The seeds of Southwark For Jesus came together in the wake of Billy Graham’s last ‘Mission to London’ in 1989. Following the event, several leaders united to lead the ‘March For Jesus’ praise marches in Southwark. These events ran every year throughout the 90’s, uniting large numbers of believers in ‘mobile prayer’ for the borough. (which still goes on in smaller expressions). The fellowship of leaders expanded and formed a steering group to connect pastors networks across the borough. These networks connect through Southwark For Jesus’ vision of ‘Unity in Prayer and Action’.
Numerous borough-wide initiatives have been facilitated through SFJ partnerships, including many large scale mission initiatives and prayer celebrations. On the back of such prayer, many social action projects have sprung up to serve the borough.
Over the years SFJ has initiated or hosted many expression of unity:
- SFJ has organised large scale prayer or mission initiatives such as; March For Jesus, Pentecost 2000, the Global Day of Prayer, Transform Southwark and Love Southwark
- SFJ has networked regional church groupings across the borough
- SFJ promotes awareness of borough, London-wide and national initiatives such as Soul in the City the Year of Prayer for London, Hope Together, and a host of other events.
- SFJ signposts churches and provides support on key community or council initiatives and issues affecting churches.
- SFJ has on occassion been a vehicle for churches to address unjust legislation in the borough.
Why do we need such a network?
- To express and celebrate our Unity and diversity across a multiracial, multicultural London borough (cf: Eph 4 vs. 1-7)
- As a vehicle for the Church in Southwark to ‘keep watch and pray’, organising Prayer for our communities and bringing help where it is needed (cf: Nehemiah 4 vs. 9-20)
- To facilitate effective partnerships and friendships in the goal of serving Southwark with good news and taking relevant Action together. (cf: Rom 12 vs 2)
- To provide a regional forum for pastors and leaders wrestling with 21st century leadership, theology and mission.