Anthony Delaney - Leader

"A short but insightful read that can change lives forever – Anthony proves again that deep truths don’t have to be complex."

Dave Ferguson President, Exponential

"Anthony is the real deal, a leader full of keen insights into how to unlock the gift and calling God has placed in you. Read this, then get hold of a bunch for your friends."

Carl Beech The Message, CVM

"Anthony Delaney is a gifted communicator and leader. He has an infectious passion for God and is making an outstanding impact in his community."

Dr. Krish Kandiah Founding Director, Home For Good

“Delaney is 'above all' a follower of Jesus: he has successfully utilised his engaging, measured manner to grow Manchester's Ivy Church to more than four times its size since he joined as leader five years ago. So significant today is the congregation, that events are now held several times a week at venues across the city, including Cineworld, a warehouse and even a nightclub...”

The Independent From 6 page colour feature on Ivy Church. Read it here

“Anthony Delaney is one of those amazing leaders who loves Jesus, loves the mission and is truly authentic in his faith. I love how Anthony is impacting his community and putting into place a network of reproducing churches to reach the UK. I'm truly inspired by his get-it-done attitude while totally depending on God.” 

Dave Ferguson NewThing USA, Exponential 

“Anthony is a rare kind of man. He’s a great leader but he’s honest about his weaknesses. He’s a charismatic personality, but he’s surprisingly self-effacing. He comes from an ordinary background but has never settled for mediocrity. He’s a strong man with a tender heart.”

Mike Breen 3DM Global Team Leader

“So many people talk leadership theory but are not leading in significant ways. What Anthony brought to the TLG managers was so directly from his personal leadership experience. We were inspired to bring who we are to the leadership opportunities we have, to overcome opposition and build passionate teams who are focused on achieving goals. Inspirational and practical – a great combination!”

Tim Morfin CEO of The Lighthouse Group

Thinking about leading...


You’re Not the Chief Shepherd: A Reminder for Pastors and Church Leaders

This is notes from some teaching and discussion I shared today with our staff team and yesterday with our Grow Group leaders. I started by saying I have been in ministry long enough to go through times when talking about being a Pastor and leading pastoral ways was regarded as somewhat passé. I fell for the leader as CEO strategist and yes the church can learn from business (and vice versa) but biblically, leadership in the church is to become under-shepherds of His flock. It’s never ownership – it is stewardship. We don’t lead people for ourselves; we care for people for Him. And the moment we forget that distinction, everything starts to unravel. God is the Chief Shepherd – We Are Under-Shepherds Scripture is unambiguous: there is one true Shepherd, and everyone else leads under His authority. Jesus identified Himself this way in John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd.” And He made it clear that shepherding involves laying down your life for others, not building your own kingdom. 1 Peter 5:2–4 reinforces this: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… […]


The Generosity Report 2026: What Church Leaders Need to Know About Trust, Teaching and Joy

UK Pastors shy away too often, but teaching about Stewardship is vital – and the Generosity Report 2026 shows that it grows rather than diminishes your leadership (if it’s done the right way).

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending – and contributing on a panel at – the launch of the Generosity Report 2026 from Stewardship in London.


“It Came – To Pass: How Leaders Can Help Heal Hearts Without Rushing the Process”

‘AND IT CAME TO PASS’ – Used nearly 400 times. In Hebrew and Greek, it’s a narrative marker.

Something happens. (IT!) Then time passes. Then God moves the story on.
It never says:
It came to stay.
or
It came to define you forever.
IT came, whatever it is – (or now was, because, it passed).
Every suffering in Scripture comes with an expiry date – even if the length of that season is unclear at the time.


How to Grow as a Christian

Christian growth is not automatically produced by information, imitation, or religious effort. Drawing on 30 years of church leadership, this guide explores how to grow as a Christian through the rhythm of Knowing, Growing, and Going – shaping faith that is rooted, resilient, and lived out in everyday life.


Good Fruit Grows in Tough Soil – A New Year Reflection on John 15

As the year opens, John 15 reminds us that vines grow through seasons, not constant progress. Pruning can feel brutal, tough soil can feel like the wrong place, and winter can feel empty – but the Father is the vinedresser. Hard ground doesn’t mean you’re misplaced -it may be preparing you for fruit still to come.


Spiritual Searchers Finding God – the Magi Teach Us About the Quiet Revival

Something is stirring in our culture for those with eyes to see it. It’s an answer to prayer. It’s not a loud movement or a headline-grabbing revival, but a quiet turning of hearts. We are seeing people who would never call themselves religious asking deeper questions, reading the Bible, and finding themselves drawn toward Jesus. The story of the Magi reminds us that this kind of searching is not new. Long before they were imagined to be riding camels on Christmas cards and in carols, ancient seekers followed a faint light in the darkness, trusting there was more to life than what they could see. Their journey helps us understand why curious moderns today are finding God in remarkably similar ways.