The Magazine of Church Army
40 shareWinterit! 2014/Spring 2015 Contents Welcome
Welcome Shareit! 40 Winter/Spring 2014/2015
ear friends, Throughout our lives as Christians we are continually Dsowing gospel seeds with people we meet day-to-day, yet more often than not, we never find out if those gospel seeds have grown and flourished. As it says in the Parable of the Sower in Luke 8, some seeds fall on rocky ground, some fall among thorns and are choked, while others fall on good soil and prosper. Yet as I read Leslie’s story, which is part of our ONE series, I was once again reminded of God’s faithfulness as he journeys with us through life and how it is never too late to turn to him. 8 14 25 Leslie from Shrewsbury is 84 years old and came to faith a few years ago while taking part in an Alpha course at his church after years of rejecting God. He is now sharing his new-found 4 News 18 Review of the year 28 Now a Christian faith with others thanks to the encouragement of our Evangelist, Gordon Lamb. Amazing! All our latest stories From our Annual Report App and website relaunched (pages 12-13) 8 Christmas Angel appeal 22 Stepping into evangelism This edition of Shareit! is also very exciting as you can find out more about becoming a Barbara’s journey on Resourcing your church 30 Church Army Champions member of our mission community, which is open to anyone with a heart for evangelism the streets of London Join the team and seeing people come to know Jesus (pages 14-17). Our mission community is a 24 Research funding movement of Christians across the United Kingdom and Ireland and is a place where you 10 ONE series for fresh expressions 31 The last word can be encouraged and resourced in evangelism and meet with other people who share Craig and Leslie of church A reflection from your passion. We hope you’ll consider joining us. share their stories Peter Graystone 25 Xplore Finally, I’d like to thank you once again for your continued support of our work. Together 14 Be part of the journey Evangelism training we are having a real gospel impact across our nation and I hope you are encouraged to for young adults be a part of it. Join our mission community Yours in Christ
The Magazine of Church Army
40 15 /Spring 20 Winterit! 2014 Canon Mark Russell share Chief Executive
www.churcharmy.org.uk/ceo Is this the first time you’ve read a copy of Shareit!? Would you like to receive your own edition regularly? Patron: HM The Queen Shareit! is the magazine of Church Army To sign up and to find out more about our other resources, Church Army is a mission-focused community of and it is available free upon request. please visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/res Alternatively people who are transforming lives and communities Please let us know if you would prefer not email [email protected], telephone 0300 123 2113 through the work of evangelists, staff and supporters. We are committed to sharing the Christian faith to receive further issues of Shareit! or other or write to Church Army, Wilson Carlile Centre, through words and action in a variety of contexts communications from Church Army. If 50 Cavendish Street, Sheffield, S3 7RZ. across the United Kingdom and Ireland. you have a story for Shareit!, or suggestions The paper used is from sustainable forests and can be recycled. Printed by on how we can improve this magazine, Colourwise who have 14001 accreditation. then please contact Hannah Gray.
Wilson Carlile Centre, 50 Cavendish Street, Sheffield, S3 7RZ Editor: Hannah Gray 0300 123 2113 Front cover: Evangelist, Nick Russell, at our Greenwich Centre of Mission in London leading Tel: 0300 123 2113 Email: [email protected] Sub-editor: Bethan Hill www.churcharmy.org.uk Design & Print: CPO 01903 264556 the Coffee Stop drop-in for vulnerable people. Registered Charity Nos: 226226 & SC040457 ISSN 1751-3960
2 Shareit! Shareit! 3 News Runners Stepping out in the capital Dundee Centre of Mission launched
A team of 16 runners has taken the licensing of Church Army Evangelist, to the streets as part of The Craig Dowling, took place along with the British 10K London Run, raising ordination to the priesthood of Church Army more than £5,000 for us. Evangelist, Rev Kerry Dixon. The run took them past some Craig and Kerry will both be based at of London’s biggest landmarks the new Centre of Mission, which will have three including Big Ben, Tower Bridge key objectives: to reshape mission and ministry and Westminster Abbey. at St Luke’s Church, Downfield; to develop a Alex Seymour, who took fresh expression ministry at St Paul’s Cathedral part in the race for the first in Dundee; and to grow new expressions of time, said: “I was nervous Christian community and inspire mission and on the day and the run was Left to right: Church Army Chief Executive, Mark Russell, evangelism within the Scottish Episcopal Church. Church Army Evangelist, Kerry Dixon, The Bishop of tough, but the support from the Diocese of Brechin, Nigel Peyton, Church Army The Bishop of the Diocese of Brechin, the crowds was immense. Evangelist, Craig Dowling, Church Army Operations Nigel Peyton, said: “Our exciting new Manager, Neville Willerton. Church Army projects bless so partnership with Church Army brings fresh many vulnerable people and A new Church Army Centre of Mission has ideas and personnel. The contrasting projects it is a cause I feel personally If you’d like to join the Sunday 12th July, please email been launched in Dundee with the aim of at St Luke’s and the Cathedral Dundee are a connected with. I’d definitely Church Army team for The [email protected] developing and growing new expressions beginning. My vision is for the whole diocese to take part again!” British 10K London Run 2015 on or call 0300 123 2113. of Christian