What I learnt from the CARE Leadership Programme
CARE
In my twenty-two years, there are many experiences that I can name as memorable or transformative, but none so significant for me as the CARE Leadership Programme.
When the COVID-19 pandemic first struck, my plans for 2021-2022, like those of countless others, were thrown into disarray. Rather than take a year out of my undergraduate degree to study in Pennsylvania, I launched into my final year, conscious that my plans for graduation were more unresolved than ever. One rainy day in October, a friend suggested that I apply for CARE’s Leadership Programme, persuading me that the unique combination of deep theological teaching and practical political experience was “all I had ever talked about”. Convinced, I applied.
The entirety of the CARE Programme was incredibly formative; but three aspects in particular had a profound impact on my life.
Firstly, both my placement and the Friday study days were great opportunities to think well and deeply about how politics and theology fit together. My placement was split between working for a Conservative MP and working outside of Parliament as a legal assistant to a human rights lawyer. Throughout the year, my office has very much been a classroom; it was a unique chance to gain practical insight into the workings of an MP’s office, develop key relationships, and put into practice our theological training. Working under two individuals who actively advocate for the voiceless and vulnerable in society inspired and challenged me to similarly dedicate my career to fight for truth and justice in the public square.
The CARE study days equipped me to better understand Christian leadership and exponentially developed my understanding of the theological underpinnings of politics. The study days undoubtedly strengthened my Christian worldview and created a greater urgency within me to shape a Christlike culture; fostering a fresh awareness that the Bible is something we should think with and continually learn from.
Secondly, the programme greatly impacted and encouraged my spiritual life. Amidst the busyness of London, the Friday study days taught me, in part, the beauty of stillness and the fundamental need for us as followers of Jesus to consistently bring all that we are before the Lord. Much of this was formed through our weekly group devotions and the intentional setting aside of time to pray for one another, as well as praying for the speakers before and after each session. I noticed that I would begin to pray more regularly in private and even approach conversation more prayerfully.
Thirdly, the community. A great aspect of the CARE Leadership Programme is that it enables you to begin work in a supportive way. The mentoring that is available and the investing-ethos of the programme, provided through peers, leaders and speakers, is like no other. I was deeply impacted by the integrity, courage and humility of the leaders who joined us on Fridays. It was also a privilege to learn alongside a group of Christians who are like-minded, but who also provided a different point of view at times. To build such strong relationships within the cohort was a real blessing. Both the graduates and speakers’ genuine love for Jesus and enthusiasm to become effective salt and light in the public square encouraged me to work harder and to love others more deeply.
Upon reflection, I truly had no idea how much one year could positively impact me; the Leadership Programme introduced me to a world I find hard to imagine living without. It has created a firm foundation which I am sure will continue to equip me to be effective salt and light in the public sphere in the years ahead.