Faith Rooted Community Organising Lead (FRCOL)

Faith-rooted community organising is about listening first, paying careful attention to the stories, hopes, struggles and gifts of our neighbours. The role will support circuits and churches to:

• develop intentional listening practices within their communities;
• identify where people are experiencing exclusion, marginalisation or injustice;
• build partnerships with local groups, charities and organisations;
• nurture confident lay and ordained leaders who can act together for the common good;
• shape mission that grows from real relationships rather than assumptions.

Over the coming months, the FRCO Lead will work alongside circuits to explore practical tools for community listening, relational meetings, partnership-building, and discerning where God may be calling us to act with courage and compassion.
Below is a brief biography of Mark North who has been appointed to this new exciting role.

“I live in Bolsover, North-East Derbyshire, with my wife Deborah and our three children: Lydia (20), who is at university, and Joshua (16) and Samuel (14), who are in school and sixth form. I love music, theatre, and football. I’m a local preacher with a BA in Biblical Studies & Evangelism and an MA in Mission and Ministry.
In 2008 I founded a charity supporting people in poverty in partnership with Bolsover Methodist Church, and I’ve had the privilege of leading the Freedom Community Project for the past 17 years. Working with the church and the community has given me amazing memories and experiences.
My passion is helping the church connect with its community, and I’m excited to support churches and circuits across the Sheffield Methodist District.”

Mark can be contacted by email: frcol@sheffieldmethodist.org, or by phone: 07507 518914