The work grew quickly. By the early 1930s, Church Army missionaries were travelling all over the country conducting open-air missions. Then, in 1933, another team of eight people came out from England, led by Captain S. R. Banyard. It was at this point that the organisation began to grow rapidly, becoming known as the ‘Flying Column’. They conducted missions throughout the South Island, Wellington, Gisborne and into Auckland.

It is worth noting that during the terrible earthquake in Napier in 1931, Captain Banyard, along with a man named Captain Spires, built a Church Army hut beside the destroyed Cathedral to minister to those most affected by loss and grief. As mentioned earlier, their theology of mission was holistic, recognising God’s love for all people, in all places, and at all times.

The real institutional turning point came in November 1935, when an autonomous Church Army was launched in New Zealand. Its headquarters were established on Richmond Road, Auckland, in what became known as Carlile House. Captain Banyard became the new Director, marking a significant turning point for the organisation.