Westminster College, a resource centre for learning for the United Reformed Church (URC), welcomed more than 20 URC pioneers of new expressions of church to the first of three events aimed at sharing best practice and ideas.

Organised between the URC’s Mission team and the college, ‘The Gathering’ took place between 21-22 January and featured many different types of projects, from those just setting out, to others that are well established.

Peter Ball, the college’s Director for Church Resource Development, spoke of the event’s success.

“After a period of preparation, it was exciting to finally be able to meet and spend time with those from pioneer projects from across the URC,” he said. “It was a joy to welcome them. What we all share in common is a desire to show the love of God as widely as possible and to share Jesus as people set out on a journey of discipleship together. It was truly inspirational to hear the stories of the wide variety of ways in which this is happening as well as having time to pray and worship together.”

The Gathering is being facilitated by Francis Brienen, URC Deputy General Secretary (Mission), Linda Rayner, Coordinator for Fresh Expressions, the Revd Mike Moynagh, Fresh Expressions Theologian and Writer, and Peter Ball.

Francis said: “Spending 24 hours with people who are full of great ideas for mission and are not afraid to try them out was a pure delight. I look forward to the journey together in the year to come and to all the learning it will generate.”

“The enthusiasm was infectious - a roomful of people who want to share their faith with friends outside of church,” added Linda. “I am delighted that we managed to bring together so many for mutual support and wisdom-sharing - lay employees, volunteers and ministers.”

The group will have two more residentials at Westminster, 17-18 July and 12-13 October, as well as setting up a supportive learning community for themselves and the projects they are involved in that will include using the Godsend App, prayer, practical support, the sharing of ideas and mentoring.

More information can be found here.

_{Published: 11 February 2020}