together AUTUMN 2013
WWW.FIEC.ORG.UK
THE MAGAZINE OF FIEC
Escape to the Country? The reality of rural ministry
ALSO INSIDE: A new song FIEC in Scotland News from our churches
WELCOME... Welcome to our autumn issue of Together
Together is published by FIEC, 39 The Point, Market Harborough, LE16 7QU. 01858 434540 www.fiec.org.uk admin@fiec.org.uk fb.com/theFIEC @theFIEC INSERTS/ADVERTS For all enquiries about advertising in Together please email sarah@fiec.org.uk EDITOR Sarah Simpkin 01858 411553 sarah@fiec.org.uk Copy date for next edition: Friday 28 February 2014 WRITER/SUB-EDITOR Jess Bee www.jessbee.com DESIGNED BY AH Graphic Design www.ahgraphicdesign.co.uk ah@ahgraphicdesign.co.uk 07500 465753
In Together we often cover stories from churches in urban areas. By contrast, in this issue our front cover story comes from Mark Howson of Grace Church in Mickfield who tells us about the joys – and the challenges – of rural church life. When I think of rural life, images of ‘the good life’ – rolling fields, farming, character cottages, quaint churches and cosy pubs come to mind. And my experience of traditional rural church life is limited to a small Welsh town in South Wales I used to visit as a child while on family holidays. As a family of four we would often double the congregation numbers for the morning. Some 30 years later rural communities are seeing an increase in the number of commuters looking for a weekend bolthole and community life is often spread over a number of villages. And unlike the urban church setting where we often find ourselves reaching out to those in the immediate neighbourhood, rural-based Christians can find themselves travelling miles to church. In the article Mark explains how a different way of thinking is needed if church members are to live out their faith in their local community – ideas that could easily be used in an urban setting too. We hope that by sharing this and other stories from our family of churches that you will be inspired to reach out to your local community to share the good news of Jesus.
Sarah Simpkin Editor
CONTENTS 3
The power of God
20 Church family
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News in brief
23 Training overseas
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Escape to the country?
25 News from our churches
10 A new song
28 A place to retire
12 Interview: Graham Beynon
30 Book reviews
14 Grace Church Denbigh
32 New affiliations
17 FIEC in Scotland
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THE POWER OF GOD
A word from John Stevens ‘I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.’ (Eph 1v18–19) In the UK today, there is a real danger that evangelical Christians might become discouraged as they feel beleaguered, marginalised and insignificant. The recent introduction of same-sex marriage has demonstrated that we have little ability to shape public policy along biblical lines. More significantly, public profession of allegiance www.fiec.org.uk
to Christianity is rapidly declining, and many churches are ageing and closing. Evangelical churches are just about maintaining their numbers, but there is little sign of real growth, let alone of anything approximating to revival and a return to widespread faith in the Lord Jesus. Faithful Bible-centred and gospel-preaching churches are seeing a discouragingly low number of conversions, perhaps a few every year, and fruitful evangelism seems to require FIEC Together Autumn 2013
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harder work and more time. In the face of these realities it is all too easy to begin to doubt the power of God. Has God abandoned us? Are we doing something wrong that is preventing him from working among us? Do we need a new message, a new ministry, a new technique, a new style?
Confidence in God’s power Rather than doubting that God is with us, or assuming that we are doing something wrong, I think we urgently need to renew and regain our confidence in the almighty power of God, to realise that His power is already at work among us and is available to us. The power of God is at work through the preaching and application of the gospel message, and is appropriated by prayer in the Holy Spirit. We need to remember that we can achieve nothing of lasting eternal value merely by our own ingenuity and efforts.
Leaders’ conference This is why we chose the theme The Power of God for this year’s leaders’ conference, which we are planning for as I write this. The content of the teaching, training and worship during November’s conference is to give our churches and their leaders a confident trust and hope that the power of God is at work in them through
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the gospel and by prayer.* Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a wonderful celebration of the power of God. Paul encourages us to realise afresh that the whole of life is a spiritual battle against Satan and the forces of evil, and that we can only live and minister by the power of God. Spiritual warfare is not some specialised branch of Christian ministry for the elite, but should be part of ordinary Christian living. The great news of Ephesians is that God has already exercised his great power on behalf of his people through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This ‘incomparably great power’ (Eph 1:19) is now made available ‘for us who believe’.