community and inspiring the become a more effective centre of mission!” church in evangelism. Mark Russell, Church Army Chief Executive, The Centre of Mission is a partnership said: “Church Army is committed to serving between Church Army, St Luke’s Church, communities all over the United Kingdom and Downfield, in Dundee, the Diocese of Brechin Ireland and we are thrilled to partner with the Police funding for youth film project and the international development agency Diocese of Brechin to launch this new Centre Signpost International. of Mission. We hope many people in Dundee after getting into serious debt The launch event saw people gather at will have their lives touched by this exciting through a loan shark. St Luke’s Church for a special service where new initiative.” The youth group’s previous film, Despair to Hope, told the story of a young person whose life got into a mess after taking drugs. Thank you – butterfly appeal JOY It’s hoped the project will build the young people’s We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of self-esteem, help them explore you who sent us your butterfly messages and issues they are facing day-to- donations as part of our ONE summer appeal day and engage them with featuring our project in the North of England, the Christian faith. which works with vulnerable women and Evangelist and youth group those involved in prostitution. To date we’ve leader, Neil Walpole, said: raised more than £17,000. Brilliant! “Our young people loved “Hannah” who leads the project said: The DNA youth group at our a new filming project exploring making their first film and are “We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you for Selby Centre of Mission on the difficult issues of debt, very excited because the your prayers and encouraging messages, the Flaxley Road housing addiction and abuse. grants will enable us to make some of which will carry us through the estate has been awarded The money will be used to many more. Using drama in tough times while others remind us of God’s a grant of £1,050 from North buy filming equipment and will this way allows us to explore goodness and love.” Yorkshire Police’s Community see the young people produce the heartbeat of Jesus in the One of the women at the project said: “It’s Another said: “I can’t believe people have Fund and a grant of £500 from a film following the story of a issues that our young people lovely to know that people know we are here taken the time to post us nice letters from Selby Town Council for family who suffer a breakdown face on a daily basis.” and actually care about us.” all over the United Kingdom.”
4 Shareit! Shareit! 5 News News flash! Website relaunched Desmond Tutu steps down as president
We’re very excited about our new website that’s resource and inspire you theologically and After seven years as Church Army’s just been launched! It includes a new evangelism practically. If you have a few minutes to spare, President, Archbishop Desmond blog which we will be updating regularly to visit www.churcharmy.org.uk and take a look. Tutu, is stepping down from the role and we would like to wish him every blessing for the future and thank him for all that he has given. He said: “Church Army has shown and continues to show just how relevant and up-to-date the Good News is. You go where many would not dare to set foot, proclaiming the Good News in ever relevant, captivating ways. You have helped many realise their infinite worth when conventionally they tend to be seen as expendable. Yes, you help to put a smile on God’s face, a God who has little cause to smile, as he beholds our inhumanity to one another. Thank you for the utterly undeserved honour of being your president.” Please pray for us as we now look to appoint a new Church Army President.
Peter’s 5K challenge Church Army September success To celebrate his recovery from four strokes, Retired Evangelist, Peter Grieves, has taken awareness about our work and our on a 5K adapted triathlon in aid of Church evangelists visited 67 churches to share Army and Burrswood Christian Hospital, their inspiring stories. where he was treated. Here’s what one church had to say: Raising more than £1,800, the challenge “Suzette’s visit and preaching went down saw Peter walk 1K in a hydrotherapy pool, extremely well and was well received by cycle 3K on an exercise bike and walk 1K all - especially as she is involved in one of with sticks. the two projects in Newcastle that we are Peter said: “The idea for the 5K adapted supporting this month. Thank you!” challenge came from my physiotherapist, All Saints’, Gosforth, Tyne and Wear. Sue Pople, as it would give me something to Even though Church Army September is aim for and help me to maintain my mobility. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone now over, we still have speakers available On the day, I was full of adrenaline which who took part in Church Army September to book for your church or special event helped get me through, although I was this year and have been celebrating and throughout the year. pretty tired afterwards!” praying for our life-changing work. Visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/speakers Well done Peter! Throughout September churches held special or telephone 0300 123 2113. services and fundraising events to raise
6 Shareit! Shareit! 7 Appeal
I was put in touch with a hostel for homeless women run by Catholic nuns, where I was able to stay for three months while my ankle healed. As I walked through the door of the hostel on my first night, I noticed a picture of an angel above me and realised I had seen that same angel in one of my dreams a few nights before. It was then that I knew I was in the right place and that perhaps God did have a plan for me.
