Firm Foundations
I remember 8 years ago when I started out on a major building project and refurbishment of a run down house in Bristol. A project that gave me a detailed insight and understanding into the building process. It was the project from hell, and if anything could go wrong, it did. From a roofer walking off the job after removing the roof, to a builder going bankrupt, followed by a replacement builder that smoked particularly relaxing and odourful cigarettes ;-) while completing the work.
At its worst, I remember standing in the basement looking up through the ground and first floors, to no roof and the sky above. Chimney stacks gone, floors removed and a shell of a building. It was a huge learning curve that was built on a phenomenal amount of prayer that helped me through to completion.
Reflecting now, one thing that’s clear is that very basic vulnerable shell of the building, stood strong on the foundations that it was built on.
Over the last 4 years, we have worked hard to launch the early stages of Bristol Chaplaincy. We have begun to build on a foundation of prayer, faith, calling, and the vision that God has revealed to us along the way.
We learn from the bible that there is an order of how to build and there are many scriptures that teach about the process we should follow that give us wisdom.
Spiritual Foundations
The first and most important aspect of biblical building is the laying of Spiritual Foundations.
1 Corinthians 3:10-11 : talks about us laying foundations as wise builders, through the grace of God, and on top of the foundation that is already laid, Jesus.
We have spent countless hours in prayer, listening to God and obediently discerning the vision that he has given us for Chaplaincy in Bristol. The prophetic insight and guidance that He has revealed to us shapes a unique approach to a city wide, multi-expression, chaplaincy ministry that we believe can contribute to changing the culture of the entire city.
We don't stop praying and over the last 6 years, God has continued to lead us in new directions, revealing fresh vision as the project morphs and develops over time.
The story that Jesus tells in Luke 6:48 is about the man who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on the rock. It talks about how strong foundations stand firm when inevitable challenges happen. When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it because it had been well built.
Practical Construction
With the spiritual foundations laid, the next part of the building process is the practical construction. Over the last 4 years we have launched 7 chaplaincies, been joined along the way by 15 volunteers, created the project governance and charitable status, and begun to make a difference in many peoples lives. This practical construction of Bristol Chaplaincy, has grown and developed organically and in God’s timing, through our obedience to him.
In any inner city, construction work never stops. There are always cranes on the horizon, roadworks, and new buildings being built, and the same goes for Bristol Chaplaincy. By the grace of God, we have achieved so much in the last 4 years, however, the building work never stops. We have new chaplaincies on the horizon, different approaches in the planning, and fresh vision being revealed by God continually and we continue to join in with what he is already doing.
Honourable Stewardship
It is now vital that we steward what God has given us and the work he has begun. We need to honour the foundations that are in place, and the work that has already been established, but ensure that we now steward the resources that God provides as Bristol Chaplaincy develops, grows and flourishes.
As we reflect on the stewardship of what God has entrusted to us, we need to ensure that the project remains sustainable for the long term future. We have a strong foundation, the initial building blocks are in place, and our focus is now on ensuring that sustainability is ensured for the long term.
There are a few different areas that are crucial for us to have in place in order to secure that sustainability.
Financial Sustainability - We will shortly be launching a founders programme for people to directly become ‘founders’ of Bristol Chaplaincy and to sow into the future of this work. We are really excited about sharing this opportunity with you in the coming weeks.
Resources and Team - We have many new volunteering opportunities available and it's important that we continue to build team. We aren't just looking for new volunteers, but for those who are passionate about chaplaincy and who can help us lead the project on our team.
Sustainable Prayer - Thessalonians 5:16-18 says “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. We are keen to recruit a team of prayer warriors who can pray without ceasing for everything that God is doing through Bristol Chaplaincy. The barriers and challenges that we are facing and those that we are yet to face, can only be overcome through prayer.
We are really excited about everything that God is doing and are honoured and privileged to be able to play our part in His plan. We know that by ensuring our foundations are strong, by continuously listening to His voice, and by obediently building a sustainable project that we place ourselves in a position for organic and long term growth.
written by Lois Evans