Alan Hirsch had kindly agreed to come as the main speaker, and the meetings were hosted by Peter and Marsha Farmer assisted by helpers from Nottingham and elsewhere.
People from all over Britain had booked places and travelled to join in. Some had come from Europe and even as far as Australia to be with us. We met at St Saviours and at the Riverway just opposite (both made us very welcome).
Hearing from Alan and Peter - The sessions were pretty intensive, but breaks for tea, coffee and lunch were frequent and long enough that our concentration didn't lapse. Alan Hirsch and Peter Farmer were so interesting and engaging that we might have managed with even fewer pauses. Many people already knew one another from previous meetings, at least slightly. Those who were new were soon joining in the conversations during the breaks and making new friends.
There were sessions on Friday evening, all day on Saturday, and Sunday morning and early afternoon.
Topics covered included apostolic movements, networks, mission, disciple making, viral spread, and reproduction. Alan drew on his years of study and experience on these subjects, covering the central place of Christ himself in detail and then looking at the five gifts in turn.
Alan spoke about discipleship and church planting movements, how they work, why they fail, the factors involved, and the fivefold ministry gifts (Ephesians 4:11) - apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers (APEST). We were encouraged to interrupt the main sessions with questions and Alan was willing to respond before continuing. This made the whole experience more interactive and useful. Peter spoke more briefly on some of the practical aspects and also gave us time for discussions at our tables, with feedback.
Here's the Ephesians passage in its proper context, Ephesians 4:11-16.
Taking it further - Alan Hirsch has published books on each of these aspects, they're listed and introduced on 'The Forgotten Ways' website. Perhaps I need to work my way through all of them.
Alan encouraged us to consider what our own gifts might be and explained that one of the best ways to discover is to pay attention to what others say about us. We are, after all, part of a body and the body as a whole recognises the value and function of each part.
We went home challenged and encouraged. The video on the right includes comment from some of the people present.
The National Gathering is an annual event. Check the Newforms Events and Training pages for details of next year's gathering and other meetings.
Questions:
- Have you thought about your own gifts in terms of APEST? (You might have more than one.)
- What do those around you in church life think about your gifts? You may not need to ask - just listen.
- Do you think you might come to the next National Gathering in November 2013?
- Have you read any of Alan Hirsch's books?
- How do you think you can apply these ideas in the place where you live and in the church there?
See also:
- Alan Hirsch - Forgotten Ways
- APE leaders and the need to recalibrate - Release the APE
- Church is a network - Journeys of heart and mind
- CMA Resources (more material on APEST and church multiplication)
- Ephesians 4:11-16 - Bible Gateway
- Forgotten Ways
- Newforms Resources
- Ten habits of disciplemakers - Missional challenge
- What is the greatest priority? - Journeys of heart and mind
- Where he treads I must follow - Journeys of heart and mind
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