Slowly I healed, physically, mentally and I appreciate life so much now and pray to spiritually, and I was lucky enough to be God each day to make me more like him. given a room at Church Army’s Marylebone I am so grateful to all those who have Project for homeless women where I began Last Christmas, Barbara found herself alone and homeless on the cared for me this year. They were like to rebuild my life. streets of London, but what a difference a year can make thanks to our angels sent by God to bring hope into my life. They saved me and thanks to them I It was around this time that I realised I hadn’t Marylebone Project. Here she shares with you her amazing journey of can now look forward to a brighter future. redemption and the Christmas Angels that helped her on her way… been living the right way and that God had used my broken ankle to bring me to him. He had brought me to my lowest point and when Will you be an angel to ast Christmas, I was so angry with I thought I was worth nothing, had shown me homeless women like L God. Inside I was filled with despair he loved me through the many Christians I Barbara this Christmas? and sadness. Why me? As I faced had met. So I decided to be baptised. Christmas alone on the streets, I looked To donate to our Christmas Angel appeal, back on my life and wondered how I “As I was given the key to please return the Shareit! coupon, call had reached this dark place. the fundraising team on 0300 123 2113 or my room I cried so much…” give online at www.churcharmy.org.uk/ Previously I had enjoyed a successful christmasangel where you can also watch career working as an intensive-care nurse a film about Barbara and download our in Portugal, but when the recession hit, I lost As I was given the key to my room at the Christmas Angel craft activity for children. my job and struggled to find another. So I Marylebone Project, I cried so much. It decided to come to the UK for a fresh start was like a castle to me and I knew how and to use my skills, but in my first week lucky I was. here in London I ended up tripping over and breaking my ankle in five places. The staff at the project were so kind to me and with their help I was able to secure a job at a nearby hotel. When I wasn’t at “I was so hungry and my work I also found I had a new desire to leg was so painful…” help others so I began volunteering to help At the time I wasn’t a Christian and I women who had been trafficked. Meeting thought, why would the church help these women made me realise how small someone like me? All Christians do is pray. my problems really were and it gave me a With a broken ankle I couldn’t get a job But I was so hungry and my leg was so new perspective. and slowly my money began to run out. painful I thought it was worth a try. Eventually I couldn’t even afford my Now, one year on, as I look forward to £10-a-night hostel. I had no family to When I arrived at the church the people Christmas, my life is so different. I love my help me as I’d been raised by my grandma inside were having a big Christmas party job at the hotel, I’m applying to university and she had sadly died. I just didn’t know and a lady at the door welcomed me in to train as a midwife and thanks to the what to do and another lady in the hostel asking me, “Are you ok?” She gave me soup Marylebone Project I will soon hopefully suggested that I go to the church for help. and hot tea and reassured me of her help. move into my own home.
8 Shareit! Shareit! 9 Stories
God Church ONE 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 of films and stories as we celebrate how God is impacting people throughout this nation. We hear from Craig in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, who for years was involved in astrology and tarot cards, but after reading the Bible and meeting our Evangelist, Peter Bone, came to know God for himself The Tanhouse estate
My mum loved astrology; she’d wake up But after reading things in the Bible with since I was 15 – for more than 27 years – in the mornings and the first thing she’d do Peter I began to realise, why shouldn’t and I was having an average of two to was read her horoscope in the newspaper, there be a God? And as time went on I 10 fits per month. For the past 18 months, which got me interested. About a year realised, of course there’s a God, and faith I haven’t had a fit. later, I bought a magazine which came came into my life. with free tarot cards and I was fascinated With Church Army it is so good to know by them. I went on to study psychology, “Since that day no one has there’s another side to church besides sitting there in a building. You’ve got to the ego, astrology and Buddhism and asked me for a tarot card it led me to know there was more of a get out and take action. Church Army purpose to life. reading…” is always moving; always starting afresh and planting seeds. It’s like a river “When I thought of Christians I’d seen something in the Bible about constantly moving, not like stagnant needing to follow the narrow path and all water gathering mould. I thought of people who I could think about was how I’d been moan…” taking all these different paths in my life There’s nothing in the world that could and I was going slower. ever take me back to where I was before My wife and daughter started going to meeting God, nothing in the world. Oak House – a church on the Tanhouse Craig and Peter in As time went on I said to Peter: “I will ask estate where Evangelists, Peter and The Tanner Pub God whether I should read tarot cards. If Craig continues to grow in his faith and is where Oak Church a member of Oak Church where he helps Lynne Bone, are based – and they has a men’s I hear a yes I will carry on reading them, sometimes came back with a piece pool team if I don’t hear a yes I’ll stop.” Since that to lead the all age service each month. of paper about Jesus. I used to laugh day no one has asked for a tarot card He is also involved in Oak Church’s men’s and to say “give over, you don’t need come out happy and get back to normal reading! It just stopped. In the end I said to pool team, community café and film and someone like that. You can decide again. That was a typical Christian to me. Pete: “I’m not meant to read tarot cards. I chippie nights. yourself what you want to do.” don’t need to do them any more.” When I met Peter from Church Army, he To watch a film of Craig’s story, I wasn’t having it, I found it really funny. invited me over for a brew and to chat Another amazing thing that has happened visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/one When I thought of Christians I thought of about what each other believed. So that’s since I’ve put my trust in God is that my people who work, moan, go to church, how it started. epilepsy has improved. I’ve had epilepsy
10 Shareit! Shareit! 11 Stories
God Church ONE Mission “...go and make disciples” Matthew 28:19 young ladies sitting on a bench eating a takeaway. I thought “maybe”.
