THE EMPHASIS of the second Multiply Leaders’ Conference of 2004 was on brotherhood – its highs and lows, its joys and difficulties, and, most importantly, its how-to’s.

After a Spirit-filled time of worship, prayer and ministry, Mick Haines, a member of the Jesus Fellowship Apostolic Team, brought a new meaning to the acronym ‘BBC’. In the context of his ‘Build Brotherhood Campaign’ he spoke of the need for openness when building relationships of holiness and depth. In small groups, delegates then shared areas where they most experienced the battle to maintain integrity in their Christian witness.

In a society where image and status are toted as the basic criteria for acceptance, many people feel isolated. Citing the example of Jonathan stripping himself of his armour before King David, Kelly Bartholomew, another Apostolic Team member, said Christians must show the reality of the gospel’s power to impact lives by developing vulnerability of heart.

He talked with wisdom, humour and passion of his own experiences in nurturing a community household, of how honesty and equality with one another, though going against the grain of natural inclinations, were vital in cultivating unity and finding the honour of God.