UK evangelist Carl Beech has publicly announced he’s stepping down from his role as President of Christian Vision for Men (CVM) and Edge Ministries to concentrate on other projects and his health battles with Parkinson’s Disease and diabetes.
CVM is a renowned national men’s ministry, which organizes events and social networks for men including the annual evangelistic event, “The Gathering,” founded by Beech in 2014, which has seen countless men from all walks of life give up their lives to Christ. Edge Ministries, with an associated church network, emphasizes reaching broken communities.
Beech, experienced in planting and pastoring churches, has served on the council of the UK Evangelical Alliance, and spearheaded the CVM movement with an involvement lasting 30 years. He was an in depth friend of Christian comedian Steve Legg who died last September, 2024.
A CVM news update said the now-former president’s concentrate on the ministry’s mission: “Introducing men to Jesus and the Church to men” has “never faltered,” adding that Beech, alongside “the broader CVM team and a whole lot of volunteers and partners proceed to push on towards our vision of seeing a million men introduced to Jesus.
“Carl will likely be very much missed by the staff, trustees and all who’re involved and support the work of CVM and we wish him all the very best on this recent chapter of his life, particularly the work with the Freedom and Justice Partnership which goals to eradicate child slavery within the Congo and likewise the exciting recent Beechband Project [a wearable device helping those affected by Parkinson’s Disease], which has the potential to assist so many individuals.
“Thank you, brother and God bless from all at CVM,” added the CVM salutation.
Beech himself sent a public message on social media channels to friends and supporters, titled “Some big personal news from me! It’s a hiatus not the top.” He explained that as he’s approaching two years since receiving a double diagnosis of young onset Parkinson’s Disease and diabetes, he has “decided to take a hiatus from ministry leadership.”
“Both conditions are chronic and specifically Parkinson’s is progressive, incurable and degenerative. Whilst it’s been two years since diagnosis, the neurologist, my scans and symptoms indicate I even have had this syndrome for over 10 years. In my case, diabetes alongside Parkinson’s results in more aggressive symptoms which may result in more powerful medication, which may prove to be problematic to balance and live with.
“The previous couple of months have been extremely difficult and in some ways devastatingly brutal. Not only is Parkinson’s a each day if not hourly challenge, the medication we receive may cause in some cases quite severe unwanted effects, a few of which I even have experienced.”
Beech conceded the truth that he “simply cannot spin as many plates as I once did” due to the listed health problems. He also referred to the following challenges to his mental health.
“The toll on my mental health, let alone my physical health has proved to be too high a price to pay for myself, my family, my marriage and the ministries that I like and have given 30 years of my life to.”
However, Beech vowed that his decision, made with support of family, friends and colleagues, would “certainly not [be] the top” but was being taken “as a way to truly reset, get well and recalibrate.” He called it an “incredibly hard decision” since CVM and Edge Ministries have largely represented his “life’s work.” CVM specifically has been “a 30-year labour of affection.”
Beech confirmed the main points of the CVM update, that he’ll proceed with voluntary/self supporting work with the Freedom and Justice Partnership to bring freedom to child miners within the Democratic Republic of Congo. He may even work alongside the leadership team of BeechBand, the wellness device he invented, that “we hope and anticipate will bring relief to tens of millions from chronic health symptoms – a real gift from God.”
“I’m, after all, continuing to advocate for those with young onset Parkinson’s through my voluntary work with Spotlight YOPD,” added Beech.
“My sense is that this can be a hiatus, not the top,” Beech reiterated. “However to really fight back and ensure a very good quality of life, for the life I even have left (more vital than longevity), making this radical decision is the very best technique to allow me to concentrate on what’s vital.
“In my mind these are my relationship with God, my family and my mental and physical health. Since taking this decision just a few weeks ago I even have felt a marked improvement. My mind is sharp and I even have began to feel a measure of peace again.”
Beech asked to be given room needed as he journeys into the brand new chapter ahead.
“I’m grateful beyond words for the grace shown to me by my colleagues and friends at Edge/CVM and can’t express how rather more I understand the kindness of God in as of late.”
