a joy seeing the fruit of it.'
Arrow's influence extends beyond the UK and Ireland. ‘We're very excited that a new programme has just started in Ukraine,’ Jo shares. ‘We also have a missionary from Thailand on our current programme, and we're exploring the possibility of him and a partner establishing Arrow in Thailand.’
The need for programmes like Arrow has never been more urgent. A recent study found that 40% of British non-Christians are unsure whether the Church has a positive impact, while 41% believe it doesn’t.1 Meanwhile, since 2020, ordinand numbers in the Church of England have dropped by 38%.2 These trends highlight the critical importance of intentional leadership development.
‘At CPAS, we work with thousands of leaders every year,’ shares Jo. ‘We often hear how they’re overwhelmed or disheartened. Some have lost sight of who Jesus is and his goodness. The legacy of Arrow is equipping faithful leaders to run that race full of the Spirit, lead and sustained by Christ until the very end, when they can say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7).’
‘Today, the demand for our time is so high, and we’re pulled in so many directions,’ Jo says. ‘But knowing whose you are and your identity in Jesus is what sustains you. It helps shape you and give meaning to what you do. That’s why Arrow is so crucial.’
'The legacy of Arrow is equipping faithful leaders to run that race full of the Spirit, lead and sustained by Christ until the very end...'
Over the past 25 years, hundreds have journeyed through the Arrow programme, with its influence reaching far beyond the individual. Through them, churches and communities have been transformed. We thank God and our faithful supporters for making that possible.
‘Arrow is a gift to participants because it gives a fantastic foundation early on to sustain a ministry for years to come,’ says Jo.
Please pray for the next Arrow cohort which begins in March 2026.