Council for Mission
CMSI Mission Director Jenny Smyth to retire
Delegates at the annual Ignite Conference for Church Mission Society Ireland (CMSI) supporters, which took place in Dromantine Retreat and Conference centre near Newry on Saturday 13th September, were among the first to hear the news that the Society’s Mission Director Jenny Smyth plans to retire from the role in the coming months.
In her remarks Jenny spoke of her history with the Society, having served for 11 years as Mission Director, 2 years as a Partnership co–ordinator and 20 years as a Mission Partner alongside her husband, Billy. Jenny said, “I now feel that someone with fresh energy, complementary skills and new vision would benefit the Society. We’re really blessed with a very supportive Board of Trustees and a strong, stable staff team…and I am sure that they are well able to ensure continuity for the Society and keep things on track during the change of leadership.”
Jenny concluded with words of gratitude: “I would like to thank you all and our global partners for the ongoing prayerful support that you’ve given and the practical ways in which you support the Society. Please do pray that God will direct and guide the process of recruitment and for the person that God has already appointed for this role.”
CMSI Chair of Trustees David Reynolds led the gathering of over 120 CMSI members and friends in a time of prayer following the announcement which resulted in an outpouring of affection for Jenny demonstrated by a standing ovation and through many valedictory words offered across the day.
It is hoped that a new Mission Director will be in post in time for the Society’s Annual General Meeting in March 2026. In due course, there are plans for an event to celebrate Jenny’s ministry in CMSI as well as online prayer meetings which will focus on the process of recruiting a new Mission Director.
The Chair of the Church of Ireland’s Council for Mission, the Revd Tim Wright, remarked: “On behalf of the Council of Mission I want to thank Jenny for her outstanding service to the Church through the Church Mission Society Ireland. She has been a passionate advocate for a global engagement with a local church whether serving overseas or at home.
“She has successfully led a popular and well supported Society and interacted with other like–minded organisations on the Association of Mission Societies and the Council for Mission. We will miss her enthusiasm, leadership and godly wisdom. We wish Jenny and Billy God’s blessing as they leave this sphere of ministry and seek to serve him in new pastures.”