Across the Diocese of York there is a growing network of Mustard Seed Advocates, churches and individuals who have a passion to support mission in ‘places where life is tough.’ People in more affluent areas are recognising that they have a responsibility towards ‘their neighbours’ and are therefore called to respond, using the resources, gifts and skills that God has given them. 

Advocates are building gospel partnerships with Mustard Seed churches and their communities.

The apostle Paul describes a wonderful gospel partnership in Philippians 4:14-20 where he thanks the Philippians for their gifts of support and adds that he does not simply want to receive gifts, he wants the church in Philippi to receive back more than they have given. This model of partnership, giving and receiving is based on mutuality and a recognition that there is much that we can learn and receive from churches in our poorest communities. 

Here are three stories of partnerships with Mustard Seed Churches. We hope they will inspire others to become gospel partners and join our Advocates Network. 

An Advocate’s Story

Peter Philips from St Chad’s in York talks about his role as advocate with the Church of the Ascension, Berwick Hills, Middlesbrough. “You’ll probably get as much if not more, from doing it, I certainly have.”