While we have a Christian understanding of salvation based on Jesus’s sacrifice - his death - and resurrection, it is his earthly ministry that instructs us how to live as a disciple.

During those three short years between baptism and crucifixion, Jesus shows us what it means to be someone who lives their life at one with God. Through His life we are shown what it means to be part of  Church both individually and corporately and looking closely at his way of life we can find our own pattern of living.

We often think the Church was born on Easter Day or Pentecost - that may well be so  - but  we also recognise that the three years before  were just as significant. From Jesus’ ministry the church has learnt its concern for healing and  for reconciliation. From Jesus the disciples learnt how to teach, how to preach and how to resolve conflict.

Jesus also gives us a pretty  good idea how Christians are to help others live as disciples through teaching, apprenticeship, mentoring,  forthright challenge, prayerfulness and love.

I believe that every Christian in this Diocese needs to continue to learn how to live as a disciple who is in touch with the God who creates and sustains all things. That is why I was so thrilled by the enthusiasm that was tangible at November’s conference and emanated from the Feedback forms.

It is also the reason for assembling from across the breadth of the Christian movement in England a selection of  inspiring speakers, who are themselves disciples, to address us in the Bishop’s Lent Lectures which begin on February 24th.

I hope this is just a beginning of our  journey together into deeper discipleship, articulate faithfulness and joyful service .