Partnering for the Gospel
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2006 has already seen evidence of Affinity’s growing relationship with the Gospel Partnership movement. In late January, four of the regional partnerships hosted one-day conferences for the leadership teams of Bible-centred churches under the title ‘Reach, Build, Send’. The aim was to establish biblical patterns of ministry in evangelism and the training and sending out of gospel workers. The main speakers on the mini-tour were Peter Jensen, the thoroughly evangelical Archbishop of Sydney, and Mark Dever, Senior Pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington DC. Many hundreds attended these stimulating and challenging events, where the Word of God was honoured and Christ was exalted.
Affinity’s link was most clearly apparent at the Birmingham meeting, where the Midlands Gospel Partnership advertised themselves as ‘an expression of Affinity’ – and where there was an opportunity both to display Affinity’s wares and to explain its role. The MGP has recently become an Affinity Partner. John Stevens, one of the pastors of City Evangelical Church, Birmingham, and a member of the MGP steering committee, explains why:
A natural step
‘We started the MGP with the object of strengthening and expanding faithful gospel ministry in the Midlands region by fostering cooperation between Bible-centred churches, especially by organising events to train and encourage ministers and members of our congregations. We realised that our aims were very similar to those of Affinity, and we did not want in any way to undermine or compete with its work, so becoming an Affinity Partner was a very natural step for us. Joining Affinity has already brought us into contact with many more gospel churches in our area, and we are excited to be supporting a network which is seeking to foster evangelical unity on a national level.’
Chris Hobbs is vicar of St Stephen’s and St Wulstan’s, Selly Park in Birmingham, and also a member of the MGP Steering Committee: ‘I was pleasantly surprised to discover we couldn’t just “sign up” to Affinity but needed to demonstrate we were truly Bible-centred. Through MGP we want to make visible the real fellowship which can only exist between faithful gospel churches.’
A vital role
Jonathan Stephen, Director of Affinity, has been invited to speak to Gospel Partnership steering groups and public meetings as far apart as Yorkshire and Cornwall. He believes Affinity is uniquely placed to assist in the formation of new GP’s – and not just in England. ‘There is no reason why the essential concept shouldn’t be replicated everywhere. But let’s bear two things in mind. First, these new ventures exhibit all the characteristics of a young movement that God is blessing. We should therefore be thankful for their zeal and energy, and expect a steady growth in biblical sophistication, regional diversity and cultural sensitivity. Secondly, Affinity wants to promote meaningful gospel partnership (with a small g and a small p) of all kinds. We are not confined to any particular methodology. We pledge our support to the many networks of sound churches in the UK which have been quietly and effectively working together for years. I sincerely hope that the old and the new will be able to learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Affinity has a timely and vital role to play in easing and fostering relationships where differences are often far more about style than substance.’
Discussing Partnering for the Gospel
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