A Day in the Life with Josh Probert
Lead Mentor Josh Probert gives us a window in on a “day in the life” of our North-West Learning Community.
I open the Zoom call to find Joe and Kayleigh are already online, discussing sources for the assignment on Athanasius.
Atha-who? Crazy, right? But Kayleigh says that Athanasius’ 4th Century Christology is really proving a help as she tries to navigate the challenge of teaching 5-year olds that Jesus is fully man and fully God, avoiding errors at the same time. Athanasius. Teaching kids’ work. Who’d have thought?!
The faces of the rest of the group pop up — except Jim, he’s handling a pastoral issue. Jim is the pastor of his church, responsible for teaching and pastoral care. I hope theological study doesn’t overburden him. When he eventually comes on the call, we’re in the middle of a Systematic Theology lecture on God’s sovereignty.
After the lecture we discuss providence, God’s goodness, Calvinism and how God’s sovereignty applies to pastoral care. Jim shares how God’s sovereignty is the very truth that is needed to tend the wounds of his struggling church member, and that he feels less stressed about the situation. It turns out that systematic theology didn’t tip him over the edge — it equipped him to bring others back from it.
The rest of us snap out of theory-mode and begin to realise that here, today, over the internet-waves, we are actually in the presence of God, and He is equipping us with truth about Himself that heal scars, drive mission, and fuel worship. I’m encouraged.
It turns out that systematic theology didn’t tip him over the edge — it equipped him to bring others back from it.
I’m excited for the next lecture on Augustine. I remember this lecture from a few years ago, when two particular students worked hard to unpick the finer points of Augustine’s view that we love God for our delight in Him, and not through obligation. I’m excited, because one is now in North Africa, and the other in somewhere ending in —stan, both declaring Jesus as the way to know and enjoy an abundant God!
Later, as Ray Ortlund shares his wisdom on forming a gospel community based on gospel doctrine, it makes me wonder how many churches are striving to do that right now, equipped by this course — I can think of 7 pastors, 2 assistant pastors, 5 youth/student workers, 4 lay members, and 3 overseas missionaries. All trained here, sipping filter coffee from the machine, discussing grace, forgiveness, divorce, membership, vulnerability, accountability, small groups and worship. Now out there, building gospel communities on the cornerstone of the risen and ascended Jesus.
And in front of me are 9 muted rectangles, listening. Soon, churches in North Wales, Lancashire, Cheshire, Liverpool and Greater Manchester are all going to have people with the heart and doctrine to go on cultivating churches full of Jesus-lovers. Lord, may we see worship multiply in the North West!
Soon, churches in North Wales, Lancashire, Cheshire, Liverpool and Greater Manchester are all going to have people with the heart and doctrine to go on cultivating churches full of Jesus-lovers.
Since 2013 nearly 35 people have been trained and sent from Union’s Liverpool Learning Community. The next 7 years — how many more? I’m hoping that more and more churches see the need for formal training for the ongoing growth of staff members. I’m hoping that more and more lay people recognise the value of being trained, godly men and women who lead and teach in various contexts. I deeply long that more church pastors will identify, apprentice, part-fund and send godly men and women into formal training.
I’m optimistic that as part-time workers in the UK increase, more people will consider using God’s provision of two ‘free’ days to meet Irenaeus, Richard Sibbes and Karl Barth, and through them, meet Jesus in His word. I’m grateful for all the trusts who have financially supported various people through training in the past and wish more people would ask me, rather than turn down theological training!
Andrew prays as we close the Zoom call. Our brains are weary, but our souls fed full as Jim returns to his wounded member, Kayleigh to her kids’ club, David to his sermon prep and Joe to take over childcare. Ordinary people. Godly people. Week by week equipped to love and worship and bring life to their small corner of the North West. Lord, send workers into the harvest!
If you’re looking to join a Learning Community, head here. If Josh’s story has inspired you to set up a Learning Community in your church, please get in touch!
