Shareit! 41 by Church Army

shareit! The Magazine of Church Army

Summer/Autumn 2015

Welcome

ear friends, Bringing young people to a living faith has always been an issue close to my heart. Before joining Church Army, I served as a High School Chaplain, Youth Pastor and Youth Minister. I also did a variety of cross-community work to bring Catholic and Protestant young people together across Northern Ireland and I’ve contributed to developing a number of creative schools and dynamic youth ministries. I am still very much involved in working with young people today. So I am particularly excited to be able to share with you some of the stories of young people whose lives are being transformed by the gospel. In this issue, you can read about Jordan (page 8), who is only 22 years old but has already been through an incredible journey, which has taken him from a life of drugs, crime and prison to a personal relationship with Jesus. Jordan now helps out Church Army Evangelist, Nick Russell, with children’s clubs and Sunday Bible groups. As part of our ONE series, you can also read about the footsteps of faith of 14-year-old Jack (page 10) and young motherof-two Mel (page 12). This is the third year we are running Church Army September (page 14), a time of the year that we set aside to celebrate our partnership with someone very special to us – you! We hope you will be inspired to get involved as, together, we continue to impact lives across the UK and Ireland. I am fully aware that our faith and words could not be turned into action without you, who makes it all possible – a thousand thanks! Your belief in and steadfast commitment to our work is absolutely amazing and a constant source of inspiration to me and the entire Church Army family.

Canon Mark Russell Chief Executive and Community Leader www.churcharmy.org.uk/ceo Patron: HM The Queen Church Army is a mission-focused community of people who are transforming lives and communities through the work of evangelists, staff and supporters. We are committed to sharing the Christian faith through words and action in a variety of contexts across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The paper used is from sustainable forests and can be recycled. Printed by Colourwise who have 14001 accreditation.

Wilson Carlile Centre, 50 Cavendish Street, Sheffield, S3 7RZ Tel: 0300 123 2113 Email: info@churcharmy.org.uk www.churcharmy.org.uk Registered Charity Nos: 226226 & SC040457

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Shareit! is the magazine of Church Army and it is available free upon request. Please let us know if you would prefer not to receive further issues of Shareit! or other communications from Church Army. If you have a story for Shareit!, or suggestions on how we can improve this magazine, then please contact Michelle Pellegrino. Editor: Michelle Pellegrino 0300 123 2113 Sub-editor: Bethan Hill Design & Print: CPO 01903 264556

ISSN 1751-3960

4 News All our latest stories

16 Meet our newly commissioned evangelists Following in Jesus’ footsteps

8 ONE summer appeal Jordan’s journey from crime to Christianity

Summer/Autumn 2015

18 Mission community The pros of being part of our family

10 ONE series Jack and Mel share their stories 14 Church Army September Celebrating our partnership

22 Leaving a legacy Thinking about future generations 23 A force for good Interview with Police Chaplain, Patrick Samuels

27 24 Is evangelism ethical? The issues surrounding sharing faith among friends 26 Evangelism top tips Inspiration ranging from prayer walks to street parties 28 Volunteering feature Making a difference across the UK and Ireland 31 The last word A reflection from Peter Graystone

Is this the first time you’ve read a copy of Shareit!? Would you like to receive your own edition regularly? To sign up and to find out more about our other resources, please visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/res Alternatively email info@churcharmy.org.uk, telephone 0300 123 2113 or write to Church Army, Wilson Carlile Centre, 50 Cavendish Street, Sheffield, S3 7RZ.

Front cover: J ordan, 22, from London has become a Christian and has turned his back on a life of gang culture, crime and drugs, with the help and support of Evangelist, Nick Russell.

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Contents

Shareit! 41

Lord Williams appointed President We are very excited to announce the appointment of the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, as the new President of Church Army. The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Lord Williams of Oystermouth is the eighth president in our 133-year history and his appointment follows the announcement last year that Archbishop Desmond Tutu was stepping down from the role. “I am deeply honoured to be asked to take up this position,” said Lord Williams. “There can be few organisations that have done as much as Church Army to support the highest quality of innovative ministry and

outreach in our church and to encourage lay and clergy alike in their calling to speak and act the Good News effectively and imaginatively. I look forward with great enthusiasm to a closer connection with Church Army and to supporting all its members as best I can in prayer and solidarity.” Church Army Chief Executive, Mark Russell, said: “I am delighted Lord Williams has agreed to serve as our new President. Rowan Williams has been a good friend to Church Army and to me personally for many years. He is passionately committed to what we do, and we are delighted he has this new link with us.”

Lord Williams of Oystermouth

CHURCH ARMY GATHERING Almost 200 Church Army Evangelists and staff came together at The Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire, for the 2015 Residential Gathering. One of the main aims of the gathering is to nourish evangelists for their ministry and to assist in their personal development. This year’s theme was ONE in Christ. The keynote speaker at the event was Paula Gooder. Paula is the Theologian in Residence for the Bible Society, a Reader in the Church of England and a member of the General Synod. She is also a tutor, writer and lecturer in Biblical Studies.

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Building on work done within Church Army last autumn, Paula helped Church Army members to explore the first three pillars that the community shares: Discipleship (Mark 4-8), Evangelism (1 Peter 2:4-12) and The Great

Commission (Matthew 28). The Bishop of Truro, Tim Thornton, presided and preached during Communion, where two new members, Mary Newman and Janet Archer, were welcomed into the Church Army mission community.

Bishop Gregory Cameron

A new Church Army Centre of Mission in North Wales is to be launched later this year, in partnership with the Diocese of St Asaph. The Centre of Mission will be located at St Mark’s Church within Caia Park in Wrexham, an area of significant poverty, with high crime rates and levels of unemployment. Around 14,000 people live on the estate.

