The School of Urban Mission
TThe School of Urban Mission is a year long course run by the Regeneration Trust giving people the skills, ideas and confidence to help the needy and the poor and the excluded within London. A number of members of the pastorate have done the course and you can read their thoughts and experiences below.
Absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend it to anybody who is wanting to have a solid grounding in an understanding as to what it means to get involved in God's community. It is a course where you are taken out of your normal "comfort" zone and are encouraged and inspired to work out how best to be equipped to participate in the specific role God has for you as a child of his kingdom. The God we are privileged to serve is far bigger than we can imagine and he is just waiting for us to be bold and take hold of the promises he has for all his children.
This is different for each person and it was so wonderful to do the course with a group of people who are all passionate about bringing God's love to people in such a variety of ways e.g. helping the homeless, working in children's clubs or participating in groups for women in prostitution. Along with the possibility of new areas as well e.g. living in an estate to help with homework clubs and establishing churches within the estate. Of course, some of these avenues require sacrifice and persistence but the course helps to show one what it means to be a true disciple of God and to bring God's kingdom to all peoples on earth.
I had heard about the course from friends and had listened to their stories of where they felt God was calling them to get involved in specific areas. I had heard how God had really met with them on the course and to be honest it was all very inspiring and "warming" to hear their stories but I still didn't think it was necessarily for me. I decided at the last minute to do it and am so pleased I did. For me, it confirmed so much God had been showing me previously and I really feel as though God strengthened me and continued to mould me into the person he wants me to be within his kingdom. I learnt to trust God 100% and to break boundaries for God, even in small ways. God is amazing and the course allows you to discover life in its fullness for all!