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PMC Team Update
Paul writes
After 16 years as a pioneer minister in Poole, and 13 of those leading Poole Missional Communities, I have come to decision to step down from my role as leader. For the last few years, a sense has been growing in me of a call to offer myself as an encourager, enabler and prophetic voice for missional community more widely. My sabbatical last year really affirmed that sense, however I didn’t have a sense of when. However more recently I have felt God invite me to let go of various responsibilities in order to make space for whatever is next. So that is what I sought to do.
As many of you know, alongside my role with PMC, I’ve been working toward a DTH, as well as developing various writing projects. I’m excited that I can first of all give good attention to finishing my Doctorate and potentially turning that into a book. There are also opportunities that my book In the Fullness of Time is giving to speak about missional community and the future of the church.
Most of all though, after a long stint developing the work of PMC I sense an invitation into a quiet season in which I trust God will speak clearly about the way forward for me.
I know this email goes out to people connected with PMC in all sorts of ways. Many of you have supported PMC personally, financially, with your time and energy. Thank you for your support and engagement with what we have felt called to do. I am grateful to the PMC team and Trustees who have flexed and are working hard to shape the next chapter of PMC. The ministry continues and I hope you will continue to support, follow and engage with it in the coming years.
As it happens my leaving coincides with another ending. Phil James who has supported the team as our administrator has decided to bring his time within the team to an end. Phil has been an absolutely fabulous person to work with, bringing a stability, attention to detail and a problem-solving genius to all the stuff that doesn’t usually get noticed, until it goes wrong! He has set up new accounts, the PMC online shop, and all sorts of other complex things that make things run smoothly! And all the way along he has regaled us with funny stories from his seemingly vast repertoire. He will be hugely missed. Thankyou Phil!
Phil writes:
Originally from Birmingham, and once I had retired from my career in the Fire Service, we decided to move to Dorset for a change in lifestyle. Prior to settling in Poole, we had investigated community churches in the area. We came across Reconnect, led by Paul and Emily Bradbury. It felt the right place for us, so once we had moved down to Poole, we joined the community.
In 2016, Paul asked me if I would consider becoming a trustee of Poole Missional Communities. I had time on my hands, so I thought why not! Then in 2018, PMC's administrator was going to retire from the position. I again felt I could help out. So, I volunteered to take on the role in August 2018.
I have really enjoyed my time working for the charity. I have learnt new skills and made new friends along the way. Although I may not have been at the sharp end of pioneering, I do feel that I have helped by enabling the team to do the thing they are called to do.
Having done the admin role for 6 years and a trustee for 8, I think it is time to step down and enjoy other things. Time enjoying the area and travelling to see our family, who live far and wide. We will continue to be part of Reconnect, so they won't be able to get rid of me that easily!
I will miss working with the wonderful PMC team. Paul, Lucy, Sally, John and Naomi have been a fantastic source of encouragement, laughter, lament and support. It so important to be part of a great team.
Finally. If you are thinking of getting involved with a small charity, something local, then go for it. You never know where it might lead.
Lucy writes:
Paul has been responsible for welcoming us all to this work and to creating this team together. His clear thinking, optimistic strategising and envisioning have been offered courageously through the years, enabling us to continue trusting in God through challenging times and joyful celebrations - not forgetting all the awesome diagrams!
We are grateful for the sacrificial and determined work you have given to bring us together and keep us moving forward. We will be continuing to stand on the foundations that you have laid and that is a generous legacy. Thank you.
Phil is the kind of person who has thought about what needs doing and done it before you've even realised it needs doing. This is all quietly attended to in the background without any fuss. His sense of responsibility, organisation and attention to detail has been an enormous gift to all of us in the team.
I know that there are many 'out of hours' times that he has offered generously. He is able to do all of this with a joke (always good ones!) and a smile. Underlying all of these skills is a heart that is sensitive to others; knowing when to be alongside someone to include and welcome them. These are all gifts that mean our team has been blessed and held together by his presence. He will be much missed for all of this and more. Thank you Phil.