BRF Ministries announces that, after 38 years of dedicated leadership, chief executive Richard Fisher is to take early retirement on the grounds of ill health.
The charity’s senior leadership team is grateful that Richard will remain in post for the next six months, working closely with deputy CEO Jules Morgan to ensure a strong and well-planned transition. During this period, Jules will increasingly take on the day-to-day leadership of BRF Ministries, providing continuity for staff, supporters, partners, and the many churches and communities connected with the charity.
Richard has led BRF Ministries through nearly four decades of significant change in the Church and wider society. His tenure has been characterised by a deep commitment to Christian discipleship, a willingness to innovate, and a determination to find new ways for BRF Ministries’ resources and ministries to serve the Church and enable people of all ages and stages to encounter and grow in faith.
As he prepares to step down, Richard leaves BRF Ministries at an exciting point in its story, with new projects, partnerships, and opportunities opening for the charity. He is looking forward to seeing these develop and is committed to supporting BRF Ministries through the transition.
Richard said:
‘It has been an enormous privilege to serve BRF Ministries for 38 years. I am deeply grateful to God, to our staff and trustees, and to the countless supporters, partners and volunteers who have shared in BRF Ministries’ mission over the years.
‘Although it is difficult to step away because of my health, I am hugely encouraged by what lies ahead for the charity. There is a tremendous amount of creativity and energy within the organisation, and I am delighted to be able to work with Jules and the rest of the senior leadership team over the coming months to ensure a strong handover.
‘I will continue to pray for BRF Ministries and its people, and I look forward to seeing the charity flourish in the years ahead.’
Mark Sheard (chair of trustees) commented:
‘Richard has been a remarkable servant of BRF Ministries having given us over 38 years of service.
‘Under Richard’s wise and Spirit-led leadership BRF Ministries has expanded its ministries from publishing into new areas including Messy Church, Anna Chaplaincy, and Parenting for Faith. Through all these BRF Ministries has impacted and transformed innumerable lives.
‘Richard has earned his retirement, and we wish him well in it.
‘As trustees we are now focused on the process of appointing Richard’s successor – they will most certainly be tough boots to fill.’
BRF Ministries will celebrate Richard’s contribution with a special event in March 2027, bringing together colleagues, friends, supporters, and partners from across his years of service.
As part of the celebration, BRF Ministries is also launching the Fisher Innovation Fund, established to carry forward one of the hallmarks of Richard’s leadership – a commitment to creative thinking, innovation, and finding new ways to support Christian discipleship. The fund will enable BRF Ministries to invest in pioneering ideas and emerging opportunities that have the potential to strengthen its mission and extend its reach into the future.
Richard’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in BRF Ministries’ history, but the organisation enters this next chapter with confidence, gratitude for all that has gone before, and excitement about what lies ahead.
Further information about the recruitment of BRF Ministries’ new CEO and the March 2027 celebration will be announced in due course.