The legacy of Acorn
The History of the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation:
For more than four decades, Acorn Christian Healing Foundation has been a place of prayer, compassion, and restoration. Our story is woven from the faithfulness of God and the dedication of countless people who believed that healing is at the heart of the Christian gospel. From a small community in Hampshire to a national ministry equipping churches across the UK and beyond, Acorn’s journey is one of vision, courage, and hope.
Beginnings: The Vision of Bishop Morris and Anne Maddocks (1970s–1983)
The roots of Acorn lie in the ministry of Bishop Morris Maddocks (1928–2008) and his wife Anne Maddocks, pioneers of Christian healing in the Church of England.
• 1970s – Morris and Anne travelled widely, praying for the sick and teaching about healing.
• 1977 – Morris published The Christian Healing Ministry, a landmark book that shaped healing ministry across the UK.
• 1983 – Morris was appointed Adviser on Health and Healing to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, affirming the importance of healing within the Church.
During these years, Morris and Anne dreamed of a residential centre where people could receive prayer, training, and rest — a place where healing would be lived, not just taught.
The Founding of Acorn (1983–1987)
• 1983 – The Acorn Christian Healing Trust was formed to support and develop Christian healing ministry.
• 1984–1986 – A small community gathered around Morris and Anne, committed to prayer, hospitality, and healing.
• 1987 – The community moved to Whitehill Chase, a former convent in Hampshire, which became the first home of the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation.
Whitehill Chase quickly became a sanctuary for many. Retreats, healing services, and training courses drew people from across the UK, shaped by a rhythm of prayer, silence, and welcome.
The Rev. Russ Parker joins Acorn: Reconciliation, Listening, and National Influence (1990s–2013)
The next major chapter in Acorn’s story unfolded under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Russ Parker, who became Director of Acorn in the early 1990s.
Russ brought a distinctive emphasis on:
• Reconciliation and forgiveness ministries
• Healing wounded churches
• Listening and pastoral attentiveness
• International partnerships, particularly in Africa, Korea, and North America
Under his leadership:
• The Christian Listening programme grew into a nationally recognised pathway.
• Acorn became a key resource for clergy and congregations navigating conflict and renewal.
• The ministry’s teaching and influence expanded significantly beyond the UK.
Russ’s tenure helped shape Acorn into a place where healing was understood not only personally, but corporately — healing for individuals, churches, and communities.
Rev. Wes Sutton Chapter: Renewal, Training, and Digital Expansion (2014–2023)
Following Russ Parker’s the Rev Wes Sutton became director with Russ continuing for a period of time to help with listening program.
Wes brought fresh clarity, theological depth, and a renewed focus on equipping the local church. His leadership was marked by:
• Rebuilding and strengthening Acorn’s training pathways, especially in healing prayer and listening
• Developing the Acorn “Listening Pathway” into a structured, accessible programme
• Expanding Acorn’s teaching through conferences, diocesan partnerships, and online platforms
• Guiding Acorn through the challenges of the COVID‑19 pandemic, during which online ministry became essential
• Launching hybrid and digital training, enabling Acorn to reach a global audience
Wes’s chapter was one of stabilisation, creativity, and renewed confidence in Acorn’s calling. Alongside Rev Sutton was Lisa Way who became the Director of Operations. She was a steady source of prayer and encouragement in the midst of the changing times of Acorn including the departure from the White Hill Chase property.
• Lisa Way – Lisa was a key figure in the development and delivery of Acorn’s Listening training, known for her warmth, clarity, and pastoral insight. Her teaching helped thousands grow in compassionate, attentive care. She left Acorn in 2026 to begin her own ministry where she will continue to offer love and support to those seeking to deepen their walk with God. Lisa's contributions — often behind the scenes — have been vital to Acorn’s ongoing ministry.
• Rev Canon B. Kris Kramer joined Acorn in early 2025 at a critical time in the life of the charity. He has been a steady and gifted presence in Acorn’s operational and administrative life, helping to hold the ministry through seasons of transition and ensuring that Acorn’s work remained grounded, organised, and sustainable. He continued to deliver the monthly healing academy as well as a weekly podcast with a growing audience. He has continued to develop and foster relationships within the healing world of the church and continues to seek creative ways to work alongside other organizations to raise the profile of Listening, Healing, and Reconciliation at a time when the church is in great need of new resourcese and encouragement.
A New Chapter: Acorn Today (2025–Present)
Under the leadership of our trustees Acorn continues to evolve while remaining faithful to its founding call.
Recent milestones include:
• Expansion of online and hybrid training, reaching churches worldwide
• Strengthening partnerships with local churches, helping them develop healing and listening ministries
• New models of Healing training and networking
• Ongoing prayer ministry
• A renewed focus on accessibility, ensuring healing ministry is available to all
Today, Acorn remains a trusted voice in Christian healing — rooted in prayer, shaped by community, and committed to equipping the Church for compassionate, Spirit‑filled ministry.
Honouring the People Who Shaped Our Story
Acorn’s history is carried by many faithful servants:
• Bishop Morris and Anne Maddocks – Founders and visionaries
• Rev. Dr. Russ Parker – Director and pioneer of reconciliation and listening ministries
• Rev. Wes Sutton – Director who renewed and expanded Acorn’s training and digital reach
• Lisa Way – Key contributor to Acorn’s Listening training, teaching and operational life
• Rev Canon B Kris Kramer – Director who carried on existing legacy during a transitional time whilst growing online reach and influence and exploring new ways of being.
• The early Acorn Community – Who lived the daily rhythm of prayer and hospitality
• Trustees, chaplains, teachers, and volunteers – Who sustained the ministry through every season
Every chapter of Acorn’s story has been written by people who believed that God still heals today.
Looking Ahead
As Acorn moves forward, our mission remains unchanged:
to bring the healing presence of Jesus to individuals, churches, and communities. We continue to build on the foundations laid by Morris and Anne Maddocks, strengthened by the leadership of Russ Parker and Wes Sutton, and supported by the faithful service of many others. The story is still being written — and we invite you to be part of it.