I was emboldened! I walked up to these Leslie, 84, from Shrewsbury, became a Christian later in life after two young ladies sitting down on the attending an Alpha course at Trinity Church. He is now being “I was emboldened…” encouraged in his “footsteps of faith” by Evangelist, Gordon Lamb. He tells us his story bench and I said: “That smells good. I’ve got to buy someone a meal.” They said: My name is Leslie and I’m not a young “Really?” They were quite interested. I man, I’m an old guy at 84. My wife, Hilma, said: “How much does your meal cost?” suffers with Alzheimer’s and is in a care They said: “£3.50.” I said: “Look, here’s home and I’m fortunately able to visit her £10 that will pay for both of them, I don’t two or three times a week. want any change, keep the £10.” They looked confused. I always went to church as a child but moved away from Christianity when I was So I said: “Well I go to church and one of around 10 or 12 years old. I left God, but our leaders has given us an exercise to he never left me! do and we’ve got to talk about God”. One of them said: “I believe in God, I This went on for most of my life, but when I really do believe in God.” retired I moved back to the church thanks Gordon Lamb to my wife, who has always had a strong So I thought to myself, well this is getting faith. She dragged me back into the better, and the other one said: “I sometimes more involved in the church and more church one day. go to church with my nan”. We were involved with the faith. And deeper in faith. chatting away like that and this went on. I’ve also recently taken part in the Sharing I said: “I’ve just had bowel cancer. Do you “I left God, but he never Your Faith course led by Evangelist, know there’s been so many prayers said left me…”” Gordon Lamb. for me that I’m convinced that it gave me As part of the course, on one occasion a good result after the operation and I just It was an Alpha course that was really Gordon said: “I’m giving you £10 each. I wanted you to know that.” They said some Leslie that start of things – it is a wonderful tool want you to go out and buy someone a nice things of farewell and then off I went. for Christianity. Since then I’ve done meal or something similar and I want you These footsteps of faith that we take three Alpha courses and there is always I stopped swearing – no naughty words! to report back next week about what wonderful comradeship and friendships I stopped drinking and became teetotal. you’ve done with your £10.” continue. that blossom among people. That isn’t necessarily a Christian thing, it was something my wife had done so I I decided to think about it for a few days, To watch a film of Leslie’s story, Since finding God again in my life I have said “I’m going to join you darling, I’m as it sounds easy-peasy, but actually it’s visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/one changed. I now have an urge, an inner not going to drink anything.” quite a task. urge, to look around and to do some good. Nothing spectacular. It’s been ongoing and inevitably one gets Then, a few days later, I passed two
12 Shareit! Shareit! 13 Community Be part of the journey What others have to say…
Are you passionate about evangelism? Do you Hannah Seal, a children’s worker in Kent, said: want to be resourced to share your faith with others? Being part of the mission community gives me Would you like to meet with other like-minded people? a sense of belonging, which assures me that Find out how you can get involved in Church Army I am not alone and that my ministry is part of “ a big community. It enables me to serve and become a member of our mission community God and develop my gifts, knowing that I do so with the prayers, encouragement and support of others. Church Army is a mission community open to all Christians who have a passion for evangelism and seeing people come to faith. ” Nicholas Lebey, a Pioneer Evangelist working with young people at Church Army’s Greenwich Centre Our purpose of Mission in London, said:
We exist to encourage, resource and enable you to share your faith ‘I am delighted to be part of the mission community. It offers me the opportunity to learn with others through words and action. from others, receive support, encouragement “and prayers, all of which are essential for my ministry. The sense of belonging to a wider family and journeying together as a community is also Our vision exciting and enriching. We are a movement of Christians across the United Kingdom and Ireland who are passionate about the Good News of Jesus Christ Rector of St Nicholas’ Church” and who want to share it with their family, friends, neighbours, Paul Hamilton, in Ingrave, Essex, said: colleagues and with those in need in their communities. It wasn’t long after God found me that he We are a place where you can be encouraged, resourced and gather used Church Army to shape and train me in together with other Christians who are committed to evangelism. His ongoing mission to find others. Being a “part of the mission community means that process continues as I learn and make a Our values contribution to our learning.”
• to follow Jesus wholeheartedly Michelle West, a mum, administrator and lay” reader from Sheffield, said: • a passion to see people come into a living relationship with Jesus The mission community is such an exciting and diverse community to be part of. I am part of • a heart for those in need and the Sheffield cluster which meets regularly and living in poverty “it is great to know there is a support network to enable each of us to offer our gifts and • a pioneering spirit willing to push prayerful support to each other in our Christian the boundaries so that others lives, no matter what shape our ministry to God might come to know Jesus is. I feel truly blessed to be part of the mission community and am excited by what I can • a love and commitment to the give and receive by being part of this loving local church and prayerful family. ”
14 Shareit! Shareit! 15 Community
Community life Volunteering
If you become a member of the mission community Giving your time, skills and creativity can make an amazing difference you will be joining a nationwide movement of people. to people’s lives. Across the country we have hundreds of volunteers working alongside our evangelists or in our projects. You can get involved in the following ways: Praying together Local We are committed to prayer and the • Local Gatherings provide regular opportunities for members following resources are available to help you: to meet together for fellowship, prayer and mutual support. • Through the day with Church Army is a • Support networks are available by phone or online for those daily prayer resource which offers simple who are unable to travel easily or live at a distance from morning, midday, evening and night other members. prayers to feed those with a passion • Mentoring partnerships enable members to support one for evangelism. another in evangelism. • Church Army’s Prayer Diary helps us to pray for the whole community. Regional • daily prayers take place at midday • Regional Celebrations see our local each day in the chapel at the Wilson gatherings come together for prayer Carlile Centre in Sheffield. and worship. For more information visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/prayer • Regional Days are led by Church Army’s Senior Leadership Team Give to us and fundraise for us where news and vision is shared. Church Army relies on voluntary • Days of Reflection allow individuals from local gatherings to come donations to continue its pioneering together for times of retreat. work. Therefore, we ask our mission community members if they will National consider supporting us.