I THINK WE URGENTLY NEED TO RENEW AND REGAIN OUR CONFIDENCE IN THE ALMIGHTY POWER OF GOD God’s power is mediated through the ministry of the gospel, the word of God, and prayer. It is through the preaching of the gospel that God works his mighty power to bring dead sinners to new life in Christ. It is through his mighty power that God enables Christians to grasp something of the vast scope
of Christ’s love, so that human divisions of race and culture will be transcended by new unity in Christ. It is the mighty power of God, appropriated by trusting and preaching the truth of the gospel, and by prayer in the Spirit, that enables us to endure to ultimate victory with Christ against all the devil’s schemes.
At work among us It is all too easy for us to miss the way that God is powerfully at work among us. We assume that most aspects of the Christian life, church life and Christian ministry are simply ordinary. However, if we listened to the Scriptures we would understand that they are great supernatural miracles. Every conversion, the maintenance of true Christian unity, and the perseverance against opposition and temptation, are all examples of the power of God at work. Rather than being discouraged, we need to renew our faith in God’s power, open our eyes to how he is at work among us, and commit ourselves to the work of preaching the gospel and prayer. John Stevens FIEC National Director For more info: *The main talks will be available on our website in the weeks following the Leaders’ Conference.
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NEWS IN BRIEF An FIEC-supported church plant was launched this September. Trinity Church Oxford is based in the heart of the city and is working with other local churches and ministries to reach out to students (www. TrinityChurchOxford.com). Prepared for Service (PfS) is moving home, with Bethel Church Coventry taking ownership of the course. Launching as PfSPlus, in September 2014, the course will include the core elements that make the PfS course unique but with a number of new features added. For full details of PfSPlus please contact Darren Bovis-Coulter at the church office on 024 7625 6874.
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Calling all women set apart by their church in full or part-time pastoral or word ministry. FIEC’s annual Women Worker’s conference takes place Monday 30th June to Wednesday 2nd July 2014 at a new venue in Staffordshire, Shallowford House. For more information please email Elisabeth@fiec.org.uk. Get involved. Planning for the national initiative a passion for life is well underway for spring 2014. It is all about proclaiming Christ’s passion for the life of the world through local churches. Interested in getting involved? Visit their website www. apassionforlife.org.uk.
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ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY?
THE CONGREGATION OF MICKFIELD EVANGELICAL CHURCH IN SUFFOLK
The image of rural life is often one of an idyllic scene or of communities cut off from the real world. But what is it like to be part of a church in the heart of the countryside? As Mark Howson, pastor and farmer, talks about what he enjoys about his life in the country – walking his dogs, restoring a 50-year-old Land Rover, discussing the harvest with locals – one gets a sense of peace, space and simplicity. Government statistics* confirm this idea of the ‘good life’, with figures showing that people who live in the countryside are healthier and safer, and less likely to be living in poverty, homeless, unemployed or victims of crime. On the surface, the challenges and benefits of rural ministry could appear somewhat different to that of a city context, but the needs of the community and individuals are the same – to know and
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make known the love of Christ. Mark is pastor of Mickfield Evangelical Church in Suffolk, serving two villages and the surrounding hamlets. He and his team are also responsible for a small Baptist church in Great Blakenham on the outskirts of Ipswich (the two churches are separate but come together for Sunday evening services). This spread of the church community through the surrounding area means that the church building as ‘centre’ is different to how churches in more densely populated areas operate. ‘The community in which we work is not limited to a suburb or estate as it sometimes is in an urban setting, or indeed to one village,’ says Mark. ‘Instead, our
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community is made up of the families, friends, neighbours, and work colleagues that are part of the lives of the people in the church.’
Sense of busyness However, there are many more similarities than differences between city and rural life. ‘A slower pace of life in the country may have been the case a few years ago,’ says Mark, ‘but a sense of busyness has crept in and truly affected rural communities. Also, country living is often defined as having a greater sense of community, but we’ve seen an influx of commuters moving to the area who have spent a busy day or week in London and who simply want to shut the door on the world when they get home.’ As with churches all over the world, whether in urban or rural settings, people are at the heart of Mickfield Evangelical Church’s vision and values. ‘We try to understand what is going on in people’s lives,’ says Mark, ‘this has to be done through relationship.’ This is made easier by the less transient nature of countryside residents – people tend to stay for the long-term once they’ve arrived which makes building relationships easier. ‘However, as is sometimes the case with urban congregations, many rural churches expect people
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to come to them,’ says Mark. ‘But a different way of thinking is required.’
THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND INDIVIDUALS ARE THE SAME – TO KNOW AND MAKE KNOWN THE LOVE OF CHRIST Mark and the congregation share a conviction that there is a need for vision and approach to be much bigger and less parochial than a traditional view of a rural village church. ‘Believers often travel several miles to rural churches, leaving behind
the community in which they live, and passing several other villages and hamlets which remain largely unaffected by the lives of Christians,’ says Mark. ‘If our congregation is to begin to reach these communities, there needs to be a presence of Christian lives lived everyday – this is very difficult to do if all the activity is centred on a church several miles away.’ With this in mind Sundays are aimed at gathering to ‘equip the saints’ (Eph. 4–11) with a focus on the congregation taking an active interest in the immediate communities in which they live – ministering to those around them and reaching out with the gospel message. ‘To help facilitate
MARK AND RACHAEL HOWSON
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CHILDREN AT THE CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL
this, we have set up “growth groups”,’ says Mark. ‘These smaller groups help cultivate greater accountability, both for one another’s walk in Christ, and for reaching others with the gospel.’
Building relationships This approach has and is requiring a big change in mindset and is a huge challenge for Mark and his church. However, their commitment to building relationships has seen fruit in the lives of the people they’re witnessing to. Kevin, a church member, who doesn’t have very many people living nearby and who also works from home, has little opportunity to interact with new people. However, a visit
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to his house from a plumber led to a conversation about the Bible and Jesus, and now the plumber is taking part in Christianity Explored.
OUR COMMUNITY IS MADE UP OF THE FAMILIES, FRIENDS, NEIGHBOURS, AND WORK COLLEAGUES THAT ARE PART OF THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH One of the growth groups has set up a sewing class, where people from the local community come together
to learn from a professional seamstress. Also a church member has started a choir in a local primary school. These gatherings afford lots of space to build relationships and grow trust. But they are ultimately opportunities to share the gospel – through personal witness and through inviting people to take part in a Christianity Explored course, either one-to-one with a Christian or as part of a local group run by church members. As with any other church, building and growing a rural congregation presents huge challenges, but for Mark it’s about adapting to the landscape in which he’s working. By assessing the needs of the people and the communities that he and his church are serving, they are shaping their discipleship and evangelism to allow them to reach and serve people most effectively. And, by individuals taking responsibility for evangelism while partnering with others and being accountable, there is huge scope for the gospel to be shared and for more people to come to faith. Written by Jess Bee on behalf of Together *Source: Statistical Digest of Rural England 2013, June 2013, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
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A NEW SONG
Using new music in church can often be a contentious issue. Colin Webster, minister and worship leader from Cornerstone Church, Nottingham, explains why new songs bring inspiration and life to our collective musical worship. A few months ago, one of our students came up to me and said, ‘We played our first ever modern song at my old church last week!’ The song in question was In Christ Alone by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty, written in 2001! Here was a church that was at least 12 years behind the times and had only just discovered one of the most theologically rich and widely used contemporary hymns of our time.
Old and new At Cornerstone, we have always striven to retain the great old hymns as well as embracing the very best of new contemporary songs. By ‘the best’ I mean songs where thought has gone into both the biblical and theological lyrical content as well as the quality of the music. We believe it’s important that we sing songs that are more than just a catchy tune. A worship www.fiec.org.uk
song is, after all, a wordbased ministry and should communicate truths about the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and exalt and praise the work that they do. Avoiding contemporary songs that embrace this concept will impoverish a church and mean that it is less likely to attract the next generation into its fellowship. The minute we lose the next generation our churches will die – quite literally – of old age. Visitors to our church often ask where we get some of the ‘lovely new songs we’re singing’. I inform them that there are plenty of websites and conferences where songs of substance and weight are readily available. If you are a church leader looking for fresh new songs then I would encourage you to listen to the live worship albums recorded at trusted conferences such as Keswick Convention or New Word Alive, where words and not just melodies are important. Not everyone’s
church will have the type of musicians that we hear on many of these polished albums, but most of the songs can be played quite readily on a piano or guitar, and even the organ.