The objective of the new Centre of Mission is to establish new expressions of the church and to equip the wider church in contemporary evangelism among local communities. The Bishop of the Diocese of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, said: “The Centre of Mission is a welcome and inspiring initiative, bringing together the commitment of the diocese to be a witness to Jesus Christ with the enthusiasm and expertise of the Church Army in evangelism. It unites the aspirations of the congregation in St Mark’s with a very real channel of mission, which seeks to meet the community at the point of need. It seeks to proclaim the gospel and renew the church.” Church Army Chief Executive, Mark Russell, said: “I am delighted in this partnership between Church Army and the Diocese of St Asaph. We have a bold, dynamic and exciting vision for our new Centre of Mission in Wrexham. We pray that a new team of Church Army Evangelists, working with the local Christian community can, under God, grow something new that enables many people to discover that following Jesus is the best thing they can do with their lives.”

THIRD EDITION OF SNAPSHOTS PUBLISHED Snapshots – stories from the edge is a free downloadable booklet published every year that tells the story of a fresh expression of church. This third edition, Church plants and fresh expressions of church – how do these terms best relate? examines the relationship between ‘church planting’ and ‘fresh expressions of church’. Author, George Lings, Director of Church Army’s Research Unit, argues the case that ‘church planting’ is a subset of ‘fresh expressions of church’ rather than the other way round.

He explains that an interpersonal way of describing church is better than a horticultural one, i.e. thinking of churches as people rather than plant life. “I am convinced that how we casually talk about things, especially if this uses images, is of great significance; it profoundly affects how we think about them,” he says, “What we think then affects the value we place on them and even the resources we invest in them.” To read the full report, visit churcharmy.org.uk/snapshots

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News

FIRST-EVER CENTRE OF MISSION IN WALES

BELFAST CENTRE OF MISSION LAUNCHED A new Church Army Centre of Mission has been opened in Belfast’s Glencairn and Whitrock estates with the objective of establishing fresh expressions of church and to train others in mission and evangelism across the diocese. The new Centre of Mission, launched in partnership with the Diocese of Connor, has appointed Church Army Evangelist, Karen Webb as the Lead Pioneer Evangelist for the centre. She will work alongside Stephen Whitten, who took up his role as Pioneer Evangelist earlier this year. The Bishop of Connor, Alan Abernethy, said: “This partnership with Church Army is an exciting step forward in mission within the church and I look forward to building the relationship between both organisations as we work together to build the kingdom of God.” Church Army Chief Executive, Mark Russell,

Church Army Evangelists, Karen Webb and Stephen Whitten

said: “Church Army really values the partnership with the Diocese of Connor, and we are excited to see what God could do in our midst. We believe God will grow something new and exciting that shows his love and grace afresh to the people of Belfast.”

HUNDREDS FLOCK TO PEACE PARTY

Hundreds of young people attended St Patrick’s Peace Party in Belfast, which was organised by Ireland’s leading Christian youth event, Summer Madness, and Church Army. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the then Lord Mayor of Belfast, Nichola Mallon, and event organiser Jasper Rutherford from Church Army

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and Summer Madness were the key speakers at the event. The event brought together hundreds of young people aged 16 to 30 from all religious backgrounds. Its objective was to inspire a new generation of peacemakers and to encourage young adults to play a part in shaping their community and culture. Jasper said: “St Patrick’s Day is a great opportunity to emphasise how the next generation is open to working together, irrespective of religious beliefs.” “Most haven’t lived through the troubles, so any differences between communities are not at the forefront of their minds – they can offer a refreshing perspective on life in Northern Ireland, which is very much needed.” Visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/latestnews to watch a video on the event.

News

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SiE

A year ago, we launched Stepping into evangelism, a 64-page booklet full of practical advice, tips and exercises to help you and your church engage in day-to-day evangelism. In the first nine months after its launch, more than 4,000 copies were distributed to both individuals and churches. Stepping

into evangelism has also been taken up by numerous dioceses nationwide as a resource to offer to their parishioners and congregations. In a survey carried out to assess the resource, we found out that 81 per cent of our readers would recommend Stepping into evangelism to a friend. Over 71 per cent of the people who responded to the survey said that the chapter that has been the most helpful to them is the one entitled How to share your faith. Following the success of the publication, Church Army is currently working on developing a web-based training resource to further encourage Christians in their evangelism efforts. The need for such a resource has been reiterated by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Evangelism Task Group. The resource is being written and produced by Mike Starkey, a well-known writer and Radio 2 Pause for Thought contributor, who is a member of the Church Army Training Team. For more information and to order a copy of the booklet, please visit www.churcharmy. org.uk/steppingintoevangelism or telephone 0300 123 2113.

WELL DONE YVONNE! A big thank you to Yvonne Desroches, and her husband Simon, who held a fundraising event entitled Songs at St Peter’s to raise money for Church Army’s work. The musical evening took place at St Peter’s Church in Rushden, Northamptonshire. More than 80 tickets were sold for the show, raising a total of £843. The fundraising event was presented by vocalist and actor Jonathan Reynolds. Jonathan’s professional credits include playing Singer Tracy Holderness performing at Winston Churchill in Churchill the event

the Musical and Saul/Paul in Blind Faith. “A lot of work went on behind the scenes, but it so much fun to work with so many different people and it was amazing to see it all come together,” Yvonne said. Yvonne will be commissioned as a Church Army Evangelist in July. Yvonne is already planning her next fundraising event to raise money for Church Army’s work, a themed ‘From Rags to Riches’ ball.