• The Wilson Carlile Centre (WCC) in Sheffield is the home of Church Army and is home to our office staff. The centre also has conferencing facilities, accommodation, chapel, café, Staying connected garden and theological library. It is a place of hospitality, retreat and training open to all mission community members. • Church Army Connected is our regular newsletter for members. To find out more visit wilsoncarlilecentre.org.uk
• Prayer Days encourage the whole community to pray for Join us Church Army’s work and for people’s individual ministries. If you are interested in becoming a member of the mission • The National Gathering is where hundreds of us gather community, please contact our Mission Community Team by emailing together for worship, fellowship and teaching. [email protected] or telephone 0300 123 2113.
16 Shareit! Shareit! 17 Annual Report Review of the year
So as we look ahead to 2014/2015, please do As our Annual Report for 2013/2014 is published continue to pray for our work with those on and we look back on the past year, we’d the margins so that many more may come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. like to share with you some of the highlights... It is only through a living relationship with Jesus that people can find true hope and everlasting peace. May all we do be for his Kidzone at Lisburn Cathedral in Northern Ireland run by glory and for the extension of his kingdom. Evangelist, Karen Webb Thank you!
This past year has been one of real Activities in England Activities in Scotland encouragement and challenge for us and Throughout England we for those who we support. With increasing Four of our evangelists work have 244 evangelists numbers of people struggling to afford in Scotland. We also run the and nine Centres of rising food and energy costs, as well as Grafted Project, based in Mission, these are located Newcastleton and Hawick changes to the benefits system, our homeless in Bradford, Chester, in the Borders which is one projects have experienced a great demand, Greenwich, Newcastle, of our Centres of Mission. Selby, Southampton, providing 47,450 nights of accommodation Church Army is registered Thanet, Warwick and to those most vulnerable in our society. with the Office of the Scottish a project in the North Charity Regulator. of England working Yet our homeless projects are not just with vulnerable women about offering people temporary relief. As and those involved in prostitution. We also run we demonstrate the gospel practically to Activities in Ireland people, we journey with them for the long- The Marylebone Project Twenty seven of in London, one of the term and we are pleased to have resettled our evangelists largest homeless hostels 84 women back into independent living are based in for women in the United this year through our Marylebone Project in Ireland. This is an Kingdom. London. Praise God! area where we’ve had a significant Of course we couldn’t have done any of this presence for a without you and your faithful support of our number of years, especially in inner work, whether through prayer, volunteering or Belfast and through finance. We are so thankful to God for each our Craigavon and and every one of you as together we partner Coffee Stop at the Greenwich Centre of Mission in London led by Evangelist, Nick Russell Lisburn Centres in the gospel. of Mission. and to bring people to a living faith in This year has also seen us developing the Jesus Christ. Alongside this, our Research DARE strategy; Doing evangelism, Advocating Unit has published its report on the impact Activities in Wales evangelism, Resourcing evangelism and of fresh expressions as part of the Church Enabling evangelism. Highlights of this include of England’s Church Growth Research Nine of our evangelists are based in Wales, together with Church Army Residential Services for homeless young people our Chief Executive, Mark Russell, joining Programme, which has attracted significant and the Amber Project for young people who self-harm, both the Archbishops’ Evangelism Task Group, attention national and internationally. We based in Cardiff. In addition the Valley of Hope project in the which is working hard to equip those in the pray this research will be a blessing and Welsh Valleys works mainly with homeless ex-prisoners. Church of England to share the gospel challenge to the church.
18 Shareit! Shareit! 19 Annual Report
INCOME £6,791,000 EXPENDITURE £8,028,000 n 87% (£7.0m) of our total Finances expenditure is spent on our charitable activities with n Church Army’s total income the remaining 13% (£1m) during the period 1 April 2013 spent on governance costs, to 31 March 2014 was £6.8m investment management (2012/2013: £5.7m) a rise of 19%. and fundraising. Although this compares favourably with n Our donation income has similar organisations it remains increased by 7% (£125k) this year our objective to reduce the from £1.8m to £1.9m. Breaking this amount spent on supporting figure down, income from trusts our work and instead to direct increased by 3% (£45k), donations more into charitable activities. from individuals increased by 6% (£36k), and income from other n Total expenditure is in line with sources including the Church the five-year plan to reduce Commissioners increased the overall operating deficit. by 67% (£70k). The only area This strategy was approved which saw a fall in income was by Church Army’s Board and donations from churches which Senior Leadership in 2012. reduced by 7% (£26k), £379k compared to last year £405k.
