Adrian Bright writes:

In past updates, we have already focussed on small groups, the teaching plan, and courses. The fourth point is Mentoring and Training.

Jesus worked with a small team and modelled life discipleship, and it is the responsibility of each of us to identify those we can gain from and give to, and to come alongside those people.

Church-wide, there is a need for one generation to train up the next; and so our first focus is for church leaders, of whatever description, to demonstrate this attitude of looking for those they can mentor and train up, who can ultimately replace them. This is often a responsibility that drops to the bottom of the agenda when we’re busy, and there’s no denying it can be hard work – and is open to hurt and mistakes, and people doing things differently than we would! But it’s necessary to learn to let go and give opportunities to the next group of leaders. None of us are here forever!

One of the ways you’ll see this happening in action is with the Summer Sunday Evening Services, where we will be giving the opportunity to preach to a group of people who don’t normally get the opportunity. We’ll be working closely with them and, amongst other things, helping them to grow and to see if this is an area they should pursue. Come along and give them feedback!