From a place where he 'didn't know who Jesus was', and through some tough times, Scott Bourne's journey took him to a church on his estate where he found faith that would change his life. Now on CCX's Estates Apprenticeship Scheme, Scott wants to introduce more young people from estates to Jesus, to experience the difference that a faith and hope in Christ can bring.
Scott Bourne grew up on estates. He recalls getting caught up in a difficult life, becoming involved with gangs and drug abuse from an early age. He had no concept of faith. ‘I wouldn’t have known who Jesus was,’ Scott explains.
When he moved to the Strawberry Vale estate in North London, a friend took him to church@five. He remembers that the first time he walked into a service he promptly left, after seeing people ‘waving their hands in the air and praying.’
It was an offer of free food that brought him back to church. As he got to know the people, he recognised how relational it was. ‘I started to realise that faith isn’t based on how you have to act,’ says Scott, ‘it’s who you are. Church@five is very much “come as you are”, it doesn’t matter whether you’re stoned or this or that, they want to invite you into the presence of Jesus. I was very lucky to have that experience which led to me being interested in who Jesus was. Instead of viewing the talks as boring, it was actually quite exciting.’
Scott went through a time of questioning his faith and challenging Jesus. ‘I was at a low point in my life and would question everything, asking what’s the point. Luckily, I had a friend who was persistent in pushing me to grow into the man Jesus sees me as.
‘I knew from that point that it changed. So I, that’s when I kind of gave myself to the Lord, saying “Okay, I’m not going to be good at this, but how do we do that?” I was very lucky to receive therapy with someone and spent many years just growing my faith and really blossoming.’
Scott started a training course which he struggled with, finding it challenged his faith. It was then that Helen Shannon, CCX Estates Lead, introduced him to the CCX Estates Apprenticeship Scheme.
‘Everyone learns in a different way and the estates guys need something different,’ explains Helen. ‘The CCX scheme enables individuals from estates contexts to work and learn alongside experienced practitioners.’
Scott says: ‘I’m someone who learns by actively doing, getting involved, and having conversations. Helen said “Just join in!” It was just perfect for me, learning with other guys who are very different, content that’s faith-based, but not being told to basically, “Oh, go read this book on how to tell you what you should do.” No, instead it’s “let’s invite the Lord and get him to guide us.”’
Now Scott’s passion is to reach out to the younger generation on estates. As a church@five leader he helps lead Families Church.
‘I really want to make an impact on 16- to 20-year-olds on my local estates, impacting youth and kids through connection with families,’ says Scott. ‘I want to show them, “look at what Jesus is doing in my life”. He’s going to continue doing it. This is something you guys could have. And I want to join your journey as you explore what that is, with the ups and the downs.
‘My passion is to reach our younger generation, I think that’s where the power of church is going to be. I want to change the dynamic of how they might feel. Not that they have to come in and act a certain way and be certain people to go in. No, there’s power in you being who you are. There is a better life for you through Jesus.’
To find out more about the CCX Estates Apprenticeship Scheme