n Gift Aid income has reduced this year by 33% (£40k). In response, annualreport
over the coming year, we will Church Army’s report and accounts, for the year ending 31 March 2014, work hard to maximise the incorporating the Strategic Report. number of donors who Gift Aid. Investments...... £747,000 Centres of Mission ...... £1,509,000
n Housing Benefit for our The biggest proportion of our Fresh expressions...... £994,000 fee income, 41% (£2.6m), is homeless projects ...... £1,434,000 made up of housing benefit and Supporting People Grants Supporting People Grants from Other field evangelism...... £527,000 for our homeless projects ...... £1,168,000 Westminster and Cardiff Councils, which funds our homeless Other fees for our Training ...... £566,000 projects. The homeless projects homeless projects ...... £62,000 are also our largest area of expenditure at 49% (£3.4m). Homeless projects ...... £3,383,000 Legacies...... £1,426,000 Generating funds...... £1,007,000 n Income from legacies has more Donations from parishes ...... £377,000 than doubled this year from A full version of Individuals’ donations ...... £602,000 £550k to £1.4m. Governance ...... £42,000 this year’s Annual Donations from trusts ...... £186,000 Report is available n Our Centres of Mission are our second largest area of expenditure on our website Donations to The The information on these pages represents a summary extracted www.churcharmy. and account for 19% (£1.5m). Marylebone Project...... £228,000 from the full financial statements of Church Army. The full accounts, signed by BDO LLP, are available on request from Church Army’s org.uk/annualreport registered office. Copies of these accounts and the trustees’ reports Other ...... £561,000 have been filed with The Registrar of Companies.
20 Shareit! Shareit! 21 ism Sp Resource el ec “The church is defined by its response to ng ia God’s call to mission and evangelism. This a l beautifully produced resource offers simple, v o practical and effective ways of responding e f to that call. I hope it will be widely used.” fe o David Chillingworth, Primus of the Scottish t r Episcopal Church n i
Stepping into evangelism is a 64-page g booklet filled with practical advice, tips
n and workbook exercises to help you share i the gospel with others through words and Changing world, changing church – p action. Chapters include: • exploring fresh expressions of church
p • Why is evangelism God’s idea?
e • Making the most of Christmas and Easter
t • How to share your story S • Community events and outreach • Who can you share your story with? • Church Army’s story • Leading people to Jesus and what next? To find out more and read a sample chapter, Since launching our new resource, “The Methodist Churches in the St Neots • How can your church reach the community? visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/sie Stepping into evangelism, and Huntingdon area are entering into a thousands of copies have been period with greater focus on sharing the Good News of Jesus. Therefore, it is with distributed nationwide and we’ve gratitude we became aware of Stepping Special offer for churches and home groups been receiving some great into evangelism. Its clarity, accessibility and If you’d like to order copies of Stepping into evangelism for your church or home group then now’s feedback from churches, home Bible base is appealing to us as we plan to your chance! We are offering our Shareit! readers the opportunity to buy five copies ofStepping into initially use the material in informal worship evangelism for £15 and get another copy absolutely free along with free postage or to buy 10 copies groups and individuals. Find out and conversational settings over a period of Stepping into evangelism for £30 and get another two copies free along with free postage. what they have to say and how of weeks. It is with pleasure and thanks we To buy your copies, please visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/specialoffer or telephone 0300 123 2113. you can get hold of your copy. commend Stepping into evangelism.” Alternatively, please fill in the coupon below and return it to us at Stepping into evangelism, Rev David King, Methodist Minister for the Church Army, The Wilson Carlile Centre, 50 Cavendish Street, Sheffield, S3 7RZ. Please make St Neots and Huntingdon Circuit “Stepping into evangelism is good stuff – cheques payable to “Church Army”. I’ve bought 10 copies to give to my fellow ministry team colleagues. Everyone can My details are “This crisp and short book will prove a brilliant find something useful with this resource.” tool for all Christians who yearn to share Title: ...... Forename: ...... Surname:...... Arthur Dalgleish from All Saints Parish the Lord and love of their life, but somehow Address: ...... Church in Sudbury, Suffolk when it comes to the crunch and the cross, don’t have the nerve or can’t find the words...... There are simple yet very pertinent guides Postcode: ...... “I have just received my copy of Stepping on how to tell your story and how to lead Year of birth: ...... into evangelism and am suitably impressed people to Christ. I liked the book so much I Email address: ...... with it. This is a great tool for empowering immediately wrote to every clergyperson in individuals and churches to become more our diocese, urging them to buy it without Telephone: ...... mission-minded and more open and delay. It is great value, especially when you I would like to order: prepared to share faith.” think how many souls it will bring to the Christ A pack of six booklets for £15 A pack of 12 booklets for £30 who is so priceless, he comes free.” Peter Smith from Xpression Christian This special offer is limited to 12 copies of Stepping into evangelism per person and is only Outreach in Portadown, Northern Ireland Barry Morgan, The Archbishop of Wales available to those living in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The offer is valid until May 31st 2015.
