More than £1million has now been raised to help men and women from Independent Church backgrounds to train for gospel ministry it was reported in mid-September.
The Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) has been able to use its Training Fund to offer financial support to more than 30 churches and nearly 40 individuals since its launch in 2011. The Fund enables churches to employ a trainee to learn more about gospel ministry as they serve alongside an experienced pastor, while individuals can be helped with expensive course fees and accommodation.
FIEC training director Trevor Archer said: ‘The impact of the Training Fund has been considerable. It has encouraged churches to step out in new gospel ventures while individuals can at last see a clearer route into training and church ministry previously lacking within FIEC. In tandem with the Training Fund, the creation of The Hub Conference (a conference for those discerning the call into ministry) has provided a ‘meeting point’ where both churches and individuals can receive practical advice, support and encouragement in ministry training.’
