New EiTs 2002

The Compelling Love of Christ

"The lesson we learn from the life of Jesus is that love was expressed in word and action - it was directed towards people and on occasions it was costly. There was nothing soft, sloppy or sentimental about it. This love was also life changing. The disciples experienced it; Paul testified to it and so have countless others down the centuries. So then we have the example of the man Christ Jesus."

This was part of the welcoming message by Captain Philip Johanson (Chief Secretary) to 14 new Church Army Evangelists in Training when preaching at the Wilson Carlile College of Evangelism in Sheffield on Sunday.

He went on: "You have heard something of his message and have responded to it. He has called you to be the method, or a method, of his communication to others. Christ's love has compelled you - you can do no other."

Among the group are Shena Woolridge (41), a parish councillor from Filey and also heavily involved in local voluntary work, and Trevor Hayes (42) a taxi driver from Coleraine, both of whom are undertaking the "mixed mode" method of training. This gives evangelists the opportunity to train from their home base with only very limited periods away for study or placements. Trevor is also a guinea pig for what is called the "apprenticeship model" and will spend much time working alongside experienced Church Army colleagues and other missioners.