Will Kemp

Will Kemp, vicar of The Point – a vibrant church plant which started in a West Sussex living room six years ago – has come a long way since he took part in the CPAS Arrow Leadership Programme in 2001 while working as curate at the London church of St Barnabas, Kensington.

'Arrow provided me with a simple reminder about the emphasis on my relationship with Jesus remaining real, growing and personal,' said Will. 'We spent time really focusing on how to nurture and enjoy that relationship.'

Arrow also fed into Will's heart for evangelism, enabling that to shape and guide his future leadership. Although the opportunity to plant out of St Barnabas – itself a church plant from Holy Trinity, Brompton – did not materialise, the links which led to The Point had already been forged during Will's time as a youth worker at St Andrew's, Chorleywood.

Will said: 'The opportunity came out of the blue to plant a church with some former members of our youth group back in Chorleywood, including Matt and Beth Redman along with four other friends who had settled with their young families in and around the West Sussex area.'

Another key lesson from Will's time on Arrow is also being put into practice at The Point. He added: 'Arrow's emphasis on leadership was vital, allowing me to discern the particular calling and focus that God has made me for - and gaining the disciplines to live out that calling. 'Allowing myself to follow God's initiative has led me to what I'm doing here, and encouraged me to keep focused on leading people to Jesus instead of just running a church.'

Will is now passionate about encouraging other leaders – mentoring, developing and empowering people to follow their passions and be released into serving God with the gifts he's given them.

Inspired by this story?

You can support CPAS by praying, making a donation or simply staying in touch with us.