Pastors and leaders from FIEC churches across Wales gathered for a 24-hour meeting at the end of April to discuss how best to serve the gospel in the Principality.
The FIEC Wales Consultation was an opportunity to hear about the work God is doing in Wales, to encourage pastors and to pray together. Delegates discussed the history of evangelicalism in Wales and reflected on the unique challenges of ministering in a country which has its own language and is largely rural.
National Director John Stevens outlined the vision of FIEC to reach the nation and explained the cultural context pastors find themselves in.
John said: ‘I was hugely encouraged by the time that we spent together. It was thrilling to hear how the Lord is at work in so many ways in Wales today, raising up a new generation of gospel churches and leaders that want to reach all the different communities [in Wales].’
Ben Lines will become pastor at Kinmel Bay Church in North Wales in June and was one of the delegates. He added: ‘One of the most profound moments of the Consultation was when each leader had the opportunity to share about their ministry; its contexts, encouragements and challenges. We encountered a profound unity. Each leader was passionate about knowing Christ and making him known, each one of us burdened for the communities that we have the honour of serving, each one of us conscious of the state of our nation and the need for change.’
The FIEC directors plan to consider prayerfully the next steps following this Consultation. In the meantime churches were encouraged to continue fostering good links and relationships with one another.
