Training for a lifetime of ministry
This week in church we are launching our MTS Training Fund Appeal.
MTS is an apprenticeship pathway structured to help people of all ages discern whether full time vocational ministry is for them as they seek to serve Jesus with their whole life.
Christ Church St Ives has for decades been a sending church. We have sent missionaries into the field, we have sent groups of people to other churches to grow gospel ministry and we have trained and sent men and women to Moore College and Youthworks College to be prepared for ministry both in Sydney and across the world.
And I am one of those who was sent. Back in 1996, I began an MTS Apprenticeship with Rob Smith and John Woodhouse and over two years spent time reading the Bible, growing in my understanding of and competence in ministry and having a go at just about anything I could get my hands on. One of the strongest memories was the moment Jo Burrows gave me feedback on my first sermon. Needless to say, he was gracious but firm.
We have a great history of sending people like me out to serve the Kingdom of God and this weekend I will be urging you to continue your commitment and give expression to your passion to train and encourage men and women for a lifetime of ministry.
We have dozens of people—young and older—considering full time ministry. Our staff are often having conversations with people who are thinking about practical and theological training and the best way to utilise the gifts God has given them and their passion for Jesus in service of our church and the church worldwide.
Last year I announced that we were pursuing a new pathway for apprentices. Rather than study two days a week and do ministry 3 or 4, we began preferencing apprenticeships that provide 5 or 6 days a week of hands on ministry under our experienced staff. There are many significant benefits to this onsite intensive learning as people discern whether ministry is right for them. This does mean that giving to MTS is not tax deductible because our trainees are employed on a trainee wage as a staff member. So with this in mind, let us turn to the financial appeal.
Our goal is to soon be training seven MTS apprentices—not next year and probably not the year after—we want to be intentionally gathering and guiding lots of people of all ages in their thinking about full time ministry in the context of parish ministry.
It is an exciting prospect and one that needs your help prayerfully and financially. Pray that we can all capture the commitment and passion to train and encourage men and women for a lifetime of ministry. And then, please give financially.
We are seeking to raise $100,000 this year to both support current apprenticeships and prepare for future ones. We are asking you to give in addition to your regular giving to support this project that seeks to send people who know the gospel and love Jesus out from Christ Church St Ives with clarity, competence, conviction and Christ-like character.
Jump on board the appeal from this Sunday and together, let’s prepare people to change the world with the Gospel of Jesus.
