Mobilising the student generation into a life of discipleship has an impact on all generations as we reach the next thinkers, creatives, teachers, parents, leaders, culture setters, world changers, influencers and so much more with the life changing love of God.
In this blog series, we will be sharing stories of people whose lives have been personally impacted by Student Mission and the legacy it has.
Meet Alan Taylor...
Tell us about yourself
Hi, my name is Alan, I’m 36, I’m married to Ruth and we have three children, two boys (ages 7 and 4) and a girl (1). We are currently church planting in a community we lived in when we were at university. We meet in homes right now, making disciples is a way of life and reaching students is part of our DNA.
I enjoy watching Spurs, getting out running and going on some adventures as a family to other nations.
Where and what did you study?
I studied Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University.
How did you come to faith at University?
I grew up going to church but finished in my mid teens with a sentimental connection to church and a vague belief. At university my girlfriend (now my wife) encouraged me to explore my faith, so I read the bible for myself, started to pray and even experienced a deep connection with God through some worship music.
It was at the end of my first year the penny dropped and I realised God was real, alive and present in my life. I was truly bowled over, it was an incredible experience to feel God’s presence as I repented from my old life and committed to give my all to following Christ. That sense of God’s loving Presence has stayed with me the last 17 years and I’ve continued to participate in student mission as a church planter and leader in the Fusion movement.
How did following Jesus transform your University experience?
When I came to faith I just wanted others to know God’s presence. It felt like a secret I knew that others hadn’t been told. I just wanted to find ways to communicate this good news. My study of Psychology was always measured by my new faith and I ended up doing my dissertation on forgiveness. I starting working for the church as a student worker at university soon after coming to faith and continued when I graduated to become a church leader and planter. My university experience couldn’t have been much more transformed by Jesus!
Why do you think Student Mission is essential?
Student Mission is essential because God’s heart is for the lost, and many students are lost and looking for guidance and a way of life that only Christ offers. These students will go on to leading churches and be the reformers of a world yet imagined. It’s crucial the church keeps going and investing in reaching this mission field for the sake of today and tomorrow!
What vision has God given you for the context that you’re in?
I’m leading a church plant that is rooted in an area where thousands of students live in neighborhoods and campuses. We are going after making disciples that go onto be the reformers and church leaders of tomorrow. We see church as communities based around tables in people’s homes, working for local renewal and participating in global justice. Our church is called The Journey; we hope many will discover God’s dream for the world through our community.
At Fusion, we are passionate about seeing the church, both locally and globally capture God’s heart and love for university students and are so encouraged when we hear stories like this. So we will be gathering at our annual conference with a desire to see the student world transformed by the good news of Jesus.
If you’ve been personally impacted by Student Mission feel free to drop me an email on funmi.akinola@fusionmovement.org, I'd love to read your story!
