An exciting development for BMS in recent years has been the introduction of ministerial teams: both for those who are already ministers and those who are undergoing training. Whilst some who go on the ministerial teams are considering longer-term service overseas, many are focused on engaging further in UK-based (and often cross-cultural) ministry. All on these short-term mission teams find that the experience can teach things that will be useful for church work in the UK on their return, give a greater understanding of cross-cultural ministry wherever that may be, and help to raise the profile of mission in churches.
Back in September a team of eight from Spurgeon’s College went to observe, engage with and reflect on mission in Kolkata, India. Tim, a student at Spurgeon’s, commented on his time with the team:
“I think it is of great value to students to see how powerfully God is moving in another part of the world, and so I would advise that they do it if they have the chance. The things you see get you thinking about all sorts of theological implications and, although some were hard to witness, they stay with you.”
There is currently a team of ministers, also in Kolkata, seeing the work of BMS partners involved in church planting and holistic mission. They recently visited a house church of 20 people who meet under a tarpaulin in a strongly Hindu area. One of the team shared their experience: “What happened was like something out of a first century church. The Holy Spirit inspired a spontaneous time of prayer, testimony, biblical preaching, intercession and singing. Since the beginning of my ministry I’ve been committed to the idea of ‘every member a minister’ and becoming a missionary congregation. Today I’ve finally seen what it looks like. This is Acts 2 lived out in front of us. Simple, effective, total faith in God, turning lives downside up.”
Click here for a recent blog about this trip.
With teams also being sent from Bristol Baptist College, and a team from Regent’s Park College in Oxford planned for 2010, this is a growing area of BMS’ work and an opportunity to see mission from a global perspective. If you would be interested in being part of a Ministers Team then click here for more information.