New Year 2023: we are the branches by David Latter
/Looking ahead in 2023, David Latter reflects on what it means to be a branch in Jesus’ ministry
I am writing this fairly soon after a Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust (LWPT) Board Meeting where one of our trustees closed the meeting by referring to John 15:5-8. In this passage John is quoting Jesus and his key connection with us, his disciples. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. What does it mean to be a branch in Jesus’ ministry?
As preachers and leaders of worship we are that means by how the love of Jesus, the vine, reaches all parts of our society. Our branch might be developing in a rural or urban culture; it might be in a particular denominational setting or none; it might be focussed on one part of the spectrum of our multi-diverse, multi-cultural, multi-racial society or focussed on many parts. Wherever we find ourselves in God’s Kingdom, Jesus is with us and His words dwell in us, enabling us to speak scripturally into the part of society in which we find ourselves.
This is the strength of LWPT as it speaks into all aspects of society through responding to the needs of training and supporting Christian preachers in all walks of life, irrespective of place in society. As we continue to develop our portfolio of support, we look forward to engaging with more people who ‘remain in Jesus and Jesus’ words remain in them’.
2023 will inevitably bring challenges to us all, whether that is with increased energy costs, lower disposable income or continuing the adjustments following the Covid-19 pandemic, but we need to remember who is in overall control; the God of all.
We continue to thank all of our supporters who give of their time, prayers and finances and pray that if you are reading this and yet to connect with us, that God will move your heart to take a positive decision to follow Him and give us some of your precious time.
David Latter
Chair of Trustees
LWPT