Living Leadership’s Associate scheme is poised to hit a milestone of 20 Associates by this summer.
The Associates Scheme is a network of seasoned leaders who are available to support Christian leaders across the UK and Ireland through services like one-to-one mentorship, group refreshment and training.
‘Living Leadership has long prayed about a network of leaders of leaders and pastors of pastors spanning the UK and Ireland who could be available to support leaders when they need it. Over this last year, we have been recruiting people with mature character and proven competence, who share our vision of supporting leaders to live joyfully in faithful service to the Lord,’ remarks Paul Coulter, Head of Ministry Operations at Living Leadership. ‘When we started welcoming Associates to join us, we didn’t expect to be at a point within the first year of receiving our 20th application and to have people available in three-quarters of the regions of England, as well as in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.’
Whilst the ability to meet up in person with leaders has been hampered during the lockdown, many of the Associates have been active in facilitating Living Leadership’s Refresh Network Online, which welcomes around 80 leaders and spouses each month (through twice-monthly sessions) to receive encouragement from the Bible and spend time in small groups sharing experiences and receiving mutual encouragement. They also have been supporting leaders one-to-one over Zoom where needed and creating helpful resources to equip leaders for ministry.
‘It is our hope that as rules relax, our Associates and Ministry Staff will be able to provide more face-to-face support to leaders in their localities. Where this is not possible, we will continue to have online support available,’ Paul continues. ‘We are always on the lookout for new Associates, particularly in under-represented areas such as Wales and the West Midlands. It is our long-term hope to have over 100 Associates around these islands, all working towards the goal of seeing the church and Christian organisations blessed by leaders who are serving faithfully under Christ from joy in His grace and truth’.
