The Bishop of Lichfield has called on churches to follow the lead of manufacturer JCB as they consider how to grow.
The Rt Revd Jonathan Gledhill was giving a presidential address to members of the Lichfield Diocesan Synod, when he recalled a visit to JCB’s world headquarters and the company’s new Academy in Rocester.
He said:
“Jo Bamford, the original JCB, brought some consultants in who said that if he wanted JCB to succeed he should move it out of Staffordshire, which is a long way from any ports and major hubs and locate near Heathrow or a major port. But he replied that ‘We started in a lock-up in Uttoxeter and the firm will stay in Staffordshire’.
“He was right. JCB is now the world’s third largest manufacturer of earth moving equipment and many management consultants have gone out of business!
“Jo Bamford’s strapline for JCB is Shaping the World and the kind of vision he has for his new-style academy is not very far from the Christian ideal for the young. And if JCB can grow by re-inventing an old tradition – apprenticeships – can’t the church do the same with discipleship?”