Confidence, Calling, and Community: What God Is Doing Through Formed
“I came to Formed to look for reasons not to step in to leadership… to find reasons whereby I could shirk it. I came here, and the teaching is absolutely fantastic, it’s opened up a lot to me about servant leadership, but God spoke to me through the people… the people around the group.
And I noticed that the people who considered themselves to be the weaker members…they’re actually the ones that I see the greatest strength in. It gave me confidence, because I’m an incredibly flawed human being, but I’ve felt God speak clearly to me, saying “no, I want to use you”…
I no longer want to not lead, I want to listen to God and follow him.”
When Anthony was referred to Formed (a 4-day residential training block run by Jubilee+ for people coming from a background of poverty or addiction) it was because his church leaders had recognised in him potential to grow in leadership gifting.
Anthony joined ten other trainees gathered from Jubilee+ partner churches in the UK, and beyond.
Almost all of the group, arriving at Highgate House in Northamptonshire, did so with similar reservations to Anthony, but nevertheless stepped out in faith to grow in their relationship with God, and explore what He had in store for them.
Formed is a course with a difference, and seeks to reach people who might not have the confidence to access existing training streams available.
The course has been shaped by people living on the lowest incomes, and in response to feedback (via Jubilee+ Voices), the course included:
-Residential training (so that the expenses and logistics of travelling on a monthly or quarterly basis were avoided
-Interactive teaching
-15-minute blocks of teaching
-Workbook provided
-Travel expenses covered (mindful that many trainees were already forgoing income for the time they were away)
Together the March and October cohorts of Formed reached twenty trainees, delivering four days of training to each which touched on practical theology, leadership and self-leadership skills.
Time was built in to worship and pray together, and it was over the dinner tables that some of the greatest confidence was built among the group, as trainees shared testimonies and encouragement of God’s faithfulness in their lives.
One of the unexpected joys of Formed, as leaders, has been watching friendships and connections be forged among trainees as they continue to provoke each other in acts of courage and faith.
Within 48 hours of leaving one trainee had travelled to the church-based recovery group of another to get support and advice for pioneering one in their local church.
In the months following our March block we saw trainees preaching for the first time in their local setting, serving at the Newday youth festival, praying out publicly and signing up for further church-based training.
We have no doubt that our October cohort will do the same, thanks in no small part to the encouragement and investment of the partner churches who are developing and mentoring these emerging leaders.
What next for Formed?
Please be praying for the Jubilee+ team as we prayerfully consider how to take this exciting initiative forward.
We’re excited to be collaborating with Proximity as we look for ways that local churches could roll out Formed in their own settings (content will be available to Jubilee+ partner churches from Summer 2026).
Each of us has sensed the favour of God on this endeavour, and the enormous privilege of being involved with raising up leaders from every walk of life.
Watch this space!
To find out more about Formed please email admin@jubilee-plus.org