Training for the Future
This week in church we are launching our Ministry Training Appeal. We are seeking to raise more than $100,000 in March to continue the work of raising up and training men and women of all ages for a lifetime of vocational ministry.
Christ Church St Ives has for decades been a training and sending church. We have helped train and send missionaries into the field, we have trained and 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 Joe 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 to this work.
Right now, we have dozens of people - young and older - considering full time ministry. Our staff regularly have 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.
Our goal is to be training 7 MTS apprentices and 2 student ministers each year - not next year and probably not the year after; but soon, 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.
This year you can support Ministry Training at Christ Church in two ways:
First, we are seeking to raise $100,000 to support and train our in-house MTS Apprentices and Student Ministers and prepare for future ones. Giving in this way is not tax deductible. Give now via credit or debit card here: christchurch.com.au/training-appeal/ or make a transfer to the church account:
Account Name: Christ Church St Ives
BSB: 032-188
Account Number: 250 007
Reference: MTS <insert your Surname>
Second, we also have the opportunity for some tax deductible giving for ministry training this year. To give in a tax deductible way for this appeal you must give via: support.mts.com.au/pages/mts/mts-donation-form-christ-church-st-ives
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 and together, let’s prepare people to change the world with the Gospel of Jesus.
In Christ
Nigel
