Last week’s trip to Sheffield was class, but it wasn’t all Gospel Coaching and curry. I’ve come back with even more exciting news…
Over the last few years we have regularly been asked about missional theological training for church planters as it appears that there’s not a great deal available in Wales. But here’s the thing, New Breed is growing. We are no longer just talking about church planting, we’re actually seeing churches planted. We’re now seeing young men and women take huge faith steps – selling houses and moving into estates, launching meetings and generally demonstrating a now or never attitude for the sake of the gospel. There’s also a whole bunch of people who are emerging from the shadows who don’t necessarily feel called to plant but would be love to be equipped and encouraged to live more missionally where they are. On top of all that there’s an increasing number of young people and church leaders who are asking New Breed to speak into church planting plans/dreams/visions etc. It’s so flippin’ exciting. However, despite the excitement we are sensing, more than ever, the need to stand with these guys and offer them more than just a pat on the back and a coffee every 3 months.
We’re going to give them what they need.
Therefore, it’s our pleasure to introduce Porterbrook Wales!
Porterbrook is a fantastic missional training initiative that hails from our friends at the Crowded House in Sheffield, but that is now being used all around the world. So what the dickens is this Porterbrook thing all about? Here’s how they describe it:
“Porterbrook Learning helps ordinary Christians learn how to serve Jesus and his people better — whether they are church leaders, church planters, or simply Christians wanting to become more mission-focused. The course is flexible and has been designed to be integrated with your whole Christian life in whatever context you’re serving. It’s not theology for theology’s sake: the course is written by practitioners for practitioners.”
To find out more about Porterbrook check out their website here.
Furthermore, to take a look at the syllabus of what we’ll be studying, click here.
The beauty of Porterbrook is its flexibility. Essentially, the course can be customised to suit the requirements and availability of those who wish to do it. While nothing is set in stone yet, myself and Laura (Porterbrook Administrator) have looked at how it might work in Wales. We’re aware that many who are interested in missional training are already involved in ministry/employment and so a full time course wouldn’t work. Therefore what we’ve provisionally come up with is a timetable that starts in September and involves a day of teaching on just one Saturday per month, together with a chunky amount of stuff to get your teeth stuck into at home and a monthly midweek evening get together to chew over the material further. There will also be a residential weekend away each term (sounds like a Road Trip to me!!) However, like I said nothing’s nailed down yet, so if you’re interested but what I’ve just outlined doesn’t work for you – let’s still talk!
As far as venue, costs etc. are concerned, watch this space (though it’ll almost certainly be based in Cardiff.)
We’re already blown away by the interest that people have shown in being part of Porterbrook Wales – it really seems to have struck a chord.
So if your chord has also been struck drop us a line and we’ll chat further.
For His glory.
Dai
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