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ONE

God Church Mission

“...go and make disciples” Matthew 28:19

Bringing people to a living faith in Jesus Christ is at the heart of our ONE series, as we celebrate how God is impacting people throughout this nation and share their stories. Here, Jordan talks about his turbulent past, and how Jesus lifted him out of a life of drugs, crime and prison to a life of hope, prayer and love My name’s Jordan and I’m 22 years old. I have a little boy and a partner and I live in North Greenwich. I work in demolition and construction and I enjoy it. My life growing up was quite a struggle. I have five brothers and four sisters. When we were young, it was just my mother bringing up 10 kids on her own, none of our dads were ever there. The estate we

“ I enjoyed the adrenalin of being chased by the police…” lived on was full of crime, drugs and gang culture, there was no way of getting away from it. I was mixed up with older guys and I started getting into drugs and stealing things, such as cars and motorbikes. I enjoyed the adrenalin of being chased by the police. I ended up in prison when I was 14. I prayed for my early release from prison and it happened. I came out in 2008, when I was 16. I never want to go back, I would never go back.

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Jordan

I have been in and out of work since then, but I wouldn’t turn to crime again. I like going to work, you’ve gone out all week, sweated for it, and earned your money. I am only 22, but I feel about 40 because of all that I’ve gone through. You learn from these sorts of things, I suppose. I’m

Stories

the people at the estate to take some courses, get work... With my family, we’re not that tight, but I have my own little family now. My threeyear-old son Harley, he’s a funny little kid, very lively, I love him to bits. Being a father has taught me a lot. Knowing Jesus has really transformed me. I think differently about other people, I can’t be horrible to them and I feel happy inside. Just with random people on the street, I say “G’day mate!”

Evangelist, Nick Russell

not proud of what my life has been, but it’s made me a better person today and it has made me stronger. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

“ …when I pray, it’s hard to explain, but I feel something inside…” I have known [Church Army Evangelist] Nick Russell since I was seven and I had my eighth birthday party at his house. We’ve had a good relationship since then, really, he gives me good advice. If he can help you out in any way, shape or form, he will, Nick would never turn his back on you. He’s been like a dad to me. I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for Nick. When I look back, I realise how reckless I was. I never used to think before I acted; now I think about consequences. I’m not doing great in life but I’m hanging on, I’m paving my way. It’s a great feeling inside to know that I am making progress. Some of my mates are still out there, doing the same stuff. I am trying to encourage

I pray all the time now. When I came out of jail, I started participating in more programmes with Nick. I help out with the SuperKidz and little gatherings on Sunday, where we have tea and Bible readings. When Harley is older, it would be nice for him to participate in the same services I take part in. When I pray, it’s hard to explain, but I feel something inside, and also in my mind… if you’re a believer yourself, you’ll understand what I mean. A lot of people say “seeing is believing” but it’s not really about that, it’s about having faith and believing in him and he’ll believe in you. There are Church Army Evangelists like Nick Russell working with young people like Jordan on housing estates and in deprived communities all around the country. Your gift will help us to reach out to even more children, teenagers and young people as we guide them in their footsteps of faith. T o donate to our ONE appeal,

please return the Shareit! coupon, or call the fundraising team on 0300 123 2113. Alternatively you can give online at www.churcharmy.org.uk/appeal, where you can also watch a film about Jordan. Shareit!

ONE

God Church Mission

“...go and make disciples” Matthew 28:19

Jack, aged 14, has become a Christian through Transforming Youth Mission (TYM), run by our Evangelist, Nicholas Lebey, from our Greenwich Centre of Mission. Despite his tender age, Jack is one of the leaders at the youth club. As part of our ONE series, Jack candidly chats about his views on friendship, forgiveness and responsibilities – and what coming to a living faith has meant to him personally My name is Jack, I’m in Year 9, and I go to the TYM youth club. I come from an Irish Catholic background. When I was in Ireland, I used to go to church once a year, but I didn’t know much about Christianity. Nicholas has given me an insight into Jesus, who he is, what the Bible says about him – he’s really opened my mind to him. Jesus is there for you, no matter what. One time I felt really down and I talked to Nicholas about it. He said: “Everyone’s going to do something wrong in their life, everyone has moments of feeling down. But there’s always someone there for you.

“ Jesus is there for you, no matter what” I’m here for you and Jesus is here for you. You are not alone.” Nicholas has taught me that I’m always going to be forgiven.

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Jack

Stories

Evangelist, Nicholas Lebey (centre) with the teenagers and volunteers of the TYM youth club

I’ve always been nice to people but if someone said something to annoy me, I used to think: “That’s it, you’re not my mate anymore.” Now I think: “Everyone does wrong, I’m going to forgive him, he may not have meant it…” Before, I didn’t think about actions and consequences. Now I think more about things, I feel bad if I do something wrong, and I ask for God’s forgiveness. Here at the youth club, we are like a big family and we have lots of fun together. It’s just nice to know that my mates are there for me. I can go to any one of them and tell them about something and I just know they are going to be supportive. I am one of the leaders of the youth club. Leaders have responsibilities: we need to get to youth club early and set up, then we have a talk about the activities for that night and we say a prayer. We also keep an eye on everyone, if we see something is wrong we tell Nicholas about it. It feels good to know that Nicholas and the others

are placing their trust in me – I’ve never had responsibilities like this before. Everyone knows about Jesus, and if you believe in him, you will follow his rules. It’s a bit like me and my mum, I listen to what she says, and it’s the same with Christians, they listen to God.

