Annual Review

Click here for a downloadable PDF



The Boys’ Brigade continues to play a significant role in the mission and outreach of 1500 churches throughout the British Isles. Each week dedicated adult volunteers work with over 50,000 children and young people building positive relationships seeking to share the Gospel in a relevant and meaningful way.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW BRIGADE PRESIDENT
The Boys’ Brigade is delighted to announce that Rev Dez Johnston has been elected to the role of President.

Dez, an ordained Baptist Minister, is the Director of Alpha Scotland and was recently appointed as Europe, Middle East and North Africa Youth Director for Alpha. Before becoming a Christian, he worked as a nightclub bouncer in Glasgow – the city where The Boys’ Brigade began in 1883.
Dez experienced drug and alcohol problems, before meeting his future wife Fiona, who challenged his ideas of faith. This in turn led to him reading the Bible and going along to Church. He was invited on an Alpha Course, which turned the questions he had about whether God exists into a belief that God loves him.
After becoming an ordained Baptist Minister, Dez went on to join Alpha Scotland as their youth co-ordinator, before becoming Director in 2018 where today he serves and supports Churches across the country.
Dez, who succeeds Lord Leslie Griffiths who stood down from the role in 2020, commented:
“It’s amazing to be joining the BB family as President. I’ve been working together with the BB over the last three years and have loved being involved and seeing for myself the work that is going on. I know I might not look like a President, but then again what does a President look like? More importantly I’m excited about being part of the BB’s work to advance Christ’s kingdom and of supporting their vision of young people experiencing life to the full.”
Jonathan Eales, Chief Executive, commented:
“I am delighted to welcome Dez as our new President. As a Christian youth organisation we are determined to build and to strengthen our partnerships both locally and nationally with the Church. We believe that Dez will be able to support this work and that we will be able to learn from his experiences of working inter-denominationally. Dez has an incredible passion for the love of Jesus which is at the centre of our work.”