Why did I become a Trustee?
I became a Christian at 14 through the attendance at a local Church youth club in Carshalton. Three years later I started attending Everyday Church – Wimbledon (formerly Queens Road Baptist Church) in 1981.
During the last forty-one years at Wimbledon, I have pretty much served the Church in every area of ministry from Hosting team to Logistics, Youth/Children’s work to 16-20s, Life Group leadership to street evangelism, serving in the coffee shop, leading Men’s Ministry. I even worked for the church for a year on a voluntary basis (prior/during the church building moving to the current location) and temporarily left for three years to plant a new church (Kairos).
So, one might think that being a Trustee is just the next ‘logical’ role to fulfil, however, that is not why I considered becoming a Trustee.
So, one might think that being a Trustee is just the next ‘logical’ role to fulfil, however, that is not why I considered becoming a Trustee.
When I look back over the past years, the main reason for serving in the various roles has always been based upon the needs of the church at the time. I recall Erika (my wife) and I approaching one of the Elders to ask what was being done to minister and reach out to the youth of the church – only to be ‘encouraged’ to start a youth ministry, which we ran for several years. So be careful what you wish for!
Everyday Church has been through a few turbulent years recently and the Trustees have been under enormous pressure to support and guide the leadership through this time. I am passionate about the Church and want it to be a perfect bride for Christ, and whilst I know it will never be perfect until he returns, my desire is for the church to be a light into it’s surrounding community that is attractive and appealing to both non-Christians and Christians alike. That is why I became a trustee.
My desire is for the church to be a light into it’s surrounding community that is attractive and appealing to both non-Christians and Christians alike. That is why I became a trustee.
How did I become a Trustee?
I approached Helen Dennis-Smith, the chair of the Trustees, to enquire about what the role would entail. Then followed some initial conversations with her and a couple of the other Trustees where I could ask questions whilst also giving them the opportunity to ask questions of me – initial suitability check, I guess. I was formally interviewed by the Trustees Chair and Everyday Church Lead Elder.
Following a successful interview, you are then able to sit in on several Trustee meetings (without voting rights) and can observe the proceedings as well as ask questions and provide your own input. Then, if after those meetings both parties are sure they want to continue, a vote is held by the existing Trustees and a further vote by the Elders as to your suitability.
If both votes are positive, then you are invited to become a Trustee and the legal process and induction procedure starts.
For me the process gave me sufficient time to decide if this role was right for me and provided me with sufficient insight into what the role would entail moving forward. You are committing to the role for an initial 4 years, after which you may be able to extend further upon the agreement of the other Trustees.
Everyday Church is still looking for one more Trustee to join the team, and if you think this could be a role that you could commit to please contact Helen Dennis-Smith to express your interest: helen.dennis-smith@everyday.org.uk
Clive Cooke