So to encourage all who are gifted in care, prayer and discernment to be involved in that ministry - but in a way in which there is responsibility and discipline - we have introduced Ministry Teams. After prayer, six ministry team leaders or leadership pairs were appointed: George Lundy; Sue Grant; Brett and Bronwyn Hatherly; Noel and Patricia Levings; Lois Hicks; and George O'Donnell. Each of these leaders have approached (and are still approaching) folk to serve on their team. Each team is rostered to be available for one service in six.
This arrangement was adapted from that used at the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship which Kevin saw in action on a visit there last year. It was an education to hear the teams praying before each meeting: preparing the ground for the people who would come; for those to whom they would minister; and confessing and cleansing themselves before God. And it showed in their authoritative yet caring and self-effacing prayer in ministry. Some months after this he had the opportunity to explain to a number of us what he had seen and learned. While Kevin was speaking Malcolm heard God say quite distinctly (and Malcolm is not particularly given to hearing distinctly), "If you want me to bring in the harvest, you must be ready. I want you to get yourselves organised for ministry too."
It has taken a while to "get ourselves organised". However, each team is now responsible to the leader and has undertaken to (whenever possible) pray for 45 minutes before the meeting to prepare themselves and to hear from the Lord (this will be in the same place as the before-service prayer meeting so anyone who wants to join them is welcome). They will be available to pray with folk during or after the meeting and may be easily distinguished by their blue nametags.
We are acutely aware that whatever we organise will only contribute to God's Kingdom if it is blessed by him and anointed by the Holy Spirit. We believe that this is something he desires and that he wants to see more and more of our fellowship ministering his love and his healing to a needy city.
Our desire in the setting up of these ministry teams is two fold. Firstly, that people who respond to God, and come forward for prayer will be confident that those praying with them have spent time with God in preparation for this ministry. Secondly, that the teams provide a practical way for training up other people who wish to be involved in this ministry.
If you have any questions, please talk to one of us.
Daryl James, Malcolm Ross and Kevin Grant.