"A more strategic approach to mission"

Partners in Mission has come at an opportune time for New Life Church in Blackboys. In recent years members’ faith has grown in depth and understanding, fuelled by an increased focus on prayer which itself was sparked in part by the building of a shepherd's hut.  

The church, formally established in 2012, called its third part-time pastor in 2024 and baptised many of its young people and several adults that year. As their faith grows, growth in mission is the next natural step.

Some members attended the Partners in Mission launch event, and the leaders  have since met with Andy Twilley on several occasions, with the rest of the church family benefitting from a whole day dedicated to looking at their role in mission going forward. 

The result has been both a more strategic approach to mission, and increased participation from members. 

For instance, rather than creating their own, high-effort standalone events, they’re building on the excellent relationship they have with the primary school community (the church emerged from an after-school club) by more intentionally supporting the school’s Summer and Christmas fairs and adding on to the annual Donkey Walk round the village with carols and refreshments. This has allowed for more conversations about the church and opportunity for invitations to outreach events. Several other initiatives have emerged, such as running the Bible Society’s Bible Course in a café church setting and a prayer box at the school.  

“Things have changed,” says Suzanne Hammond, a leader in the church. “Our newer people are wanting to reach out themselves, bring their own friends and family, and not just leave it to the leaders. Our focus has been growing deeper roots – and you can see this. Now we’re reaching out again into the community. We’re ready to add more people! We still wait for God to move to bring more people to our church family, and that is the continuing challenge.

“But we are ready and expectant. We have so many great relationships in the village, and we are missional. We pray for people in the village, and it’s what we long to see.” 
 
 

How our shepherd’s hut became a catalyst for prayer

One of the key features of Partners in Mission is a focus on prayer, and New Life Church embodies that. 

One of its founding members is Brendan Hammond, who had a desire to build a shepherd’s hut. This he achieved with the help of another member and friend (helpfully a skilled carpenter!) and it became a catalyst for prayer. 

“It has an amazing feel about it,” explains Brendan’s wife Suzanne. “It's very traditional. It's not painted inside or out, just made with literally the trees around us. It smells of the natural woods. And because it is quiet, away from the busy hustle of life, it is wonderful to pray in. 

“And so Brendan dedicated it to be used by any church members to pray.” (when not being overrun with grandchildren!)

The church used it for prayer and small group meetings in the spring and summer. It served as a visual catalyst for the congregation. When the seasons changed and the weather worsened, the congregation moved from hut into the local school hall. Prayer meeting attendance doubled, growing from a small handful to a consistent core of 15 people.

This foundation of prayer has deepened members’ discipleship. In 2024 the church celebrated 13 adult baptisms, including many from their vibrant group of teenagers.

"There have been further baptisms since that date with one more already booked for this summer and potentially a few more," says Suzanne. "We pray on!"