“Now I ask for forgiveness, I feel bad if I do something wrong” Jesus died for us, and he’s changed me for the good. I used to be shy, I used to keep my head down and kept to myself. I’m a lot more cheerful now, I’m always smiling and happy. I pray every night – if I don’t, I just don’t feel right and I can’t sleep. Jesus makes me feel peaceful and calm. I always knew he was there, but now Jesus is inside of me, he is part of me. T o watch a film of Jack’s story,

visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/one Shareit! 11

ONE

God Church Mission

“...go and make disciples” Matthew 28:19

Mel, 25, who lives in Selby, North Yorkshire, came to a living faith thanks to Church Army Evangelist, Neil Walpole, and his wife Barbara, who live next door to her, and work at our Selby Centre of Mission. Mel shares with us what becoming a Christian means to her and how it has given her a more positive approach to life

My name is Mel, I’m 25 years old, and I live with my partner John and my two children, Mason, 4, and Jacob, 2. When I was younger we were always moving around, we were quite unsettled in where we lived, which was a bit disruptive. I got to know Neil and Barbara because they’re our neighbours and if ever we need anything – I mean anything – they’re brilliant, just really lovely. I couldn’t ask for better neighbours. Barbara gave me a red booklet called Why Jesus? I had it in my house for ages and then one night I was curious and I

“ When I said the prayer, I felt head-to-toe tingling” sat and read it. I decided to say the prayer of commitment. It was just the right time to say it.

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Mel

Stories Mel with her sons Jacob (2), Mason (4) and her neighbours, Evangelist, Neil Walpole and his wife Barbara.

When I said the prayer, I felt head-totoe tingling all over, just so relaxed and carefree, not a worry in the world. How can anyone deny it? When you say something like that, and you get that feeling, it’s just amazing. Having Barbara and Neil next door is just really helpful if I have questions or if I experience something and I feel like I need to share it – I can just go across and share it straight away. One night I was sitting in bed thinking about when I grew up and the problems I had with my mum. I said: “I forgive my mum, Jesus, I forgive her. I understand it must have been hard for her and I forgive her for what she did and things she said and how she’s been recently.” The next morning I went across to Barbara and I said: “Morning Barbs, how are you, are you OK?” and she said: “Yeah, Mel, wait a minute I have something for you,” and she gave me a piece of A4 paper with a prayer about forgiveness. She said: “I know you have some issues with your mum.” I said: “This is unbelievable!

Last night I prayed that I forgave my mum and you have just handed me a piece of paper on forgiveness, and a prayer on forgiveness. Well, blow me over!” It was just absolutely amazing. With the children, it can get on top of you. You know, they’re running around and by the end of the day, you are so stressed. I sit down and tell myself: “Look, Jesus is there

“Jesus is my ‘come on, you can do it!’” with you, Mel, he’s helping you through the day.” You might feel like you won’t be able to get on with the next day, you just want to stay in bed, but....you’ve got Jesus with you, and he’s always going to be there for you. He is there, helping me along. Jesus to me is my saviour, my support, my “come on, you can do it!” And if I do something wrong, I am more aware of it. So, yes, he’s just been my real strength. Jesus is my strength. T o watch a film of Mel’s story, visit

www.churcharmy.org.uk/one

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Help us extend beyond church walls and helping those most

This is the third year that we’ll be holding Church Army September, a time to highlight our life-changing work with the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society. Please celebrate with us by booking one of our speakers, holding a special service at your church or by holding a fundraising event Last year, our evangelists visited 67 churches to share stories about our life-transforming work. Here is some of the feedback we received from churches who booked our speakers: “ Andy Crooks was fantastic. A brilliant sermon and great with the people, a real credit to the Church Army and the diocese.” – Jane Dicker, Christ Church, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire “ Diane Giles’ visit was a great success. Many people said how much they enjoyed her visit and talk.” – Desmond Burton, St Mary’s, Balcombe, West Sussex “ Sunday went very well indeed! Nicholas Lebey preached with conviction and passion.” – Dave Carr, St Michael and All Angels, Hackney, London We hope that through Church Army September our partnership with you can

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grow and become stronger. We also hope it will inspire you and your church in your own evangelism. Please get involved and help us make Church Army September an even bigger success this year! A big thank you to everyone who took part in Church Army September last year and to those of you who will be taking part by praying for and supporting us during Church Army September 2015. T o book a speaker or to order

our resources, please visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/speakers, email speaker@churcharmy.org. uk or telephone 0300 123 2113.

How you can get involved: • Book one of our speakers for your church or event

• Create a Church Army display in your church

• Screen a Church Army film

(there are plenty to choose from at www.churcharmy.org.uk/one)

• Organise a fun-filled fundraising event

for us – we have plenty of creative ideas and practical advice in our fundraising pack, which can be downloaded at www.churcharmy.org.uk/fundraise

• For food-related fundraising events,

visit our Menu for Change resource at www.churcharmy.org.uk/menuforchange

• You can also order plenty of

resources from us, including posters, giving envelopes, money boxes and promotional leaflets

Churches

in need by getting involved in Church Army September

Why request a Church Army speaker? Our speakers are inspiring: people often find that hearing first-hand about how our evangelists are making a difference in the lives of thousands of people nationwide inspires them in their own personal evangelism Our speakers are motivational: hearing how God is changing lives often motivates churches to engage more with evangelism in their own communities Our speakers are flexible: they can give a one-off sermon or fit into your regular service pattern/sermon series. Whether you would like someone to speak at a church service or at a special mid-week meeting, we can help Our speakers are mobile: we have hundreds of Church Army evangelists and staff located throughout the UK and Ireland

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Following in Jesus’

Stephen and Yvonne

Michelle Pellegrino speaks to Yvonne Desroches and Stephen Ramshaw, who will be commissioned as Church Army Evangelists on July 21, about their training, first posts as evangelists, and what God has been teaching them Was there a particular person or event that led you to knowing Jesus? Stephen: I worked as a builder for 30 years. In 1998, at the insistence of my mum, I took part in The Alpha course. It was fantastic – there was a miraculous change in me overnight – I stopped swearing and all the anger and rage I had inside me simply disappeared. Yvonne: I was born very prematurely and was a twin, my twin died and the doctor told my mother to baptise me as quickly

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as possible, thinking I was going to die as well. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always felt strongly that God is the one leading my life and I’ve grown gradually into having a personal relationship with him.

