Monday Spot (18 June 2007)
Last week we wrote about the musical groups which operate within our Corps and the week before we talked about the new Christians who have joined us in the past twelve months.
Our prayer room
This week we thought we would have a look at the very important issue of what we do with new Christians in those early weeks, months and even years following conversion.
Above are pictures of our prayer room. This is situated at the rear of our worship hall and doubles as a cry room for babies during meetings. Around the walls of this small sanctuary are pictures, poems, verses and other helpful material for those needing a quiet time.
We have spoken before about the success of the ‘Alpha Course‘ in feeding new Christians into our church family and this continues. But we also try to involve our new friends in further teaching programmes as well as other activities within the structure of the Corps.
‘Christianity for Life‘ is one of these programmes. Two such courses have been held within the past year and those attending have testified to the greater understanding of Christian issues it has given them.
Bible Study, too, is an important nurturing tool. Currently there are three separate study groups which meet at different times each week and cater for people with differing availability for attendance. The groups follow the same study material so that there is a consistent approach within the Corps.
Some of the material we have studied during the year including the work of Wlliam Wilberforce and John Newton and its biblical basis.
Our year has also included two Parenting Courses which, whilst not directly aimed at new Christians, help to improve the quality of life of those who use our facilities for meeting some of their social needs.
New Christians are prepared for full membership (soldiership) of our church by teaching and prayerful encouragement. If they prefer they can become adherents which means they acknowledge The Salvation Army as their church but feel soldiership is a ‘step too far’ (for now at any rate).
Just four of our recent new members
Above all, and in parallel with all these programmed activities, a most important part of the nurturing process is the general fellowship of the Corps. People are made welcome and incorprated into the life of the place. A number have joined the Band and Songsters this year and we know of those who are learning to play an instrument. The danger is ‘too much too quickly’ but we find the enthusiasm to belong far outweighs this.
We now display a photo gallery of some of those especially involved in nurturing work. We have not added names because ‘bringing Christ to people and people to Christ’ is a joint effort and we all contribute even if we are not pictured here. We give the glory to God.
As I write this I am moved at the thought of how God is working in our Corps. I hope you feel the same way about us. If so, and you live near enough, why not look us up some time.
How to find us. Click on the map for a larger version
Our activities can be found in ‘2 week diary‘ and ‘Coming Events‘. Descriptions of all our activities can be found throughout this site but if you find it easier, please contact us. We’d love to hear from you. If you don’t live near enough find a church local to your home and enjoy the experience of the love of God in your life.
Finally some more quotations:
Ever notice that the people who are late are often much jollier than the people who have to wait for them?
Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside of us.
Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.