Mustard Seed Advocates Visit

16th February 2022. I was on a train from York (where I live) to Middlesbrough, on a mission to find out about being a Mustard Seed Advocate.  I was nervous – and not just about Storm Dudley, forecast later that day. How would I be received - as an outsider from a posh place? How would people in Middlesbrough feel about the idea of having an ‘advocate’?

As soon as I began meeting people, my fears evaporated. I was given such a warm welcome. Everyone I met was eager to share their experiences with me. Straight away, I sensed the powerful impact of Stepping Up. Participants spoke enthusiastically about their personal experience of the learning community. Initially surprised by the focus on their personal faith and relationship with God, they found this challenging and rewarding. They highlighted exciting new discoveries about studying Scripture, and how support was sustained after the end of the year. Also helpful - a focus on the assets of their church communities, an emphasis on the value of small beginnings.

They told me relationships with their parish clergy had grown stronger and closer as a result of Stepping Up. I could see it in the meetings we had. I sensed warmth, respect, wanting to work together.

Visiting these four parishes. I could feel the ripple effects of Stepping Up. Each church was unique, with different histories and challenges. Yet all the participants seemed to be having a huge impact, with a key role in transforming the life and activities within their church. There was a lot of energy and excitement. Each had chosen their own mission initiative, building on their own strengths, their desire to reach out, be a resource for their local neighbourhood, and share what their churches had to offer. I felt that I and others could learn from the ways mission is being put into practice here.

I was really impressed at the way Stepping Up has invested in lay people, resulting in an out-pouring of energy and hope.

What did I learn about being an Advocate?

As I see it, it’s about representing, promoting, publicising Mustard Seed and its achievements, making sure these are well known across the diocese. Importantly, it’s a personal link with a particular parish, through visits, prayer and staying in touch.

As an advocate I might be instrumental in obtaining any help they require. And I can tap into the support, prayers and resources of my local church – this will be essential!

It’s about making links, a way of expressing the commitment and involvement of the wider diocese in the communities Mustard Seed is working with - all being members of one body. I think it will be a two-way relationship. The Middlesbrough churches have so much to offer the rest of the diocese, and vice versa.

On the train back to York – still no sign of Storm Dudley! -I felt I had been given so much inspiration and welcome to strengthen me in faith and enrich my life. Above all, I was struck by people’s strong hope and determination, even when their situation was daunting. I sensed how this was rooted in their faith, prayer and church life. I was so grateful to those who gave their time and effort to meet me and share their stories. It was a day, which will stay with me for a long time.

Peter is now beginning to work with The Church of Ascension, Berwick Hills.

Click below to find out more about how you could become an Advocate