“I no longer feel alone. My heart’s been completely transformed. I’ve got so much joy in what I do now.”
“Before I started SPEAR, I lived a very normal lifestyle,” he said. “I left sixth form when Covid hit. I went to university because it was the thing everyone did, but the lockdowns made it really hard to feel like I belong, and eventually I dropped out. I spent around two and a half years quite isolated, mostly at home, feeling quiet and distant from people. I had a few short-term jobs, but nothing lasted.”
In March 2023, Barnaby met two SPEAR representatives, Jamie and Chris, at the job centre: “This was when my trajectory changed. They were so kind and encouraging, and they suggested I take part in the SPEAR programme.”
Through SPEAR, Barnaby completed employability training and learnt the importance of confidence, communication, and how to present himself. He also found himself surrounded by people who believed in his potential and encouraged him to grow.
“It introduced me to a supportive community. I was put in contact with so many other young Christians who were really good at encouraging you to do other things, including Alpha. I had known about God from a young age, my grandmother read Bible stories to me and I went to Sunday school. She prayed for me that I’d find fellowship with Christians. Alpha was the big turning point for me spiritually. It really ignited my faith, and it was the moment when I decided I wanted to follow this. It was the point at which I actively chose to follow faith for myself.”
Barnaby has been attending Trinity Cheltenham for around two years, and was baptised there earlier this month.
“The first time I went to church, I had a really strong experience. It was when I started encountering the Holy Spirit. I was sweating, I felt like I was having an awakening. I’ve been going ever since, and it’s been transformative. It’s been so good for my mental health. I no longer feel alone. My heart’s been completely transformed. I’ve got so much joy in what I do now.”
He now works at The Armoury gym, which is linked to Trinity Cheltenham, and continues to stay involved with SPEAR, returning to speak at celebrations and share his story: “Doing the SPEAR celebrations feels like going to a family gathering. At first it was a bit daunting going back as an example of what SPEAR does, but seeing everyone grow and to speak in front of the cohort is amazing. They help you with public speaking during the course, and you build up to giving a big speech at the end. I remember at the end of each session, people would do a speech in front of the cohort. It’s fantastic to see how far everyone goes.
“I think Alpha is a really good place to start for young people if they are thinking about going to church, and if they have questions about faith. SPEAR is really good if you’re unsure about what direction to take, if you’re young and looking for a career.”
Trinity Cheltenham is currently looking for a Centre Manager for SPEAR→
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