24-7 Roots is an opportunity to join one of 24-7’s Boiler Room communities. It’s less like a course, and more like an apprenticeship… an opportunity to be discipled amongst a community of disciples, to join in with a lifestyle of prayer, mission and learning.

From Autumn 2010, we are delighted to offer ‘Roots’ spaces with the Guildford and the Stanford Boiler Room communities. Each location and each community have their own distinctives, so here’s a little bit more detail from each of them…

Ian Nicholson writes: “Guildford is an international cathedral town of 120,000 to the South-West of London (home to more than 130 nationalities). It has a strong student presence and is shaped by its proximity to major airports and London. The growing Boiler Room community (GBR) began four years ago and has a strong missional focus on students, local estates and the needier parts of local towns nearby, and is developing smaller communities called Collectives. Our vision is for the Boiler Room community to grow, and a number of people have come to faith recently through Alpha courses. We are planning to plant collectives and households in challenging areas (nearby Woking has a large Moslem presence, for example) and we are also involved in many community mission initiatives, often in partnership with other churches and organisations. GBR hosts the 24-7 European office and has a strong vision to train and send long-term teams to plant communities, particularly in Europe.”

“Being part of 24-7 Roots in Guildford from October 2010 would mean moving to the town to be part of the Boiler Room community and joining in with our vision. You would need to find accommodation, ideally with or near other community members, and part-time work. The Roots team would meet regularly for training, prayer and local missional activity. You would also be involved in 24-7 prayer weeks, GBR gatherings and initiatives and local mission projects. We would allocate a mentor to support you and would also expect you to join at least one overseas mission team during the first 12 months. Typically a room costs £325 – £375 per month to rent. We are still finalising costs but would expect you to contribute in the region of £75 – £100 a month towards Roots core costs. Come join us!”

Sally Harman writes: “The Boiler Room community (SBR) in Stanford-le-Hope (East of London) is dedicated to God, each other and the town in which we live. Being part of Roots in Stanford means being an active part of our community, joining in with the regular rhythms of prayer, study, creativity and hospitality. We also have a strong emphasis on mission, particularly amongst young people… we work with them on the streets via the Bar-n-Bus project, in the schools/colleges, and this is a focus for our prayer-walking. Community members are involved in local social action and local/national politics as well. The Roots team could be involved in any or all of these areas.”

“Being part of 24-7 Roots in Stanford from September 2010 would mean moving to live in one of our community houses along side other long-term community members for a minimum of 12 months. Each household (we’re planning for 2 this year) will decide how to practically live out the Boiler Room values, and will receive support from a house-host/coach. Being part of 24-7 Roots would also mean finding part-time work, ideally around 15 hours per week. This would help you to create relationships around the town and hopefully help with your finances. (If finances are not tight, we could help link you in with part-time voluntary work instead).”

“In addition to some personal study and reading, the Roots team would meet regularly for training, and for the God Story, a chronological study of the Bible. During the first year, you would also participate in termly retreats, in 24-7’s International conference in Edinburgh (late September 2010), and you would join a mission team visiting the 24-7 community in Ibiza. We are still finalising costs but we would expect you to pay £125 a month towards Roots core costs (this includes the retreats/trips). And in addition to this, you would need to pay for room-rent in the community house up-front (12 months @ £3600). You will also need to budget for your general food and living expenses, bills, etc. So, come join us!”

If you’re interested in joining Roots with the Guildford or Stanford Boiler Rooms communities, please contact alana.wiens@24-7prayer.com.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JUNE 30TH 2010