The various Apostolic Church UK Reach groups have been meeting to establish relationships.
Introducing ACUK Reach
The Apostolic Church has always been a sending church. Mission is at the heart of the Apostolic Vision. Action Overseas has been the devolved missionary arm of the Apostolic Church for years. Through Action Overseas, churches have been planted and established, leaders have been trained, and long-term missionaries have been supported. However, the world has changed since 1916.
The majority of Missions no longer emanate from the UK. Missionaries from Africa, Asia and Europe now send missions to other countries, including the UK.
A Paradigm Shift
Rather than devolving our responsibility to a shared missionary arm, each assembly is encouraged to get involved in mission. Ivan Parker, the national leader, leads the charge on this shift.
Of course, missions still need coordination and closer collaboration. Therefore, enter ACUK Reach.
Reach Hubs are a way for like-minded assemblies to coordinate and collaborate. Each hub has apostolic leadership and a WhatsApp group to coordinate meetings and share mission updates and news. At present, Reach groups are getting to know the areas member assemblies have connections with.
Mission Focus
In Reach Asia, the discussion of what constitutes “mission” was discussed. While there are many disasters and calls for relief (and many more to come) it is the message of Christ that requires our attention and support. Relief is a matter for local churches, rather than for Reach. Connections were established with India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Israel (which also comes under Reach Asia.) It was noted that the Apostolic Church in other countries (Australia) were working in North India, as is the local Indian church.
In Reach Africa, the discussion turned to “How can we serve what God is already doing?” North Africa is largely unreached. Many churches had connections with projects not formally connected to the Apostolic Church. How can such projected by connected? As with Asia, the Apostolic Church in other countries are taking up responsibilities for other nations, such as Belgium looking after the work in Togo.
Key to all of these discussions is the question we must ask ourselves: “What can we do together?”
The next Missionary Council will be held in September. Feedback from these meetings will be discussed there.
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