On Wednesday, 3 June, at Malmesbury Abbey, the Diocese celebrated 19 individuals who have completed training in urban mission. 15 participants were also commissioned as Urban Missioners and are stepping into various roles of leadership and service in their local areas.
Urban Missioners are lay leaders who, having responded to a call from God and been recommended for training, are trained and licensed by the Diocese to equip them to fulfil their calling to serve and lead in their urban context. The training course, called ‘PREPARED’, is designed to help participant address the unique challenges of urban ministry such as poverty, inequality and social justice.
Michelle Taylor, Diocesan Priority Communities Trainer and producer of the PREPARED programme, said:
“This first cohort to be commissioned as Urban Missioners have themselves been transformed by exploring the call of God on their lives and what that might look like in their own communities. As they have embraced the gifts that God has given them, they are stepping into roles such as Community Gardener, Pastoral Visitors, Community Connectors, and many more. Each individual is committed to building long-term relationships that provide social support whilst sharing the good news of the Gospel of Jesus. It has been my privilege to lead and journey with them as they have grown in confidence and vision. I am excited to see the wider of impact of PREPARED on their communities as they continue to flourish.”
At Wednesday's service, 19 individuals who had completed the course were given certificates by The Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Acting Bishop of Bristol and Bishop of Swindon. Some of the individuals described how the course had supported their growth.
Mark Harrison said:
“Through the training I’ve learned more about how being a leader in Church is powered by God and the things we learn through the Bible. The course has improved my confidence to share about Jesus with my community and Church. Through working with people from disadvantaged communities, the course reflects the values of God.”
Magaly Sahuoni said:
“The training has affirmed and strengthened my role as a leader and has given me a vision and plan for the future. This moment is just the start of my journey of training and learning and it has made each of us shine as a brighter light.”
Maggie Taylor-Morris said:
“The course has been inspiring and has helped me learn the importance of, as a leader, letting my light shine. I feel more equipped to go out into the community and share the gospel in a gentle, encouraging way, sharing about my own experience of faith.
Cariad Sansom said:
“I now feel better prepared for my pastoral work and PREPARED has helped me to grow confidence, patience and my relationship with God. Michelle’s teaching has been incredible, and we have also all learned lots from each other.”
Carys Lewis said:
“I now feel so much more confident in speaking about my faith and feel that I understand it so much better. I have also enjoyed the opportunity to hear from people with different views and experiences of faith.”
Simon Piff said:
“The course has helped me to understand my own leadership style and how I can use that to reach my community and support others in doing so. I really like that the course is not about teaching you one way to lead but instead looks at your own natural skills and how to harness them. The course has helped me grow not only in leadership but as a Christian.”
We give thanks for all of the individuals celebrated and pray for their flourishing as they serve and share the love of God with their Churches in their roles as Urban Missioners.
If you would like to speak with someone about PREPARED, please email Michelle Taylor, Diocesan Priority Communities Trainer: michelle.taylor@bristoldiocese.org
If you would like to learn more about the course, please click the button below.