Missionary Focus
‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…’ (Matthew 28:19).
We take seriously the Biblical mandate to go into all the world and see this as a particular calling for us as a Church. Not all of us will be called to go, but we have a responsibility to support those who are. We encourage members to consider how they should respond to world mission. We give financial and prayer support to a number of our own members who have gone out into the UK and other countries.
Chloe Clayson (MAST)
Chloe works with an organisation called M.A.S.T (Matlock Area Schools Trust) who’s aim is to help children explore the Christian faith. She covers 13 primary schools around Chesterfield, Matlock and Darley Dale.
One of the opportunities Chloe has in the schools is taking Collective Worship sessions. These may look different on each visit, from painting on a board, using an object lesson, doing a science experiment, using puppets and always ending with a song being able to share the gospel in each session.
The other opportunity Chloe gets is to take RE lessons. This is using a programme called ‘Walk Through the Bible’. It’s a 5 week programme for Year 5 and 6, covering an overview of either the Old Testament or the New Testament teaching 40 stories and using actions and words to remember each story. This programme is accredited by CofE school curriculum and is becoming more popular each year!
You can find out more about MAST at: www.mastrust.org and more about ‘Walk through the Bible’ at: www.bible.org.uk
George Clayson (Open-Air Mission)
George works full-time for the Open-air mission. He regularly preaches the gospel in the Open-air in different towns and cities around Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. The Open-air mission seeks to work closely with local churches to reach the lost with the saving message of the gospel through preaching outside.
Usually there will be a team of local Christians that will join George for an Open-air. A normal Open-air consists of winsome and loving proclamation of the gospel, one to one conversations and distribution of gospel literature. The aim is to draw people to stop and listen to the preaching and then afterwards engage them in conversation. Then, if possible, to give them some helpful literature and details of a good local church.
George’s usual Open-air locations are Sheffield, Derby, Chesterfield, Mansfield, Rotherham, and Doncaster. You can learn more about the work of the Open-air mission at www.oamission.com.
