The Mission

In the book of Matthew, Jesus shares his final moments with his disciples before ascending into heaven.

Before ascending, he says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jesus’ final words are those of proclaiming the Gospel to all people. He commands his believers to not hoard the truth that is given to them, but to extend it to the entire world. With this command, he not only tells them to “go and make disciples,” but he also promises them that he is with them “always.”

As Christians, we are to follow Christ. And as followers of Christ, we are to go forth and make disciples. Christ wants us to be apart of his mission.

Typically, as a Western culture, we tend to think of “unreached people groups” as indigenous tribes in uncultivated areas. We think of these groups as lacking resources, food, housing, education, and of course the Gospel. However, these are not the only people in need of the Gospel.

We don’t have to venture that far to find people who have been unreached by the truth of the Gospel.

Here are some questions you may be asking yourself right about now:

Of all the places to go as a missionary, why is she going to the United Kingdom?

While the UK has clear historical foundations of pointing back to Christian roots, it is still considered a very spiritually dark country. I myself, never knew until a short time ago, the clear need for the revival of the Gospel to take place in the hearts of the UK people.

It wasn’t very long ago that the UK had strong Christian ideals, historical religious leaders like Spurgeon and Lloyd-Jones; yet that is no longer the case in the UK today.

A once thriving Christian nation, the United Kingdom is considered a “post-Christian” culture, only containing 3% of Christians involved in their local church. Post-Christianity does not necessarily imply that there are no Christians, or that people are against Christianity itself. Rather, Christianity is one that has become a forgotten concept within society and culture. Christianity in the UK is “an archaic system of belief that has almost become extinct.”

Initially, while the UK does not appear to be in need, it is in fact a deprived nation in need of the truth of the Gospel.

So why me? Why Jenna Houk?

I am passionate and driven to share the Gospel, and I love the family of God; whether it be in my backyard or across the world.

My desire is to see the local church in the UK grow and flourish, as they spread the good news of Jesus Christ to their friends, families, neighbors, and communities.

My heart goes out to a once flourishing nation, centered around Christ, now having forgotten Christianity altogether. I want to be, if only a small part, bringing revival to the UK. I want the privilege to serve alongside my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the UK, helping to expand the Gospel. I want to see the Gospel reach England, Scotland, Wales, and the rest of Europe.

Because of the reality of the UK, of my ache and desire to see the UK people turn back to Christ; I have decided to partner with a ministry organization known as Alliance for Transatlantic Theological Training (AT3) and their mission.

AT3’s mission is to “enable and influx of leaders to strengthen, revitalize, and plant new churches”. AT3 also exists to train up potential American pastors through both American and UK settings.

There are three basic tenants relating to growth, development, and ministry that are important to mention.

Transatlantic Connections

A key part of this program and their mission is their transatlantic connections. It’s in the name!

I have the unique opportunity to do ministry in a post-Christian culture. I will have the benefit of working and living in a post-Christian culture with fellow believers. This is an invaluable experience that I will take with me for years to come. Whether or not I remain in the UK after the two years end, I will have gained vital experience that will serve me well in ministry.

If at the end of two years the Lord calls me to stay in the UK, I will already have prior experience that will be tremendously beneficial to further ministry.  If however, the Lord has called me to come back to the US, I will be prepared for the same kind of society that is becoming more and more prevalent with each waking moment.

It is also beneficial that if I am lead to return to the United States, I will have a transatlantic relationship built with a Gospel-centered church. This is important because the UK is post-Christian and the US is not very far behind in terms of post-Christianity. The US is working its way to becoming a post-Christian culture within our life-time. It is vital as believers that we continue to have transatlantic relationships in order to preserve and grow Christ’s Church.

“To have local churches encouraging each other in their calling to serve God is always essential.” Having transatlantic relationships established is a beautiful representation of the Kingdom of God. When Christ returns in glory, people of every tribe, tongue, and nation will sing his praises.  As the Bride of Christ, we are called to uphold this same unity today.

“Being able to be involved in such an intimate relationship that is grounded in our holy God is not only beautiful to Him, but also a wonderful picture of Church unity.”

Build Knowledge

John Calvin said, “A good theologian is a good missionary, and a good missionary is a good theologian.” To avoid churches that are shallow and flimsy, it is vital that there are leaders in the church who are mission-driven and grounded in theological understanding.

It is important within this program that I am gaining knowledge and using that knowledge within ministry. Knowledge is a gift, it is not something to be squandered. Having knowledge gives way to understanding, casting aside ignorance and stunted growth. Alliance for Transatlantic Theological Training recognizes this to be a true building of knowledge that is an important pillar of their program and a necessary facet of one’s ministry experience. 

Alliance for Transatlantic Theological Training has partnered with the Union School of Theology, as well as Biblical Counselling UK (BCU) to equip their missionaries with the knowledge that will serve them well within ministry. The Union School of Theology offers a Masters in Theology, while BCU offers certification in CCEF (The Christian Counselling and Educational Foundation). Both educational programs train and equip the leaders of tomorrow’s church with the necessary intellect and tools to do ministry.

Rev. Dr. Mike Reeves, President of Union School of Theology said, “We need theological education that is mission minded. We need mission that is theologically driven.”

While in the United Kingdom, I will be taking courses throughout the two years through BCU to attain my certification in Biblical Counselling. I am hopeful that this program with allow me the skills and knowledge to better minister in the church, specifically towards women within the church and community. I am also eager to apply my knowledge towards one day receiving my Master in Counselling.

Build Your Experience

Alliance for Transatlantic Theological Training has allowed me to pursue different avenues of experience within ministry. As I mentioned before, I will be able to gain my certification in Biblical Counselling. The program itself allows both in-classroom and in-field experience. I will also have the opportunity to serve within a UK church where I will be serving in all different capacities.

While in my church, I will have the privilege to be a part of overseeing the women’s ministry. I will have the opportunity to create discipleship programs and connect women with one another. I will be able to lead women’s Bible studies and foster relationship with various women within the church and community.

I will have the experience of planning outreach events and evangelizing to people in my community. I won’t simply be shadowing church leadership, but will be involved in leadership first-hand. I will have church leadership coming alongside me and teaching me what it looks like to do ministry well.

The fact of the matter is, ministry opportunities such as this are not as readily available as one may believe.  That is why this particular program and opportunity is so exciting and formative. I will be able to have ministry responsibilities that are only made possible through this program.

I will be serving within a post-Christian society, something that cannot exactly be obtained in the United States at this point in time.  At the end of my two year stint, I will have the experience to continue to serve in the society of the United Kingdom or be equipped and prepared to serve in an American context that is increasingly becoming post-Christian.