What kind of work have you been involved in during your training? Stephen: My training took place at the Newcastle Centre of Mission. I have been involved in On Your Marks children’s groups (seven-to-11-year-olds) and summer holiday camps, as well as Coffeeplus, a coffee

Training

footsteps shop set in the heart of the community as a place of listening and sharing the gospel. I have also taken part in prison evangelism and helping with funeral services. Yvonne: My training was with the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Burton Latimer, a small market town in Northamptonshire, for just over 18 months, working from inside the church but very much focused on what’s happening outside the church. I’ve been supporting young families through our SMUFs (St Mary’s Under-Fives Group) with the joys and sorrows of life emotionally, spiritually and practically. God has been doing some incredible things there; we saw several youngsters and adults baptised and confirmed. This has lead to a new children’s group for seven-to-11-yearolds. I have also been involved in leading assemblies and setting up a prayer space within schools.

What are the most important lessons you’ve learnt during your training? Stephen: It has given me a lot more confidence in myself and the necessary tools to equip me in sharing the gospel with others. I’ve also learnt to be more tolerant of other people’s points of view, that everything isn’t simply black or white. I’m a much more reflective person now – I take the time to think things through and decide on a plan of action. Yvonne: The training was amazing! It has equipped and enabled me in Christ to carry out Church Army’s DARE strategy – Doing, Advocating, Resourcing and Enabling evangelism. God has really reinforced in me the need to love each and every person I come into contact with and that each individual is unique and

special. One of the teachings that has touched me the most is John 13:34: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” If you can’t do that, there’s no point in continuing to learn anything else.

Where will your first post as an evangelist take place? Stephen: My first post will be as a pioneer evangelist in Willington Quay, Tyne and Wear. I will be based in North Tyneside, an old industrial village on the banks of the River Tyne, which is home to around 7,000 people, many of whom live in very challenging circumstances. I will be working with children who are socially excluded and with behavioural difficulties, as well as reaching out to the unchurched of all ages. Yvonne: My first post will be as a community evangelist in Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire. I will move in and really become part of this community – laughing, having fun, crying and suffering alongside the people who live there.

What are your future goals and plans? Stephen: I want to bring hope to as many people as possible with the simplest and loveliest message of all – that God loves them. My personal motto is Mark 16:15 (NRSV): “And he said to them,‘Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.’” My goal is to keep on growing God’s kingdom. Yvonne: What happens next is in God’s hands – I will continue listening to God and see what he wants me to do. I might not be very clear on what comes next, but God always has a plan!

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Meet a man on a mission Andrew Chadwick was appointed the new Dean of Community in January 2015. He shares his thoughts, hopes and objectives for our mission community “A lot of people don’t understand the term ‘mission community’, but it’s nothing new – it’s what Jesus did with his 12 disciples. All mission community means is that we are a family, living examples of the gospel joined by love and with the same joys and sorrows as a biological family. “We are God’s family on the move, we need to take up God’s agenda and be disciples making disciples. Through living out Christian values we seek to impact the world. “An important part of my job is listening to the other members of the mission community. I want people to know that I will listen to them, this is the first step, as it builds trust. I want our members to have more confidence “ Come and see in who they are and in their abilities.

for yourself how people are hungry for God…”

“Above all, my priority is to be sure that the community is hearing God right. The mission community must live the way God wants us to live through faith, words and action. We need to pick up the cross daily and have a clear vision in seeing the potential in people and investing in them so that they can reach their full potential.” One of Andrew’s favourite scriptures to describe how members of the mission community should live is Romans 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.” Andrew invites everyone with a passion for helping people come to a living faith to join Church Army’s mission community: “Come and see for yourself how people are hungry for God and help us make new disciples. The mission community is made up of ordinary people following an extraordinary God.”

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Community

What others have to say… Alex Thornton

, who works as a community minister for St Mark’s in Harlesden, London, and is training to become a Church Army Evangelist, said:

“

Being part of the mission community family means having a supportive network of evangelists who share a common heart for reaching out to those in need. It offers support in prayer and understanding about the difficulties that can come up in ministry life.

”

Tracy Milne co-runs the Sorted Project, ‘a church

for young people, run by young people’, alongside her husband Andy from our Bradford Centre of Mission. She said:

“

Joining the mission community means that I can tap into a rich resource of wisdom and go beyond the fringes of church, knowing that I am being supported by other likeminded people, with the ultimate knowledge that I belong to a community bringing the gospel to those on the margins.

”

Jasper Rutherford is from Belfast and works as the outreach and development officer for young people and young adults in Ireland for Church Army and Summer Madness, Ireland’s leading Christian youth event. He said:

“

The best feeling is that I know I’m not alone. With any family, when you don’t see them for a while, you forget their importance. Yet, when you are together, it feels like you have never been apart – that’s a little like our mission community. It simply does my heart and soul good to be with my friends in the Church Army community.

Beth Burras, a fundraising officer based in Sheffield, said:

“

”

I like the feeling of being a part of something bigger than just where I live. It is great to know that there are like-minded people around the UK who all share a commitment to mission and evangelism.

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Be part of the journey Are you passionate about evangelism? Do you want to be resourced to share your faith with others? Would you like to meet with other like-minded people? Find out how you can get involved in Church Army and become a member of our mission community Church Army is a mission community open to all Christians who have a passion for evangelism and seeing people come to faith.

