It is always a joy and a key date in my diary to spend a day each year with the Jubilee+ team and about 25 activists who are seeking to bring the love and compassion of Jesus to issues of social justice in the UK. This year it had to take the form of a 2-hour Zoom call.
Responding to the prophetic
Martin Charlesworth opened the day reminding us of the prophetic warning in recent years through Ginny Burgin of a more difficult socio-economic situation we would be facing. This has shaped the thinking and activities of Jubilee+ ever since. For instance, it resulted in the 
booklet ‘A deepening crisis’ which was released only last November as published on my blog last week. The covid-19 crisis appears to be one fulfilment of that prophecy.
Another book ‘A call to act’ will be published in September this year which addresses our lifestyle and includes some of the implications of covid. Click here to pre-order.
In the present crisis churches have been eager to act through collaboration, and sacrificial giving and service, a fact noted by the government and others in authority. They have also engaged with the race issues raised by George Floyd’s horrendous death. Race and poverty are intimately connected.
How serious is this crisis?
Martin concluded by asking ‘How serious is this crisis?’. ‘Where are we going as a nation?’ There are huge implications to be addressed: the rises in unemployment, food poverty and domestic abuse/violence. There are also looming crises in housing policy, health and isolation, as well as the long-term issues which will affect all our lives.
Commenting on Martin’s talk Natalie Williams suggested that we need to respond more attentively to what people in churches feel called to – their giftings and passions. These may highlight things we have never thought of.
What is happening around the spheres?
Each of the seven apostolic spheres working into the UK was represented and some encouraging common themes emerged as each gave a brief report of the past year.
- Finance. All spheres have raised significant offerings to help impact the needs presented by covid-19 and other issues related to poverty both in UK and, particularly, in some poorer nations. (I rejoice at the generosity that has been one of the hallmarks of Newfrontiers churches over the years!)
- Foodbanks and food parcels. There has been a huge upsurge in the demand on food banks, many of which are reaching a new demographic of people who suddenly find their livelihoods significantly impacted by this unprecedented crisis, both in the UK and elsewhere.
- Black Lives Matter. Spheres are addressing the implications of some of the issues of race which are being recognised.
- Many are looking to address some of the social impacts of covid. Mental health and domestic violence were perhaps the most commonly referred to, but also loneliness, issues with children and helping those who are poor to develop resilience to be adaptable to changing circumstances.
- Working with local authorities or in partnership with other agencies – churches or NGOs.
- Partnership many Newfrontiers-related churches outside the UK who are living in very challenging situations and yet are reaching their communities with love and compassion.
- The importance of sustainability and resilience with initiatives that are being taken, whether ministries or small businesses.
- Development of resources, and training materials and programmes on a wide variety of topics.
- Several spheres have produced directories of ministries. These give the possibility of advising others who wish to initiate a similar ministry.
It was recognised that we shall not return to conditions as they were before the pandemic. But the gospel is unchanged. The church is called to preach the gospel in word and deed. Let’s keep active in doing so!