Seeing God at work in in Tullycarnet
A new season of church planting in the Diocese of Down and Dromore began just over nine years ago under Bishop Harold and continues under Bishop David. There are now eight worshipping congregations and one outreach to children and youth across the diocese. We hear below from Matthew Gault, leader of one of our newest church plants, Tullycarnet Church in East Belfast.
Our Church Plant launched at the end of January, and we have been keen to embed mission firmly in our DNA as a Church. We desire to form people who have a contagious desire to share Jesus and bring his Kingdom impact to wherever God may lead them.
In terms of missional engagement, we have been carrying out the slow and steady work of door–to–door evangelism, offering prayer in the community and joining local community groups such as the gym, community forums and other activities that build authentic friendships and relationships. It has been amazing to see God at work in these new friendships and to begin to see individuals attending some of our events and Church itself.
We have now established a close relationship with the Ardcarn Local Residents Group and regularly help at and attend community meetings and events. Our most recent engagement was over the Jubilee celebrations.
In terms of set programmes, running the Alpha course in a neutral venue in the community has worked well for us. This has provided people with a safe space to ask questions about Jesus in an environment they are comfortable in.
Over the summer we ran summer schemes for primary school aged children, litter picks and a community fun day. We hope that this will encourage children and young families to engage with our Church community.
On the whole, progress has been remarkable, and we can really see God at work. We have seen our little community grow from 2 people (me and my wife) to around 20 people. This is especially encouraging as we have been able to attract a strong base of local people who are in turn passing on the Good News to their friends and family. We also have some relatively new Christians along with people who aren’t yet followers of Jesus coming to our Church.
We are expectant that in the future we will be able to develop youth and children’s ministries, outreach to parents, as well as compassion ministries, evangelistic projects and pathways that contribute to the long–term discipleship of others.