Our purpose We exist to encourage, resource and enable you to share your faith with others through words and action.

Our vision We are a movement of Christians across the United Kingdom and Ireland who are passionate about the Good News of Jesus Christ and who want to share it with their family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and with those in need in their communities. We are a place where you can be encouraged, resourced and gather together with other Christians who are committed to evangelism.

Our values • to follow Jesus wholeheartedly • a passion to see people come into a living relationship with Jesus • a heart for those in need and living in poverty • a pioneering spirit willing to push the boundaries so that others might come to know Jesus • a love and commitment to the local church

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Giving your time, skills and creativity can make an amazing difference to people’s lives. Across the country we have hundreds of volunteers working alongside our evangelists or in our projects.

Community

Volunteering

Praying together We are committed to prayer and the following resources are available to help you: • Through the day with Church Army is a daily prayer resource which offers simple morning, midday, evening and night prayers to feed those with a passion for evangelism. • Church Army’s Prayer Diary helps us to pray for the whole community. • Daily prayers take place at midday each day in the chapel at the Wilson Carlile Centre in Sheffield. For more information visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/prayer

Give to us and fundraise for us Church Army relies on voluntary donations to continue its pioneering work. Therefore, we ask our mission community members if they will consider supporting us.

Staying connected • Church Army Connected is our regular newsletter for members.

Join us If you are interested in becoming a member of the mission community, please contact our Mission Community Team by emailing missioncommunity@churcharmy.org.uk or telephone 0300 123 2113.

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Mission for life... Leaving a legacy for the future generation

visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/legacies or call 0300 123 2113. Alternatively, please ask your solicitor or will-writer to include us in your will. “Since 1882, Church Army has been serving the most vulnerable in society - meeting them where they are, all ages, all situations, all precious to God. Church Army combines practical help and support with the message of the gospel, providing a powerful example of God’s love for all. Help us to help them. Consider leaving us a legacy so that we can continue to develop our work with those who need to hear the truth of the gospel and know the reassurance of God’s presence - not just today, but for generations to come.”

Pam Rhodes, Church Army Vice President

Church Army is a Registered Charity in England No: 226226 and in Scotland No: SC040457. Church Army is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in England & Wales No: 37169. Registered Office: Wilson Carlile Centre, 50 Cavendish Street, Sheffield, S3 7RZ.

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Church Army Evangelist, Patrick Samuels, tells us more about his role as chaplain at Surrey Police

“In an emergency, the first think we do is pick up the phone and dial 999. Yet, how often do we pray for the police force?” asks Patrick Samuels, Church Army Evangelist and Faith Co-ordinator and Chaplain for Surrey Police Patrick and his team of 20 volunteer chaplains dedicate some 1,000 hours of service a year, tending to the spiritual needs of 4,500 police officers and other staff. “Thirteen out of our 20 chaplains represent many different Christian denominations,” said Patrick, “but we also have chaplains that are Sikh, Muslim and Baha’i – Surrey is a very diverse, multi-faith area. It doesn’t matter if a person is of Hindu or Jewish belief, or even a non-believer – in our role, it’s important to be non-judgemental and support everyone who needs our help.” The chaplains assist the force with problems such as stress and depression. “There is a lot of unpredictability in the work of a police officer. He or she rushes into a situation with no regard for personal safety. Keeping members of the public safe is their motto.

Chaplaincy

A force for good

”Police officers face incredible amounts of stress. Think about the stress an officer faces when confronted with some truly horrific accidents, crimes and fatalities. Yet it’s difficult for police officers as they can’t be seen to be weak.” The Surrey Police Chaplaincy was launched in 2009 and is a joint initiative between Surrey’s police officers and the Diocese of Guildford. Police chaplains provide not only spiritual guidance but advice on health, relationships and work/life balance. Patrick said: “Only about 30 per cent of Surrey’s police force and staff are Christians. Sometimes it’s difficult to be an evangelist in this context, as you can’t always share the love of Christ in a direct way. “There are times when I’ve thought, ‘I’m an evangelist, I should be out there,’ but then I came across the passage in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 and I understood that I am here for a reason. I have purpose, this is where God wants me to be – and God is doing amazing work here.”

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Is evangelism e

Church Army Tutor, Steve Hollinghurst, explores the issues surrounding friendship evangelism and how we can fruitfully share our faith I remember, a number of years back, a Church Army evangelist-in-training knocking on my door and asking if they could talk to me, because they had a question: “Was friendship evangelism ethical?” This was a great question.

“ In the past, most people in the UK had some experience of church…” We had, in training sessions, been exploring the way evangelism was evolving in the United Kingdom due to changes in culture. Much of what we had been used to in the past was based on evangelistic events at which the evangelist gave a talk and invited people to respond. This was the pattern

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from events like Billy Graham rallies to street preaching and evangelistic evenings. What many had noticed was that these events were becoming far less common in the church’s evangelism.1 Research suggested that such an approach relied on a certain level of pre-existing Christian knowledge. In the past, most people in the United Kingdom had some experience of church and Christianity from their childhood; increasingly this was less common so that most people growing up today have no such experience. We needed to start further back with people in sharing faith.2 Other research suggested that, for those with no faith background, coming to faith

would be a process over a period of time and the key factor was friendships with Christians. A shift from event-based to friendship-based evangelism made sense.3 But what were the ethical implications of this? The overarching concern would be if evangelism was done in such a way that it undermined its own aims by using methods that were ethically suspect. This might be most commonly through the use of force or deception. So colonial missions that expected people to hear evangelistic teaching when they received food or medicine have been viewed as unethical; people’s need for food and medicine was being exploited.

