Faq

FAQ'S

Frequently asked questions...

Even after reading through this page you may still have questions about who we are and what we do. Below you will find a series of frequently asked questions which will hopefully answer whatever questions you have left. If you are still left wondering please do get in touch with us by phone or email using the details at the bottom of this page (or on our Contact page) and we'll do our best to fill in the blanks.

When and where did Shekinah Ministeries begin?

The work of Shekinah New Testament Assembly officially began in the South West London on October 31st, 1986. You can read more about the history of the work here.

Are you a church and, if so, what denomination are you?

Shekinah New Testament Assembly is not a church in the traditional sense (i.e. a local church with members) but we are part of the overall Church body. We are non-denominational, committed to the Great Commission of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20, and we seek to be a help and resource in the area of Christian healing and discipleship. Our teams are made up of people from many different church and denominational backgrounds and preferences, united by a love for God. We encourage all of our team members to be involved in local churches as they are able.

How are you financed?

Shekinah New Testament Assembly is a non-profit organisation (i.e. an official registered charity called The Christian Trust). We give away prayer ministry for free but charge for teaching and training. This has been the policy since the foundation of the work.

In order that the teaching can be made available to as many people as possible, the prices for courses and schools are considerably lower than the real costs. Therefore, we earn about half of the income needed to meet our costs from courses, schools and bookshop sales.

What does the name 'Shekinah' mean?

Shekinah Ministries takes its name from the place where the work started - Ellel Grange - which is in the district of Ellel in Lancashire, England. The name Ellel in old English means 'all hail', which means 'all glory to God'.

In Hebrew Ellel means 'towards God'. In Mandarin it means 'love flowing outwards'. So Ellel could be said to mean 'All hail Jesus, all glory to Him' and be expressed as 'love flowing outwards' into a fallen and broken world, where we are helping people move 'towards God'. We thought it was a name worth keeping!

What is prayer ministry?

At most Ellel events we offer time for response when guests can choose to receive prayer ministry. This involves one or more of the prayer ministry team partnering with the guest in seeking God for healing and freedom related to specific issues and problems in their life.

There will be some time of talking together and some time of praying together - seeking God for understanding and believing in faith for His healing. Most prayer ministry takes place in the main meeting space of the centre - not in private ministry rooms.

Whether or not you receive prayer ministry is completely up to you and if you would rather not receive prayer that is absolutely fine. We are simply available to come alongside you and help you get closer to God and to look at things the Lord may have highlighted to you that need healing.

What is deliverance?

Deliverance is releasing a person from hostile spiritual control in their life, using the authority of Jesus Christ to cast out demons. Jesus Himself performed deliverance many times in the Gospels and placed it at the heart of the Lord's Prayer when He encouraged his disciples and followers to pray, "Deliver us from evil." (Matthew 6:13). Deliverance is a part of the healing process that does not need to be feared. At Ellel, we have learned many valuable lessons in regard to the healing and deliverance ministry and believe deliverance should be gentle and without causing distress.

Is the prayer ministry confidential?

Absolutely, yes! We work to a very strict confidential model and all of our team and volunteers have signed confidentiality agreements. The only exception to this would is if someone shares something that we are legally obliged to disclose to authorities.

Who are the ministry team?

Our Ministry Team are an amazing bunch of people! They are made up of full-time and part-time team members as well as hundreds of volunteers who regularly support the work through praying with guests. They are normal, regular people with hearts to see God transform lives. They all have their own testimonies of what God has done for them, so they know what it is like to be in the place of receiving prayer ministry. In fact, it is a requirement of being on the Ministry Team to continue being open to receive prayer ministry for themselves as we fully recognise we are all in the process of restoration.

What if I am scared or nervous about attending an event?

It is very natural to be nervous or scared and we recognise for some it is a big thing to come to a new place to talk about your life issues. Please be assured you will be treated with love, care, kindness and dignity throughout your time with us. Likewise, we will support you as best we can in the nervous days before arriving with us. Contact the centre you are visiting and let them know you are struggling; they would love to help you.

Why does healing take time?

Healing is a broad term that we can limit to a one-off experience or encounter with God. Yet, we see healing as a part of the discipleship walk we are called to as Christians and a process that continues throughout our lives. Major breakthroughs and one-off encounters are great but the goal should always be a deepening of your relationship with God. Dealing with issues of the past and how we have responded to those can take time to untangle and for us to learn new ways of responding and behaving. God is kind and gentle... He never overpowers us or forces us. It is in the journey that we learn more of who He is. In essence, He takes it in His time as He knows what is best for us.

I am not a Christian, can I come?

Yes, you are more than welcome! We hope your experience is one where you can see Christianity and God in a way that is real and life changing. You don't need to bring a Bible or anything... not everyone does so you won't look like the odd one out

where did Shekinah Ministeries

The work of Shekinah New Testament Assembly officially began in the South West London on October