News

When the much-loved youth and children’s ministry movement Crusaders changed its name to Urban Saints, chief executive Matt Summerfield was told he was the anti-Christ and fulfilling Satan’s plan for his life.

Talking to Andy Flanagan in the latest webinar from CRE, Matt recalls: ‘It’s not an exaggeration to say we received more than 600 letters and emails of complaint, the majority telling me I was an idiot and was going to destroy the organisation.’

One person told Matt that from the moment the change of name was due to take place, he would never pray for him again.

Reflecting on this intensely difficult period of his life, Matt, currently senior leader of Zeo Church, recalls Jesus’ words about a seed falling into the ground and dying before new growth can come.

‘Whenever there's change, there's always a letting go,’ says Matt, ‘and the emotion people feel in letting go is grief.’

In the webinar Matt recounts the trials, tribulations and also great joy of leadership and how his initiative, Reboot Your Leadership, helps leaders reflect, recharge and reconnect with themselves and other leaders.

Patience is one of the key issues we need to learn.

‘The work of the kingdom is slow and deep,’ he suggests. ‘The best revolutions happen through many evolutions. It can seem frustratingly slow but actually there is a glory to that, in that it's like a steamroller. The slowness almost reminds us that it is also unstoppable.’

You can watch a recording of the webinar here.

The next webinar takes place on Monday 8th June 2026 at 1pm with the Rev Celia Apeagyei-Collins in conversation with Andy Flannagan.