form 1
Form 1 is our intensive discipleship year for young adults aged 18-30.
Jesus didn’t take his disciples into a classroom to teach them how to best follow him. He invited them into his story & as they experienced life in his context of mission to the world, they became more like him. We believe we should do the same. form is rooted & worked out through communities committed to mission – God’s activity of extending His kingdom of good in the world.
The formal training takes place over 2 days each week, and we have an excellent teaching programme which tries to provide a rounded syllabus revolving around three core areas: theology, ecclesiology & missiology. Basically, who God is & what He’s like, who we are & how His church should live, & how He & us work together within the world. We believe all of God’s word demands action & life-change so we aim to direct our teaching in such a way as to enable this to happen.
It’s impossible to be truly part of God’s mission if we’re not strongly connected to ‘the world’. As part of form you will be expected to work part-time in a job. This is important not only so you can support yourself financially, but so that it keeps everything you are doing ‘real’. For so many people, learning how to be a missionary in the workplace is essential grounding in a long-term walk of discipleship.
We believe that loving community engaged in mission is the best environment for human life to flourish. Every person doing form is expected to find an active place of belonging in the church in what are called “missional communities”. These are groups of 20-50 who are committed to a particular mission vision or people group. They’re a great way to experience real community in the context of a common vision & purpose.
There are lots of opportunities to get involved in the wider life of the church, & also the opportunity to pioneer something new if God gives you a vision to do so. There are opportunities in Youth & Children’s ministries, work with those marginalised by society – drug addicts, the homeless, prostitutes & asylum seekers – & work with university students, young adults & families. Loads of scope to get your hands dirty & learn by experience what God’s gifted you in & what you’re called to.
- For more information hit the ‘interested?’ link on the left hand side.