“We can’t believe we are mid-way through our 2022/23 Training Hub course!
Over the last four months eight trainees have been embarking on a discipleship journey. The group is made up of young adults working, interning, or serving in their local churches across Scotland – based in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Linlithgow, and up north in Aberdeen! They’re so eager to grow in their faith and the team are thrilled to be joining them on this journey.
Our first gathering was a two day residential in Glasgow where we spent some time getting to know each other over coffee and malteser cupcakes. We then began our journey by exploring what discipleship is and how we hear from God, just a couple small topics to kick us off! The next morning we had an inspiring visit from Alan Ross, who shared his powerful testimony with us and led the team in an introduction to prophecy session. He shared his heart for the spiritual health of Scotland and the world, and carries a strong prophetic gifting himself. Having Alan in to encourage the trainees was an amazing way to begin the year.
Since then we’ve had evening hangouts in our regional hubs – sweet times of food, chat, and some more teaching. We’ve looked at prayer and the significance of having a private time with God, scripture, and celebration – these are great times of sharing and praying for one another.
Last weekend we wrapped up our third residential in the beautiful town of Portobello, hosted by Portobello Baptist. We had the fantastic Rich Robinson and David Roy with us from Catalyse Change to deliver a day exploring the five spiritual gifts named in Ephesians 4:11-12. “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…” These gifts have the power to greatly impact the church and are all at work in us because we have Christ within us. Rich and David gave a thorough examination of the gifts and helped the trainees discern what giftings they move in and how to mature the ones they favour least. 
Then we had the lovely Ruth McLaren with us to facilitate a day delving into the Meyers Briggs personality types. MBTI is a tool that describes personality differences in a positive and constructive way, highlighting preference rather than ability. Ruth clearly and sensitively led us to discover more about how God made us, why we respond to certain situations the way we do, how we work, and more. In short, the trainees did a lot of self reflection and introspection this weekend! The group is growing in relationship with one another and there is a culture of vulnerability and support deepening.
Please be praying for this group of young leaders as they continue this journey of going deeper with God together. Their willingness to devote this time to a year of growth and challenge is inspiring, and I hope you’re encouraged reading this.
Training Hub is our discipleship and leadership programme designed to enable you to be transformed into the person God created you to be. It runs over 10 months and is built upon 3 key areas: discipleship, mission, and leadership. We want to see you growing deeper in your relationship with God and others; making disciples in your local context, and to see you leading with vision and confidence in the things God is calling you to.
Through monthly gatherings, prayer groups and assignments, this year should provide you with a platform to discover and solidify your gifts, abilities and calling. Training Hub is a place where we can come together and sit at the feet of Jesus in order to learn, grow and become more equipped to make a difference.
