Jesus Shaped People announce new Team Leader

The Revd Brendan Bassett has been recently announced as Jesus Shaped People (JSP) Team Leader. 
Brendan will head up the JSP Core Team that is spearheading the spread of JSP across the UK, through the growth of a team of Regional Co-ordinators who are building the capacity of JSP. 
Brendan will work across the UK from his base in Bristol, and he will take up his new role with JSP from January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany.
Brendan said: “I’m thrilled to become a part of this exciting whole church adventure and help build on fantastic work done by the JSP team. 
“Someone asked me today if JSP helps make better use of church buildings. 
“I replied, it helps make better use of God’s people!”
Brendan lives in Bristol, where he has been minister of Victoria Park Baptist church in South Bristol for the past 18 years until earlier this year. 
Jesus Shaped People help churches that want to make Jesus’ ministry the key model for their mission vision and development.
It offers both a vision and a method to churches that enables them to do this.
Bishop Paul Slater, Chair of the JSP Trust, says, “It’s grand to welcome Brendan as our new JSP Team Leader. 
“He arrives at a time when there is great opportunity for JSP to make a special contribution as churches recognise the need for serious re-shaping that ensures they are much more faithful to the example of Jesus. 
“I’m confident that he will sustain and enhance our priority for encouraging churches that serve urban estate and other disadvantaged communities.”
Brendan’s appointment has been made possible by a combination of generous giving from local churches and individual Christians, and significant grants from three charitable foundations. 
News earlier this year of a major grant award from the Allchurches Trust was the trigger that enabled JSP Trustees to go ahead this autumn with a UK wide search for the right person. 
Peter Mojsa, Grants Officer at Allchurches Trust, said: “Brendan’s appointment will enable Jesus Shaped People to build on the great work they do to help churches, particularly on estates, understand more about the transformational nature of the Christian faith. 
“With that, comes enhanced support of people and communities, and we’re delighted to be supporting their mission with funding.”