ROOTS 1994–2008
Over the last fourteen years ROOTS has inspired and equipped
tens of thousands of Salvationists for spiritual renewal and
mission. The few hundred that gathered for the first ever
ROOTS in Cefn Lea, Mid-Wales could hardly have imagined
where that weekend, along with subsequent Salvationist
sojourns to Southport, would lead.
In 2007 we asked the Territorial Commander for permission
to undertake a ROOTS Review to assess the fruit of the event
and inform our future thinking. While ROOTS’ impact has been
very important to the life of The Salvation Army we are keenly
aware of the growing need for mission training and spiritual
renewal. To this end, we hope to develop a new and diverse
range of year-round ROOTS initiatives to equip grass roots
Salvationists for the different contexts in which they live.
Many have said that, “ROOTS is more than a conference.” As
we unveil and implement new ROOTS initiatives in days to
come, we plan to prove them right.
ROOTS 2009...
A vision of this size requires much prayer and planning, talking
and team-building. In addition, the prospective re-development
of Princes Park, the main ROOTS site, makes it difficult for us
to hold ROOTS in 2009. As a result there will be no ROOTS
conference in Southport next year. However, on this weekend
(1-4 May 2009), we will be using the Southport Theatre, Floral
Hall and Exhibition Centre to host the Youth Rally along with a
territorial prayer retreat where Salvationists can come together
to seek God and pray for mission and renewal.
Through the year we will also seek to support local,
divisional and regional events as ROOTS goes public and will
work with others to establish a ‘creative space’ to further
mission initiatives around the UK. More information will be
communicated at the earliest opportunity.
AND BEYOND!
From 2009 onwards, a new ROOTS team will seek to create
fresh spaces to encourage spiritual renewal, effective mission,
a prophetic voice and pioneering spirit. This relaunch will
culminate in ROOTS 2010 (30 April – 3 May, Southport). Our
theme is, ‘EPIDEMIC’. We’ll be looking at how we help others
to catch the infectious power of our holy God. Our prayer is
that God will surprise us once more with just how much he
has in store. |
