Jem supports the Church of Uganda’s ‘BUILD’ training initiative, which has now spread to the surrounding countries (South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and DR Congo). BUILD (Biblical Understanding for In-service Leadership Development) helps to equip the many local church leaders who have no access to traditional training.

BUILD uses a multiplication model to achieve this: the formal training-of-trainers equips them to train leaders at the grassroots in local, non-formal BUILD groups. The trainers are exposed to and taught to use an extensive curriculum that is biblical, theological and practical, and which has been developed in context.

Jem joined Crosslinks in 2000 and lived in Uganda until 2007 before moving to South Africa, where there is also some BUILD presence. He returned to the UK in 2013 and continues to serve BUILD through leading the work of BUILD Partners, which includes regular travel to East Africa. Jem also serves as an Associate Minister (NSM) at St Bartholomew’s Church, Bath.