There are many challenges before us as local church minsters, including keeping our congregation in line with Christ’s mission while being relevant to the times and contexts in which we live! Other challenges journeying alongside the younger generations with an authentic experience and expression of Jesus and His Church for them as well as seeking to offer the Gospel to the ‘unchurched’ and ‘de-churched’ folk within our areas. God is doing an amazing thing and I am privileged to be a part of this.

 The best tool I have found for doing this is the ‘Mission Shaped Ministry’ Course under the banner of ‘Fresh Expressions’ (see www.freshexpressions.co.za ) which we are presently offering in the South African context. Fresh Expressions carries the MCSA Presiding Bishop’s endorsement and support, as well as that of ACSA's Archbishop Thabo and Prof Nelus Niemandt, the previous Moderator of the DRC. Many Bishops and church leaders are getting involved. 67% of the Methodist Circuits in the UK subscribe to this intentionally ecumenical movement. We are seeing this ecumenical teamwork unfold before our eyes as the Anglicans, Presbyterians and Dutch Reformed, and many others, have embraced it immediately and warmly.

The actual course is an experience in a missional commiunity that handles topics that cover:

I hope and pray that you will consider attending the course yourself with a team of leaders or potential people involved in planting new projects, local missions and ministries. If you have any queries do not hesitate to contact me. I will be available to talk to your leadership team, fraternal or Circuit about this exciting movement. I look forward to hearing from you.