How I see it

By David Holden

I have had the great joy and privilege of working alongside Terry in what we now call Newfrontiers for over 30 years. I have always endeavoured to implement our vision by working apostolically into many churches, initially mainly across the UK, then increasingly internationally. I have been involved in doing this through many changing models over the years and never wanted to be trapped into an inflexible way of working.

Since Stoneleigh Bible Week closed in 2001, Newfrontiers has experienced remarkable expansion and I have given myself to training, equipping and releasing others so that apostolic ministry can serve our churches.

I have done all of this whilst remaining based in the same church in London, which has been key in releasing me and supporting me. For example, when Simon Pettit died, my local church sent Liz and me for extended periods of time to help raise up apostolic teams across South Africa and Zimbabwe. It has been such a privilege to serve in such a generous local church community.

I am so excited about this next expansive phase of multiplication for the Newfrontiers family. Those who know me know that I am not given to nostalgia and I look forward eagerly to the new pioneering opportunities that arise. I hope to give myself to several key areas.

First, new initiatives into new nations. I am working into a number of European nations including France, where the task before us is massive. I want to mobilise many, both to serve existing churches and to plant new ones. I also continue to work with Henk Kersten as he plants and develops churches across Holland and hopefully into neighbouring nations such as Germany and Belgium.

Second, I feel called to serve existing apostolic teams across nations. I see my ‘sphere’ as working primarily into others’ spheres, and to help emerging apostolic ministries to expand and fulfil their God-given potential. I am doing this right now by working alongside Steve Oliver in Dubai and the apostolic teams that we established in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Third, I continue to have a burden for the UK and hope to play a part in helping emerging apostolic ministries to develop here also as I work alongside David Stroud and others.

Finally, as one of the older guys around I want to disciple younger leaders, and Liz and I love hanging out with emerging leaders and wives. We see this as a major investment for the days ahead.

I remain passionate about the future of Newfrontiers and the mission God has called us on. We still need one another to fulfil the global mission that He has called us to. The best is yet to come.

One of the first men that I invited was based in Sidcup, Kent. I had initially been asked to speak to, and then become involved with, a new house church there. David Holden was about to complete his three years at London Bible College and was to lead the church. I was so impressed with him that I took the unusual step of writing to him after our first meeting, offering the opportunity of more fellowship. To my amazement, my letter to him crossed with his letter to me asking if he could come and spend time with me for a few months before he would take on what was then called The Barnabas Fellowship in Sidcup, now known as New Community Church.

David began to travel with me and our lives became very interwoven. Soon he was happy to act on my behalf and serve a growing number of churches, some of which were planted out from his own home base in Sidcup and others even overseas.

As Newfrontiers has grown David has become a highly valued father-figure, greatly appreciated by the many churches and key leaders that he serves both in the UK and internationally. He and his wife Liz make a unique contribution, travelling as they do into many diverse situations and bringing clarity, security and peace in contexts where their maturity, kindness and personal warmth have often provided exactly what was needed.

There are few like David who so strongly provide a bridge to our historic values and roots, and have been personally identified with our growth. He knows and is known by so many of our churches and situations around the world, and has been intimately acquainted with the process of transformation that is now taking place in Newfrontiers.

He is a key figure and will continue to play a significant fatherly role as the new apostolic teams emerge and spread their wings. Many will be grateful for all that his wisdom, patience, godliness and incredible capacity for hard work continually demonstrate.

How I see it

By David Holden

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