22 Shareit! This offer is only available to those living in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Shareit! 23 Training Research
Funding for fresh expressions research
Fresh expressions of church a year in mission and evangelism continue to be high on the agenda for our Research Unit xplore as it has been commissioned by the Church of England to Our Xplore training for young adults carry out the next stage of work following on from the Church continues to go from strength-to- Growth Research Programme. strength. Here, the Xplorers share Following the release of our Research Unit’s statistical findings into fresh expressions some of their highlights of church in January 2014 at the Faith in Research Conference, the report has sparked discussion throughout the church nationally and internationally. This was particularly true after the report showed that, for every one person sent out from an existing church to start a fresh expression of church, there are now two and half more people. George Lings, Church Army’s Research Unit What is Xplore? Director, said: “It is very important to get as If you are 18-25 years old with a big heart for evangelism and want The next stage of the research will see full a picture as possible about the strategic our Research Unit survey an additional 10 contribution that the fresh expressions of to get involved in helping those around you come to know Jesus dioceses about their fresh expressions of church are making to the identity and for themselves then Xplore is for you. Xplore enables you to remain church. The team will conduct telephone mission of the Church of England. It looks living where you are while receiving weekly online training and interviews with all the fresh expressions of like a good news story that deserves a deep church leaders in each diocese, taking and wide understanding. We are glad to support from the Xplore community as you put what you learn into them through a questionnaire that focuses serve the wider church in this way.” practice. Throughout the year, there are also regular residential on how they are fulfilling their mission and weekends and opportunities to take part in mission placements maturing as a young church. It is hoped their findings from this next stage of research will be published in the in Romania and across the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is run This will allow our Research Unit to compare spring of 2016. at a low cost to suit your budget and is perfect for those who are its findings with the initial 10 dioceses surveyed and discover how typical they To read the Church Growth Research already committed to education or work, or simply can’t afford were. The first 10, in the order surveyed, Programme’s initial report on fresh the time or money to take part in a traditional gap year. were: Liverpool, Canterbury, Leicester, expressions of church and to watch a film Derby, Chelmsford, Norwich, Ripon and about the report’s findings, please visit • To find out more, visit www.xplore.org.uk or call 0844 585 3575. Leeds, Blackburn, Bristol and Portsmouth. www.churcharmy.org.uk/fxCresearch
24 Shareit! Shareit! 25 Training Mission week As part of Xplore, there is the opportunity to get involved in mission weeks throughout the year. One such event was Xplorers reaching their communities organised by Xplorer, Josh, 22, a youth worker in West Derby in Liverpool and saw the Xplorers and local church run a variety of outreach including gardening, car washing, night- time street evangelism and free lunch giveaways. Venessa,18 , a college student from London said: “One Josh said: “Neville from Xplore went day I was walking through my town centre when I met a girl with a lady from church who’d and we got chatting. She said she’d been through a lot of never done any evangelism before difficult stuff in her life, so I asked her if she’d like to meet up in and they visited a fast food outlet. McDonalds to talk some more. I told her I was a Christian and The guy who was serving was really that I’d love to explain about what Jesus had done in my life. surprised that people wanted to get “As part of Xplore we’d been learning about not just doing to know him; nobody had bothered evangelism one person at a time but instead sharing Jesus with with him before. Both of them got to groups of people. And it’s really amazing how God guides us talk about how Jesus had impacted their lives and pray with him. We got to go back over the as the next day I was walking down the road and saw two girls next few days and chat with him some more and during his who I went over to and we got chatting. They made fun of my time off he joined in with some of the mission events. After the faith but I still got the chance to talk to them about Jesus mission he started attending our church and is now very much and thought maybe I should also invite them to join me in a part of the family. He still struggles with many issues but we McDonalds. Then, the next day in town I met a guy who I was frequently pray together and he has a very real faith in God.” talking to about Islam and so I invited him along as well.
“Another girl I met was a Buddhist, but she was so unhappy. We chatted for about two hours on the phone one night and at the end of the conversation I asked her if she
wanted to know Jesus. She said yes and she gave her life to Christ!
“Right now, I’ve chatted with about 10 people at college or in the street who seem interested in meeting to talk about faith. I couldn’t have done any of this without Xplore – Romania trip they are like a family who will push you in the right direction and pray for you.” One of the optional parts of Xplore is a trip to Romania. This gives those on Xplore the opportunity to bring along friends who are perhaps unsure of faith. It means being Olivia, 20, a student from Belfast said: “I volunteer at the exposed to a practical expression of international student café each week where our mission is not Christianity as well as living for a week among Christians who have chosen to spend their lives supporting some of the poorest communities in Europe. just to run a café but also to build lasting friendships with the students. At the moment, those I meet with are beginning to ask One of those invited along by an Xplorer said of his trip: “It has shown me that the more questions about faith and I’m encouraging some of them most joy I can get from life is serving God and not myself. Before I went with Xplore to to read the Bible for themselves. It has taken time to break into Romania my attitude was get up, don’t work hard and just look after yourself and other cultures and to become trusted. do whatever it takes to enjoy yourself. I’d say now if an opportunity presents itself to do something for God then do it and don’t hold back at all.” “Xplore is a community who support and encourage each other. We meet together online but each one of us is in our own Steph, 21, an intern for Summer Madness from Newtownabbey said: “The highlight of context discovering evangelism for ourselves. Xplore has helped going to Romania with Xplore was growing as a person and growing more confident in providing me with a framework theologically for mission and in my faith. It felt like we went out as individuals but came home as a team.” the tools I might use. It also provides me with a community who Caroline, 18, a student from Lisburn said: “The best thing about Romania was being pray for one another and hold one another accountable.” with the kids, it was incredible to see how happy they were with so little. It taught me that we are so spoilt and yet we are not as happy as they are. It was an eye-opener. God has opened my eyes to the poverty that I’ve never been faced with before.”
