Phil & Louise Keymer - UK |
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email:
keymer[at]crosslinks.org
The Plant
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The Keymers, along with fellow Crosslinks' Associates John and Flick Hindley are founders of "The Plant" More details can be found on their own web site - www.theplant.net
Phil writes: "To the extent that I can be regarded as having 'grown up', I achieved this largely in rural Norfolk. Having been vehemently opposed to Christianity, God turned my life around as a teenager when I started following Jesus Christ. I went to Bristol University to train as a vet, but after a few years, I changed direction and started working towards becoming a vicar. (I strongly deny the suggestion that I had been working my way through the career alphabet from a young age.) After marrying Louise, I moved to London to continue my training for full time Christian ministry, first on the Proclamation Trust's 'Cornhill Training Course', and then at Oak Hill Theological College. I was then ordained as a minister in the Church of England, working first for St Mary's church in Partington (Trafford), and then for St Mary's church in Cheadle (Cheshire). However, the coveted 'St Mary's hat trick' (?!) was not to be – I am one of the founding ministers of 'The Plant'."
Introducing The Plant
Manchester has one of the biggest student populations in Europe.
With five major university institutions all within a few miles of each other, the main campus area of Manchester, just south of the city centre, is the epicentre of a student community numbering at least 65,000.
Although gospel work is undoubtedly taking place in this area, activity levels and resources are inadequate when viewed in the context of such massive student numbers.
Whilst there are some churches that are specifically engaged in evangelising, supporting and training students - there are not enough. It is against this backdrop that ‘The Plant’ has been conceived.
Our central objective is to evangelise the student community and to establish an informal, evangelical congregation in the university campus area: ‘The Plant’.
The Plant’s primary aim will be to see more students hearing the gospel, coming to faith and being supported, trained and equipped to follow Christ for the rest of their lives. Our entire outlook, ethos and programme are determined by this aim.