Transforming Lives: The Story of Three13
It is a beautiful thing to have a heart for training people who need a fresh start. However, from its inception, the ministry of Three13 has been about more than just training, but rather about transforming lives through the power of Jesus.
Starting Out
Initially, Ste McFarlane pioneered new in-church training on aspects of leadership and project management. However, he soon began to look for ways the church could use training to transform the lives of people outside the church. Short courses were set up in Teesside to help people move forward in their finances or in finding work. Over time, the delivery grew and began to serve several areas around the North East. The ministry connected with other local churches as venues and received funding referrals and partnerships with different authorities and agencies as training methods were accredited and developed.
Advancing
Despite the widespread success of the training, over time it became evident that running short courses of 2-3 days allowed insufficient time to actually spend with people, particularly to share with them who Jesus was and what their lives could become with Him. As a result, the whole approach was reviewed, contracts were ended, and there was a return to home base in Teesside.
Through the generosity of Tees Valley Community Church - the gift of its land and the use of its buildings - the Advance Programme was set up in 2019. This meant the establishment of new employability courses, and the provision of training on various employment pathways, including gardening and growing skills in Oakwood Gardens, manufacturing and carpentry skills in the wood workshop, and warehouse training linked with the Message Trust’s Community Groceries. The church became a hub of activity, hosting tailored support for the long-term unemployed, ex-offenders, single parents, and young people leaving care or estranged from family.
Three13 is now Matrix accredited to provide information, advice and guidance and provide BTEC and NOCN qualifications. The team understands that simply changing a person's employment status isn't always enough to lead to sustainable change for them and their family. Therefore, other life skills courses are also available, dealing with things like money, building confidence, or encouraging healthy living.
Investing meaningfully with each person, the programmes take place for four days a week over a four-week period. However, the set-up allows flexibility unconstrained by ‘red tape’, to deal with the chaotic lifestyles of some, the particular needs of lone-parent families or those needing help with travel arrangements (including costs). This approach aims to reduce the barriers that can prevent people engaging.
The Presence of Jesus
The work is unapologetically Gospel-led, and the open Christian focus has not been a barrier to accessing grants or receiving referrals and favour from local and national authorities, including local councils, the DWP, and the Ministry of Justice. Alpha courses are even run for those undertaking their Community Service. Those attending are surrounded by Christians open about their faith and the difference Jesus makes. Testimonies abound in this transformative environment (in 2022, a quarter of those on the training courses made a decision to follow Jesus). New Christians are then encouraged to attend local churches, where they can find permanent community and discipleship.
The name of the work itself even grants evangelistic opportunities, as the answer to the question, “Why Three13?” prompts conversations about the Bible (the charity take their name from Philippians 13:13!).
A Final Prayer
The prayer of Ste McFarlane, founder and director of the work, is not only for ongoing provision but “always that we transform lives, always that the gospel is given, and that salvation comes, and that disciples are made.”
The ministry of Three13 is a beautiful example of how training and enterprise can be used to transform lives through the power of Jesus.
Visit the Thirteen13 web site here, and watch an interview with founder, Ste McFarlane, here.
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Written by Richard Wilson (Jubilee+ Volunteer)
