17Nov 2012 by Nigel Ring

Remember the poor – Simon Pettit

Equipping, General, Poor
Good news! In 1998, at the Newfrontiers Leaders Conference in Brighton UK, Simon preached a movement-directing message from Gal 2:10 that it is an apostolic mandate to remember the poor. We have just been able to convert this and make it available as a video. Remember the Poor from Newfrontiers on Vimeo.
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15Nov 2012 by Nigel Ring

Do we need a ‘social’ charity? Pt 2 – Why?

Administration in the Church, Charity, Equipping, Poor
Would a separate charity ever be helpful? The short answer is ‘yes', but only when the time is right. The trigger for creating a separate charity is probably when a) it interacts closely with the world, particularly in the area of finance or of partnering with a secular agency; b) when the risks of this aspect of the church's ministry appear so significant that it is worth ‘ring fencing' from the core church finances; c) if the ‘ownership' of the ministry does not sit fair and square in the church vision but it is something that some members are keen to do and the church wants to support in part (see ‘Proceed with caution' below). Why? Many secular donors do not like giving to the church; they feel their donations…
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09Nov 2012 by Nigel Ring

Do we need a ‘social’ charity? Pt 1 – Pros and Cons

Charity, Equipping, Poor
Introduction I am increasingly travelling among churches to advise them on setting up ministries to work with people who are poor or disadvantaged. I am encouraged how many churches have those who are poor on their agendas. The prophetic word that Simon Pettit preached in 1998 at the Newfrontiers leaders conference that it is an apostolic mandate to Remember the Poor (Gal 2:10) is certainly bearing fruit. Ministry with the poor is not only about taking the love and compassion of Jesus to those in need but it is a powerful and effective way of winning favour with your local community (both people and authorities) and of growing your church. As I share with church leaders some of the basic principles in setting up such ministries I frequently find that…
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31Oct 2012 by Nigel Ring

Is Newfrontiers breaking up?

Newfrontiers, News
Recently I read an excellent article under the title 'The Emperor's New Frontiers' written by Andrew Wilson on the Newfrontiers blog 'What you think matters'. Andrew is an elder of King's Church, Eastbourne, UK and a member of the Newfrontiers Theology Forum. With his permission I reproduce it here as I think it brings great clarity and explanation of what is currently happening in the Newfrontiers family of churches. "Is Newfrontiers breaking up?" I suspect I'm not the only one who has heard that question in recent months, nor the only one who has tried to work out how best to answer it. On the off chance that I'm not, here are a few ways I've thought about it since April. (For those outside Newfrontiers, I apologise; this will be a very…
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24Oct 2012 by Nigel Ring

Servanthood pt 4 – What is the purpose for serving?

Administration in the Church, Equipping, Serving
Serving helps others. Serving is primarily about relationship. If we do not care about other people we will not be motivated to serve. Underlying all serving is the desire to bless someone - either directly by a selfless act, or indirectly by serving a situation from which they will benefit. Serving accomplishes tasks. Serving is not, of course, in a vacuum; it must have tangible expression. So Jesus served us by emptying himself and becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross. Why? To serve us and open up the way back to God the Father, something we could not do in our own strength. Joseph served faithfully by caring for Potiphar's household affairs and then, in prison, for his fellow prisoners. Ultimately he was promoted to serve…
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17Oct 2012 by Nigel Ring

Servanthood pt 3 – Characteristics of Servanthood

Administration in the Church, Equipping, Serving
What is a servant? For most people in the so-called ‘West' house-servants are not part of our daily experience. But when I visit India or Africa servants are very evident and indeed are often treated as part of the family. They live in the home of the family they serve or in a house in the surrounding grounds, and are trusted to look after the children as if they were their own. Yet, however well treated, they know their place at the beck and call of the master. When seeking to hire a servant what characteristics might an employer look for? Let's take our cue from Joseph. Joseph - a model After his brothers had sold Joseph into Egypt out of jealousy for the favour he was shown by his…
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