“ If we are someone’s friend we will seek their good…” The same would be the case if someone invited a friend to a meal and neglected to tell them there was an evangelistic speaker. However, as long as people were free to choose whether they attended and knew they were going to evangelistic event, and there was no attempt at manipulation, such an event was being ethically run. The shift to friendship evangelism, however, led to a new concern; if one became friends with people in order to evangelise them, surely this was by its very nature a form of deception? It might be argued that the good of enabling them to come to faith outweighed that concern about the method. That is, the end justifies the means. This raises questions about how we see evangelism in the first place. If our image is saving people from a burning building, we might think that any means was justified if it prevented their death. If, on the other hand, we saw evangelism as calling someone to

Comment

thical?

a changed life, then we would not want to give our witness in any way that was contrary to the values we were calling people to live by. Friendship evangelism by its nature suggests the second long-term approach and therefore that it would indeed be unethical to become someone’s friend in order to evangelise them. But this is not the same as saying evangelising a friend is unethical. If we are someone’s friend we will seek their good and love them as God loves them. This will in fact require us to share faith with them because we believe it is something that will be of benefit to them. It will, however, also require us to respect their views and beliefs and to seek all that is good for them, which will be so much more than simply inviting them to the journey of faith. If we are genuinely friends with people, evangelism is an ethical part of showing love. Indeed, if the gospel is about reconciliation, it calls us to befriend others out of love, even, as Jesus reminds us, those who are our enemies. If friendship evangelism is a method by which we build relationships with the sole aim of sharing faith, it is a form of deception. If however, we build real friendships out of love for the other, seeking their good in all things, evangelism should flow from this and be an expression of love and is fully ethical. At the end of the day, we must ask ourselves, is the call to evangelism motivated by our desire to be a successful evangelist, or is it motivated out of God’s love for people working in us? Only the second can really witness to Christ.4 1.

S ee for instance the Summary of Evangelical Alliance Evangelism Review 2003-2004

See Mission-Shaped Church Church House Publishing 2003 p1-16; Finney J. Finding Faith Today Bible Society 1992; Hollinghurst S. Mission-Shaped Evangelism Canterbury Press 2010 p 9-24

See Finney as above

F or further discussion see Wakefield G. Ethical Evangelism Grove Books 2015; Hollinghurst S Mission-Shaped Evangelism p 167-185

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Top tips for community evangelism

ew home: Keep a stock of new home cards and write in them a simple blessing: “May the Lord bless you in your new home.” When someone new moves in, bake them a cake and take it round, after the removal van has gone, with a card. Welcome them, introduce yourself and invite them to knock on your door when they can’t find something vital. Then get out of their hair and wait for them to knock.

rayer walk: Do a prayer walk around your area. In small groups, simply go for a walk and ask the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to anything that he wishes to highlight. Try to become more aware of the environment around you – the sounds, smells and textures as well as the sights. While you walk, talk out loud to God about what you notice. Greet people you meet and stop for a chat where it seems appropriate. At the end, bring all the groups back together and talk and pray about your thoughts and experiences.

treet party: How can you love your neighbours if you hardly know them? Why not organise a barbecue for your street. If possible, hold it in the open or with different hosts for each course. Chat through the idea with the people you know best and knock on the doors to invite people personally. If people ask what they can bring, ask them to help with something, or to bring a neighbour – get them involved in feeling that it is their event as much as yours.

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Top Tips

Sharing the gospel with your neighbours and friends can be daunting. We hope these top tips inspire you and get you thinking!

itness for the soul: If you are a member of a local leisure centre or sports club ask the management if you can act as chaplain. Explain the concerns about fitness for the soul as well as the body. Make this a unique selling point for the sports centre as part of the health and well-being agenda. Try to get the centre manager to set aside a quiet area where you can offer prayer support and leave cards with times when you are at the gym and available. Leave a box for prayers.

ack to school: There are lots of ways to get involved in local schools, both as a church and individually. You could offer to help listen to the children read, run a lunchtime or after-school club, lead regular assemblies or become a governor.

oor-to-door: Terrified of door-to-door visiting? Drop a leaflet around a few days before to say you will be calling and be positive. Look for one person God has appointed you to meet and don’t be deterred by those he hasn’t. Do a community survey to find out what needs you might meet, or ask people if there is anything they would like prayer for. Be ready to be the answer to prayers yourself – can you offer a lift to hospital, help in a garden or visit someone lonely?

For more evangelism top tips, visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/toptips Shareit! 27

Making a differ Meet our volunteers Amy Webb, 21, is a Product Design Engineering student at Queen’s University in Belfast. She volunteers at Church Army’s Lisburn Centre of Mission and is passionate about children’s ministry. When I was six, I started asking my mum about the meaning of lyrics in a Christian song: “How can Jesus’ blood wash us white as snow when it’s red?” Mum’s answer made sense to me and I decided to become a “friend of Jesus”. Church Army Evangelist, John O’Neill used to come into school to do assemblies, and it was then I first heard about Church Army. Shortly after this my mum (Church Army Evangelist, Karen Webb) started working with him. When I was about 12, I started helping with Kidzone and later with KidZtuff, at Summer Madness, a Christian festival in Northern Ireland. After finishing school, I took part in Xplore, which offered me a chance to explore a different country and culture, learn new skills and have new and exciting experiences as I learn more about evangelism and my own faith. I am involved in all aspects of children’s ministry: school assemblies, after-school clubs, puppeteering, holiday Bible clubs and evangelism on the streets. I love telling children about God and helping them grow in their relationship with him – it’s such a privilege to be even a small part of their journey of faith.

