In other words the church set out
to discover its gifting, teach and encourage it and then release
it into the world.
No wonder the early church was on fire for God!
The arrival of the Church of Rome in Britain began a process
of change in the shape of the organisation. Gradually all leadership
became invested in the
clergy and the church began to take on the assumption that most
gifting lay towards the apex of a triangular organisation rather
than being spread around in a more circular shape. To a greater
or lesser extent this assumption remains with us today.
The Order of Jacob's Well is not
an alternative to the way things work today but seeks to regain
some of those ideals from the early British church.
It seeks to find and encourage
the particular gift of hospitality of heart which longs to help
those who suffer and longs to see others deepen in their
relationship with God.
It seeks to offer teaching and
insight to enhance such gifts, to Licence them as Ministers of
the Order and to equip them for ministry in their church and
home.
It is an Order of Healing and
Wholeness in Christ.
The Order of Jacob's Well is a
branch of the Christian Church, not an alternative one, which is
non-denominational and bears no distinction within its
membership between Ordained and Lay, male or female or any label
of churchmanship. The Order is not a new church or denomination,
belonging to the Order would be an extension of your existing
church life.
Although it offers a Code of
Practice for ministry the Order doesn't seek to change anyone's
style of ministry but simply offers to enhance and encourage it
for the glory of God through Jesus Christ. If the Holy Spirit
speaks to you through our Introduction pack then please get in
touch; it would be good to hear from you.
Yours in Christ
The Revd Mike Endicott
Founder, The Order of Jacob's Well
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