St Michael's College

At the beginning of our second year in 2009, Will Gibbons and Jeremy Bevan decided that we would like to compliment our college training with speakers from elsewhere, and that we wanted an opportunity within the college for charismatic prayer and worship. There are times when we feel the need to praise God, and to ask for prayer, and to be able to pray and to minister to people, and thought it good that space be made in the college for that. We wanted the newcomers to the college to aware that fellowship of that kind was available, and that for any who wanted ministry there would be a time and place where it would be available. The training process is challenging and demanding, involving the loss of prior homes, friends and support networks, and thus a common experience is of dislocation and isolation. We wanted our colleagues to know that they are not alone.

Our first meeting, two Septembers ago, had no speaker. We had a testimony, a conversion story, we worshipped, and we prayed and ministered to each other, and since then we have had a variety of speakers. We have invited those who we have found interesting, inspiring or those with a particular message or vision. Andy Drake of Christian Vision for Men came in December 2009, and spoke about the vision of reaching men for Christ, and of the variety of resources they can supply for outreach to men, for fellowship, discipling and training men in ministry. Bruce Collin has been to us twice, Steve Morgan once, and both are connected to New Wine. Phillip Sourbut from the South-West Theological Training College came and spoke about identity and discipleship in leadership. Mark Bailey from Holy Trinity Cheltenham came and gave two sessions about equipping for leadership. Justin Groves from St Paul’s, Newport came and showed us his vision for his work in Newport; about how God works in and through the people of his congregation. Lindy Morgan came from Aberystwyth to share with us the vision for 24/7 Prayer. Our biggest event has been Professor John Lennox of Oxford University coming and giving an apologetic lecture with questions afterwards. Due to popular demand we found a much larger venue elsewhere, but normally our meetings are small and intimate, and in the chapel.

Students from last year and this year have joined in and benefitted. Others show willing to take over and continue, and will hopefully allow life to grow and be formed in the Kingdom of Heaven. We are all the better for the various contributions and embrace all those seeking the Lord’s face with us.

In all it has been wonderful to know God’s presence amongst us, and receive His Blessing and Encouragement. It has been extraordinary at times; speakers have come for little or no expense and taught, blessed, ministered and encouraged us. We have been affirmed in so many ways, by each other and by guests among us. After an early meeting someone wrote on the college notice board the words of Jacob at Bethel ‘ How awesome is this place; surely this is the house of God?’ This has been our experience; one we would wish to share with anyone.

We meet once a week in college for worship and prayer. We also have a monthly meeting which is open to all involved in or thinking about church leadership and held in the college chapel. This meeting has a guest speaker. We worship together using some contemporary worship songs, hear the speaker and then pray for one another. Our meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and has a formal end at 9 p.m., when people can leave if they wish or continue in prayer.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Forthcoming dates and speakers.

Monday, 7th February 2011 – Rev. James Rankine, Cardiff Vineyard.

Monday, 14th March 2011 – Rev. Canon George Kovoor, Principal of Trinity College, Bristol.

Monday, 4th April 2011 – Rev. Canon Stuart Bell, St. Michael’s, Aberystwyth.