26 Shareit! Shareit! 27 Resource
This is just some of the amazing feedback we’ve had about Now a Christian and the impact it is having on people’s lives as they discover more about Jesus for themselves.
Since it was launched in 2009, our Now a Christian email Therefore we are pleased to be able course has introduced thousands of people to Jesus and to relaunch the Now a Christian website and launch it as a free mobile helped new believers grow in their faith. So we are very phone app. excited to be re-launching the Now a Christian website and making the course available as a mobile phone app. We hope that through this relaunch, Now a Christian will reach even more people with the gospel and engage with the next generation.
is a fantastic course. Now a Christian is a free five-week Now a Christian course which has been specially “ It explains aspects of Christianity so designed to help people explore the well. My vicar is incredibly enthusiastic basics of Christianity and what the Bible has to say about Jesus and how about encouraging members of our church to follow him. To find out more about Now a Christian: congregation to sign up for it as well as introducing new Christians to the faith.” Topics include making sense of life, • Visit www.nowachristian.org.uk and giving God a chance and why do bad sign up for free via the website. You things happen. will then receive an email each day for five weeks I’ve been reading the daily emails from Marketing Manager, Neil Thomson, who and“ they have kept me believing that God Nowand Jesus a Christian has been involved in relaunching Now • Download the free Now a Christian a Christian, said: “We’ve been thrilled to app on your mobile phone by visiting Christ can love me at least, even though I’m going through stand alongside and support so many the Apple App Store and searching a traumatic time. people as they begin their Christian for Now a Christian Now a Christian straight to the point and is sometimes is good funny. because Thank it youis journey by using Now a Christian. The feedback has been a great If you would like us to send you some for reaching out to people to explain Jesus Christ. I am still • encouragement to us and we pray Now a Christian postcards to hand learning and trying to let go of the past incorrect ideas I many more will be nourished, fed and out at your church or event to had about God. I just thank you and God for being there challenged by Now a Christian as this promote the course, please email new app opens up the course to people [email protected] or telephone when I needed to read something like wherever they are with their phones.” 0300 123 2113. Now a Christian .” 28 Shareit! Shareit! 29 The Last Word
Join the team of Champions!
“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber” Psalm 121:1-3
Are you passionate about Our amazing team of Church Army belong to the Automobile Christians do their share of flooding Champions make a difference by doing evangelism and seeing Association (AA) but not because the bathroom and losing the front things like: II frequently call them out. I rarely door key, succumbing to illness and people come to know Jesus? • receiving and distributing our resources take the car past Tesco. I get queasy breaking their hearts. We are not if I push the thing over 30mph and I’m people of faith because we want • organising local fundraising events Do you want to help people not even sure what side of the road to magic these away. • inspiring others to support us financially they drive on north of the Thames. But God can protect us from in poverty and those who are • encouraging their church to partner I belong for the security that one the harm that these things do to with us day, when I’ve broken down in the our inmost beings. God can deal marginalised in our society? rain on a country lane, I know the comprehensively with the paralysing • promoting us through social media first thing I’m going to do. I’m not worry inside us that destroys our By Peter going to despair. I’m going to ring courage, our confidence and our Graystone the AA. After that, I’ll take things one sense of worth. And because God Then we need step at a time. is addressing the worry inside us, we That is precisely the reassurance have the resilience we need to deal you on our team! that Psalm 121 tells us we can find by with the trouble outside us. With God Join us! trusting God. Where do Christians go watching, our true selves, entirely To find out more about becoming first for help? No need to think twice! and eternally secure in him, can “The best thing about being a Champion is a Church Army Champion Church Army Evangelists introduce come to no harm. the chance to raise funds for Church Army Visit www.churcharmy.org.uk/champion people day after day to God the If you are a Christian you need not and to make it more widely known.” email [email protected] Protector. But what does God protect fall apart in a crisis. You know what Sue Taylor, St Peter’s Maney, Sutton Coldfield or telephone 0300 123 2113 us from? Obviously he doesn’t your first move is going to be. After protect us from misfortune itself. that, take things one step at a time.
30 Shareit! Shareit! 31 Creative customisable children’s resources Messy Church • Sunday School • Prayer Spaces • Banners
Kids Club
Kids Club Every Tuesday after school from 4-5.30pm. At Christ Church, Kings Cross Lane, Newquay. Join us for a fun time! Your words and logo can go in here
Email: [email protected] Phone: 01903 263354 www.cpo.org.uk