A
Message from our Chairman
It
is hard to believe that it is now the autumn yet the impending round of Harvest
services reminds me that it is true. Summer
seems to have been brief as I try to think back on it.
Preparations for Flames of Fire had dominated that period and the
weather has made summer seem that much shorter.
Even now the Conference is the matter which requires much attention.
In the previous magazine (July 2004) both Brian Newsom and I referred to
the discussion that had occupied the Executive committee concerning the balance
between Flames of Fire and the work of A.R.M. (Wales) in other areas.
The fact is that we have been unable, for a number of years, to devote
time or energy to work other than that of the conference, but we do recognise
that there is so much that ARM (Wales) could be doing to promote Renewal within
the Church in Wales.
What
possible answer is there to this situation?
The Executive committee has concluded that the best solution would be to
allow the conference to be managed by another group, namely New Wine Cymru, thus
freeing the limited resources of A.R.M. (Wales) to do other work.
A proposal to this effect is to be brought to the A.R.M. (Wales) A.G.M.
on November 13th 2004.
On
the opening night of the conference this year I spoke about this possibility and
have received a mixed response. I
can understand that this proposal will cause concern for some and I want to
assure those people that it is not being put forward lightly.
The Executive has felt that there will be positive benefits to the
conference and to A.R.M. (Wales) beyond the freeing up of resources for A.R.M.
(Wales)’ work.
The
first and most obvious advantage is that the conference continues.
It will still be available to members of A.R.M. (Wales) and the format
and feel of the conference will continue along familiar lines.
A
second positive benefit is that transferring the conference to New Wine Cymru
means that the conference will give members of other denominations a sense that
they too can own the conference. This
doesn’t mean a change in style. What
is already on offer is highly regarded by non – Anglican delegates.
Thirdly,
the Vision and Values of New Wine already have wide acceptance around the world.
At Flames of Fire we already operate under those values in many
areas such as worship, teaching and ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.
This proposed conference relationship with New Wine means that people
will know what to expect by association. We know that each year churches in
Wales take groups to New Wine, Shepton Mallett.
Maybe Flames of Fire could be a new option to those groups.
Being
able to share speakers with New Wine is a benefit that we have been able to
receive in 2004 with Bruce Collins, and Kenny Borthwick from New Wine Scotland.
This is not only an advantage in knowing the standard of speaker but also
in the sharing of cost to have such speakers.
There
are many other advantages for the Flames of Fire conference, but let’s
now turn to the advantages for A.R.M. (Wales).
For
A.R.M. (Wales) there is the positive advantage of being released from the
financial risk that running Flames of Fire involves. At present the members of the Executive are personally
liable as Trustees. This has not
been a problem in recent years but some may recall that this hasn’t always
been the case. As it is, the
conference is very tightly budgeted and the surplus in 2003, of £400, could so
easily have had a different outcome.
It
is well publicised that the Anglican Church in Wales is facing
“Restructuring” in the face of future financial forecasts.
There is a new emphasis (by the church) on lay leadership.
Equipping the laity for that role can be an important part of the work of
A.R.M. (Wales).
For
some Anglicans the difference between the conference and what happens in the
parishes is too great. Being one
step removed from Flames of Fire means also an opportunity to meet the
parishes where they are. This is a
great advantage. As an Anglican
clergyman of some 22 years standing, I recognise that clergy can often be
reluctant to associate with things too ‘foreign’ to the norm
of parish life. Supporting
and providing resources for the local church to experience and move under the
power of the Holy Spirit to meet the needs of these times can be an important
area of work for A.R.M. (Wales) to engage in.
We can always speculate about these things but if we consult with the
local church and clergy, the diocesan renewal teams, and even within the
structures of the Church in Wales, we will see how A.R.M. (Wales) can be a
significant instrument of Renewal within the Church by prayer and being
available to the way that the Holy Spirit leads us.
In
the July magazine, Mary Newsom produced an article entitled “Stepping into
the Future” an edited version of the vision for ReSource (formerly A.R.M.
in England) produced by the new Director, Martin Cavender.
It has been a great encouragement, to meet with him recently and to have
the assurance of support and help, if needed, for A.R.M. (Wales) as we seek to
move with God in this next phase of renewal.
Looking to what has been happening in England can also be a help to see
how the Lord may be moving here in Wales too.
I
feel a sense of excitement at the possibilities for A.R.M. (Wales) alongside
what is already going on through New Wine Networks in Wales.
I am reminded of the invitation to the disciples to “Lift up your
eyes and see how the fields are already white for the harvest” (John 4:35)
and “ the harvest is plentiful
but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37).
There
is much that needs to be done and whilst there is much overlap in the work of
A.R.M. and New Wine in Wales there is also great scope for both to work together
for the extension of God’s Kingdom.
I
look forward to seeing you at the AGM on November 13th.
Nicholas
Return to Issue
37