07Apr 2015 by Nigel Ring

Kenya’s on-going challenges

Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
Following the recent massacre in Garissa I was in touch with Edward Buria, based in Meru, who leads an apostolic sphere within the Newfrontiers family. Knowing how, with the growth of Newfrontiers, some find it hard to keep in touch with what is going on in other apostolic spheres I thought you might like to read extracts of his response. I plan to give news from some other spheres in the coming weeks; I am privileged to be involved in several and can bring reports from a personal perspective. Edward writes: Terror attack "We are a Nation in mourning once again after the 147 deaths of very precious young & promising Kenyans at the hands of terrorists. Like all other times, even in this grief we remain united as a…
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25Mar 2015 by Nigel Ring

Charities and the Church pt 6. Good practice between associated charities

Administration in the Church, Charity, Equipping, Poor
Last time we saw how there can be an argument for having a separate charity for carrying out some ministries, particularly the social action ministries, but that this is not always necessary. Nevertheless, where it is advisable eg for fund raising purposes, safeguards should be in place to keep the ministry closely integrated with the other activities of the church. With this model the ways in which a ministry is viewed from within the church and from outside differ. From within, the people need to see all the ministries of the church in the same light, an expression of kingdom life in the community. They do not need to understand, or even be aware of, separate charities under which different aspects of the church function. From the outside (the ‘world’)…
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19Mar 2015 by Nigel Ring

Charities and the Church pt 5. Associated charities

Administration in the Church, Charity, Equipping, Poor
In our considerations thus far I have primarily been considering charities under which a church operates. But are these suitable for specialist ministries such as Social Action? Is another charity necessary? Because ministry to those who are poor or in need is almost the definition of ‘charity’ many such ministries feel that a separate charity is desirable/necessary. I always counsel caution about taking this stance. The objectives in a church’s charitable instrument almost inevitably allow for ministry to anyone in the community, perhaps with particular emphasis on those who are poor. So why create a separate charity and impose on yourself the additional load associated with it; meetings, separate accounts etc? One reason for falling into this potential trap comes through terminology. Project or Ministry? Often works with people who…
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11Mar 2015 by Nigel Ring

Charities and the Church pt 4. Objectives and Sphere of Operation

Administration in the Church, Charity, Equipping
As already stated, in creating a new charity there are three very important features to consider. 1. What are the objectives of the charity? 2. What is the geographical sphere in which the charity will operate? 3. Who should be the trustees? We dealt with the appointment of trustees in the last posting. What are the objectives of the charity? In the answer to this question lies the very essence for which the charity is being created. It is important to get this right as it is not easy to make changes at a later stage. Sometimes I have read charitable instruments which have a long list of objectives. The reason seems wholly commendable; the visionary who is launching the charity wants to preserve the purity of his or her…
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03Mar 2015 by Nigel Ring

Spirit-led Administration Workshop – 25 April 2015

News
Good, spirit led administration is a vital ministry in any church that wishes to grow. If well focussed this gift allows the leadership to give themselves to fulfilling their God given role as they release many of the practical matters necessary to achieving a vision to those who are gifted and called. Equipping, Fellowship and Prayer The annual Spirit-led Administration Workshop has now become well-established in the Newfrontiers calendar. It provides a valuable opportunity to bring together those who serve the local church and wider spheres for a day of fellowship, equipping, sharing experience, networking, praying and enjoying being with like-minded people. It is for people who are in any way involved in administration. It is also for elders as it gives insights into how they can best be served and released…
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24Feb 2015 by Nigel Ring

Charities and the Church pt 3. Appointing trustees

Administration in the Church, Charity, Equipping, Finance
Last time we saw the importance of having a good relationship between the elders of the church and the trustees of the charity under which it operates. When considering registering a charity – a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is probably now the preferred option – there are three very important features to consider. 1. What are the objectives of the charity? 2. What is the geographical sphere in which the charity will operate? 3. Who should be the trustees? Since we have been thinking about the trustee/elder dynamic I shall first address the third point. Who should be a Trustee? In some ways it might be thought that, in an ideal world, the trustees and elders should be the same people to avoid the 'double-headed monster' syndrome we discussed last…
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