A Word from Gareth
Last Sunday, Tracey and I stood at the front of our church as the elders and their wives gathered, laid their hands on us andd prayed. In many ways the scene reminded me of how we had prayed a fortnight before when inducting Amal Joseph as Associate Pastor. However, instead of welcoming us in, the church was sending us out! Considering this I have been meditating on Jesus’ commission to his disciples. I am aware that there are times when I (and maybe you) become preoccupied with the immediate and even the insignificant of church-life. Yet, the Lord of eternity calls us to make him known throughout the earth. John records Jesus as saying; “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” (Jo 20:21) I love that. Why? Because Jesus reminds us that mission doesn’t begin with the church but originates in the very heart of God. Indeed, John then writes; “Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”” (Jo 20:22) In recent weeks I have spent time with several leaders for whom this penny has dropped. They understand that the call of Christ is not only to proclaim God’s message. But rather, to proclaim God’s message in the power of His Spirit. We would love you to join us at our KN Leaders’ Conference from Monday 24th – Wednesday 26th February 2025 at The Hayes, Swanwick. Together we will be exploring, Unashamed: Leading in Spirit and Word Evangelism. Please sign up to be encouraged, challenged and equipped! Gareth