Pod is leaving UCCF to take up a role at Scripture Union. In his final third degree column he reflects on the impact of Uncover.
UCCF have a rich history of producing high-quality seeker-sensitive resources.
Over 2 million contemporary designed gospels have been distributed through Christian Unions since 1994. In 2014, both CU and church missional activity have been significantly enhanced by Uncover, UCCF’s seventh and most successful gospel project.
In April 2013 – following widespread demand from church leaders – UCCF took the decision to print an additional 50,000 hardback Uncover gospels to be used specifically for local church outreach. 40,000 gospels have, so far, been distributed.
Adrian Reynolds, director of ministry at the Proclamation Trust, commented, ‘Uncover is one of the most exciting resources that I have ever seen. The carefully thought through and tested mix of attractive gospel, seeker Bible study and online material means that Christians of all ages will be equipped and encouraged to read the Bible with their non-Christians friends.’
Rico Tice, creator and founder of the Christianity Explored course said, ‘Uncover and all of the one-to-ones it has unleashed all over the country is such a significant contribution. It is enabling me to say to my people, “If the students are doing it – so should we.” ’.
Over 1,500 church members representing around 350 churches have also been trained and released for one-to-one seeker Bible study outreach through nine regional Uncover training days, delivered by Rebecca Manley Pippert, that took place in 2013/14.
Impact abroad
Alongside this, Uncover is generating significant reach beyond Britain. Fifteen IFES movements have adopted the project and 10,000 gospels have been printed in partnership with the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES). An additional 10,000 gospels and seeker Bible study guides are also going to be made available for German-speaking students through the German IFES movement, SMD.
Uncovering John
Work has also begun on Uncover John – UCCF’s follow-up to Uncover Luke – which will be launched at Forum 2014 (UCCF’s national five-day residential training event for CU leaders). Over 1,200 delegates are expected to be in attendance at the launch event. Brian Weaver, associate to the director and UCCF’s special projects manager, said, ‘We are delighted that since the launch of Uncover [Luke], UCCF has seen unprecedented levels of fruit in CU and church evangelism. It is only natural that we continue the work that God has started by beginning work on the next Uncover project. John will utilise new technologies that will converge print and digital media in order to help students and church members open up the gospels with their friends.’
