Church Pastoral Aid Society

 

CPAS is an Anglican evangelical mission agency, working with churches, mainly in the UK and Republic of Ireland, with the mission of enabling churches to help every person hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
 
CPAS was founded in 1836 by prominent Christians, including pioneering social reformer Lord Shaftesbury. It was established as a Christian response to the massive social change brought about by the Industrial Revolution. What had been small village churches found themselves with the new urban poor on their doorsteps.
 
Lord Shaftesbury and his friends stepped in to set up a charity that would resource these churches to cope with the change, giving them grants so they could employ extra members of staff. Their aim was simple: the gospel should be taken 'to every person's door, with a single eye to the glory of God'.
 
These days part of CPAS' work is running training schemes for clergy and churches, helping to develop leaders and supporting and resourcing the work of churches.
 
Also, for over 50 years, CPAS has run ‘Venture’ summer camps for children and young people.  Ventures can involve swimming, beach barbeques, performing in a play, rock-climbing and hosts of other things. They include time to find out about God as well.
 
CPAS are patrons of St Mary’s Church.
 
To find out more, visit the CPAS website.