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“The way children see faith and God is so real, it isn’t confused by religious practices and politics. It’s so simple and fearless” I feel strongly that children aren’t just the church of tomorrow, they are part of the church of today. When you hear a story from a parent about how something the child has learned in Sunday school has translated into their everyday life and they’re passing on the things they’ve learned to others, that’s truly inspirational. The way children see faith and God is so real, it isn’t confused by religious practices and politics. It’s so simple and fearless. I think some of the most important things I have learned from volunteering is to have confidence in my abilities and not to shy away from taking on responsibility. It has also taught me to put others’ needs first and make sure that God is placed at the centre of any plan, because when he isn’t, it is very evident, but when he is, amazing things can happen!

Volunteer

ence I am currently involved in the bus project with Church Army Evangelists, Rob Barker, James Wilkinson and Colin Harris. We park our bus in the Ellesmere Port town centre, and the young people come on board for a hot drink and biscuits. A lot of youngsters come on the bus, each with their own problems, and we offer them a sympathetic ear and spiritual guidance.

Ray Wardle, 76, from Liverpool, a former plant operator in the chemical industry, volunteers at the Chester Centre of Mission, which is run by Church Army Evangelist, Rob Barker. For the past nine years, he has been helping the team with the bus project, which goes out into communities to share the gospel. My relationship with Church Army started in 2000 when I met [now retired Church Army Evangelist] Dave O’Brien, who infected me with his energy and enthusiasm.

“A lot of youngsters come on the bus, each with their own problems, and we offer them a sympathetic ear and spiritual guidance” I began by volunteering at Food for Thought, which brought pensioners together to share a meal and Bible stories. In 2005-2006, I took part in beach missions in Blackpool, which I enjoyed immensely. We would sing, chat to people along the shore and spread the Good News.

What I enjoy the most about volunteering is interacting with the teenagers and young adults themselves. I love their honesty and openness, the fact that they are not afraid to ask any question. They are just starting out in life and it makes me happy to tell them about Jesus and see them come to a living faith. Church Army has taught me what a great thing it is not to be restricted to staying within the walls of the church but to get out and about among people, telling them about the love of Christ. The Church Army Evangelists I have met have inspired me with their willingness to go the extra mile – literally – be it on a bicycle, bus, boat or canoe. They share their faith while having fun, they go camping, rockclimbing… Rob, James and Colin are so caring yet so active, they’re always on the move, they never stop! Volunteering has changed my life. It has really brought me out of my shell and helped me to be a better Christian and witness of God’s love.

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Making a difference

continued

immediately – where else can you find an Anglican clergyman who preaches with YouTube clips, PowerPoint presentations and can dig a 60-foot trench for electrical cables? Their confidence, enthusiasm and outward facing attitude have been a great boost to my confidence in what Jesus has lined up for us and makes me feel excited about the future.

Bruce Gowans, 56, volunteers at our newest Centre of Mission in Dundee, which was launched in September 2014. After 33 years as a police officer, I have recently retired from my job as custody sergeant. I’ve been a Christian since my teens, thanks to a mixture of people, events and a sense of God’s presence that has grown over time and continues to grow. I have been part of St Luke’s Episcopal Church for many years now, as a lay reader and worship leader. I play the guitar and mandolin and write songs of worship. In the past few years, our church seemed to have lost some momentum. We were literally on our last legs and ready to close the doors when Church Army Evangelists, Kerry Dixon and Craig Dowling, came on the scene. The Dundee Centre of Mission has been set up around St Luke’s and came into being as a partnership between Church Army and our church. We are setting off on an exciting new journey with Kerry and Craig and are still in the early stages. Kerry and I hit it off

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We’ve already had a visit from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to encourage us. Kerry and Craig are actively engaged with a wide variety of people – from schoolchildren and the homeless to locals at neighbouring pubs. It’s such an inspiration to see the very real

“Witnessing things like that through volunteering has changed me as a person” and radical way that they go about our Father’s business. For example, the other day, Kerry bought a pair of shoes for a homeless person. Witnessing things like that through volunteering has changed me as a person. Now that I’m retired, I mean to support Kerry and Craig even more – be it through singing, dismantling organs, painting rooms, digging ditches or cleaning out drains – the form that my volunteering takes is completely up to Jesus! W hy not unlock your potential and

make a difference in your community by joining our team of volunteers? If you are 18 or older and would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us on 0300 123 2113 or visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/volunteering

The Last Word

Don’t worry, be happy “ Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?... Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Luke 12:25-31

fter school I worked in a warehouse while I waited for my exam results. I worried endlessly whether I’d studied hard enough to get into college. The driver said to me: “What’s the point of worrying about college? My religion is: there’s no worry that can’t be put right by a cold lager and a hot woman.” Well, I’ve had several cold lagers since then! I think about what he said sometimes, because many Church Army Evangelists minister among people who are profoundly anxious about their lives. They tell me how easy it is for people they care for to address their worries with excess of all kinds. Anxiety is a fact of life, but there are two ways of responding to it. One is to blot it out with something in a bottle, in a fridge, in a shopping mall, or by working so hard that you never have to deal with it. The other is the way of Jesus, which won’t magic worry away but can give

you a way of coping with it. Jesus gives two reasons why we shouldn’t worry. Firstly, it’s pointless. The average British person lives for 713,940 hours. If you spend every moment fretting that it’s not enough, will you live one more? No! Secondly, if you are a Christian, there’s no need to be overwhelmed by the same fears as the rest of the world. A crisis is a time when people who have no faith have nothing to turn to. But it’s the time when all those minutes you’ve spent with God in prayer, added up over 713,940 hours, will strengthen you. If you’re lying in bed too anxious to sleep, form a plan for the next day. When you’ve made one, tell yourself you’ve done everything you can and hand it over to our ever-watchful God. I can’t guarantee that you will sleep, but after midnight let God do the worrying instead!

By Peter Graystone

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