Former CVM Communications Head Jonathan Sherwin Tells Us About His New Venture As An Apologetics Student. Read His Top Tips On Navigating Uni!
Jonathan Sherwin recently left his communications role with men's ministry CVM, for pastures new! Find out about his recent project with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in Hawaii, why his favourite memory with CVM involves seeing others engaged, and find out his tips on how to navigate college as a young Christian man!
Read his Q&A's!
(PICTURES: JONATHAN SHERWIN, CVM LOGO, YWAM LOGO, A STINGRAY AND STUDENTS IN OXFORD)
Please tell us about your most recent project?
I was asked to return to YWAM in the summer to lead a new one month seminar called Reformation Generation. The seminar is for College and University students and soon to be students and is set up to prepare them to survive and thrive as a Christian in that environment. We cover everything from spiritual disciplines to tough questions asked of our faith and have fun in Maui along the way. Highly recommended for those off to University next year and aren't taking a full gap-year yet would like to travel before they start their studies!
So was it tough leaving CVM after almost two years?
I had been thinking about returning to study for a while and after chatting to my boss I felt released to do this and sensed that the timing was right. CVM is going from strength to strength at the moment and it's really encouraging to see all the progress they're making!
What were the highlights of your time there?
It was a real honour to travel around the country and see what God is doing in a variety of contexts with different people. It gave me a real snapshot of the "home front" and where the spiritual struggles are. Whilst I was with CVM the organisation was changing its focus slightly, re-branding and remodelling the set up. This was mostly down to the vision and leadership of Carl Beech. I'd like to think that my cooperation helped a little bit in updating the organisation through my role as Head of Communications.
What did you enjoy particularly about being part of the CVM team and your role there?
Working with men sold out on the message of Jesus who are willing to give it their all is encouraging, inspiring and an honour. A dynamic team like CVM brings lots of energy and enthusiasm, which is infectious!
How did your project in Hawaii come about?
I worked with YWAM Maui for nearly five 
years before, running one of their discipleship schools. During that time we had talked about a one month College/Uni preparation course and it so happened that the first time they could run it, I was available. The base director, Tom, invited my back to lead the team.
years before, running one of their discipleship schools. During that time we had talked about a one month College/Uni preparation course and it so happened that the first time they could run it, I was available. The base director, Tom, invited my back to lead the team.What was your favourite moment there?
Rather than one moment I think the element of the month that was the most encouraging was the fact the all the seminar participants were engaged and enthusiastic about deepening their faith. It's a lot of fun to teach and at the same time learn from people who want to be there and who want to get everything out of the course that they can. As a teacher it's a lot of fun to work in that environment!
Aside from that, swimming with Stingrays one Saturday was pretty fun too ...
What did it involve?
As leaders and planners we can prepare well but it's God that ultimately calls the people that he wants to be involved. So prayer is a vital part of preparation. We are called to be responsible with our duties but relinquish overall control to God.
Your next exciting venture is your one year course at Oxford University studying apologetics with Ravi Zacharias Ministries - was this tough to get on?
It was a slightly nervous application/interview process! The course is growing in popularity year on year and I'm told that applications exceed places by some way.
Why did you apply to do this?
Apologetics - the defence of the Christian faith, part of evangelism - has been something I have enjoyed since my time with YWAM. This course is the best in the world of it's type and is taught by many great leaders and thinkers who have the highest academic credentials coupled with great and varied experience. The life of the mind and the power of the Spirit is celebrated in full measure and this combination was very attractive to me.
I'm part way through the first term and I'm still just as excited as the first day! The schedule is very full and it's stretching in many areas. I'm excited to be studying full time again.
What do you hope to get out of doing the course?
I'm looking to build on the work I've already done in this field and pick up some new skills along the way. Ultimately I see it as part of my training for further evangelism and Apologetics.
What is next after this?
I really don't know! Part of this year is about honing where my specific giftings may be and then praying more into these areas. I could see more study or being back in ministry, in this country or overseas.
You will be in a college setting - how can college be challenging for young Christian men?
Unless you seek accountability, you're on your own. Sure, everyone sees you but unless you find other men to invest in and be honest with your heart can easily become lonely. There's a massive difference between being alone and being lonely and it's all to easy to hide our hearts only for the enemy to play on this opening us up to doubts and temptations.
What is your advice to young men going to uni/college?
Get in a church community, make some close friends and be open and honest with a few. Seek to build structure to your new environment - sports help here. In Oxford, the academic life is very busy but we're all encouraged to take up a sport. The physical exercise is good for the mind and the discipline spills over into the other areas of our life. Plus, it's a great way to make friends.
Who is there to support young men going to uni/college?
Find your Christian Union - check out UCCF and get involved. And check out Fusion before you head to University. They can help you get plugged in with a local church and make that transition smoothly.
Anything you would love to add?
Being at University can be the best time of your life! Enjoy it and expect big things from God!