A WORSHIP SONG IS A WORDBASED MINISTRY AND SHOULD COMMUNICATE TRUTHS ABOUT THE TRIUNE GOD: FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT Our own website, cornerstoneworship.co.uk, provides a selection of modern songs as well as old hymns set to new music. One of the things I have been excited to see has been the resurgence of old hymns because they have been given a fresh arrangement, sometimes retaining the FIEC Together Autumn 2013
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INTERVIEW: GRAHAM BEYNON
THERE ARE PLENTY OF WEBSITES AND CONFERENCES WHERE SONGS OF SUBSTANCE AND WEIGHT ARE READILY AVAILABLE original melody line. This has enabled rich truths from the past to be retained and passed onto a new generation of worshippers. I remember hearing Graham Kendrick, the writer of The Servant King, being interviewed on Radio 4 many years ago. When he was asked about modern worship songs in the church, he responded: ‘I believe that every generation has the right to worship God in a style that is appropriate for that generation.’ His words echo Scripture, where the psalmist says: Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Psalm 96v1–2
In recognition of the growing need for tailored training courses for those seeking to enter Free Church ministry, Oak Hill College has appointed Graham Beynon as Director of Free Church Training. Trevor Archer, FIEC Training Director, talks to Graham about his new role.
Long may God’s people in every generation, continue to find new songs in their mouths that sing of his endless glory and praise.
Why have you taken this post?
Colin Webster Cornerstone Church, Nottingham
Firstly, because I believe in training. We need pastors and others in Christian ministry who are well equipped to teach, lead and care. I know I’ve benefitted from training in the past and believe colleges like Oak Hill have a significant contribution to make. Secondly, for me personally it’s because I’ve been moving towards more of a training role over recent years. I’ve been doing some teaching for Independent students at Oak Hill and I’ve been the director of the Gospel Partnership training course in Cambridge. I’ve recently finished a PhD which was specifically to further equip me in training others.
Colin is one of the ministers at Cornerstone, Nottingham. He has led worship at the Keswick Convention and New Word Alive. For more info: Keswick Convention and New Word Alive live albums are available through their websites: www.keswickministries.org www.wordaliveevent.org Other websites for information and resources: www.sovereigngracemusic.org www.gettymusic.com www.cornerstoneworship.co.uk
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Why is this role significant for FIEC churches? It’s significant because it means that Independent students at Oak Hill will be www.fiec.org.uk
better catered for. This will be particularly in areas of teaching that relate to Independent church life and ministry. Many of these students will go on to work in FIEC churches. What excites you about the job? Being able to train and help shape ministers of the gospel. I’m excited to see people grappling with Scripture, with history, and with systematic theology as they think about ministry. I love to see people go through that process and emerge more confident, more prepared, and more humble in the task of ministry. What will be the greatest challenges? Probably balancing this staff position with ongoing responsibilities at our church plant [Graham is pastor of Grace Church, Cambridge]. Also, making judgements about the best areas to cover with the students. Why do you think it’s important for Free Church men and women to get college training? I think it provides skills that will be used throughout their ministry. They are helped to come to clear convictions on significant topics, and to develop a more joinedup picture of theology and ministry. It means that they www.fiec.org.uk
develop clear principles about ministry rather than resorting to what we’ve always done, or what we think might work.
I’M EXCITED TO SEE PEOPLE GRAPPLING WITH SCRIPTURE, WITH HISTORY, AND WITH SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY AS THEY THINK ABOUT MINISTRY What will the role involve? I will be teaching a number of courses on Independent church ministry and possibly other areas such as systematic theology. I will have an overview of life for Independent students at the college, including the placement scheme, and consider how it might be improved. I hope to spend time with students individually helping them in what they are learning and decisions for their future. How best can we pray for you? For wisdom in preparing material, dividing my time, and decisions to be made. More than this, please pray for God to work through this to better prepare people for ministry so that Independent churches
GRAHAM BEYNON
can continue to contribute to the growth of the Kingdom. Trevor Archer FIEC Training Director Graham Beynon is pastor of Grace Church, Cambridge. He has previously pastored churches in Leicester and Cambridge. Graham is also the course director for TEAM (Training for East Anglia Ministry). Prior to full-time Christian ministry, Graham was an audiological scientist working with hearing and balance disorders. He studied theology at Oak Hill Theological College, London. He is married to Charis and they have three children. Graham has written several books, including: Mirror, Mirror: Discover Your True Identity in Christ (2008, IVP), Last Things First: Living in the Light of the Future (2010, IVP), Planting for the Gospel: a Hands-On Guide to Church Planting (2011, Christian Focus). FIEC Together Autumn 2013
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needn’t have worried. The venue worked well, people threw themselves into serving and nearly 40 people came. In a small Welsh market-town news travels quickly and word had got out that we were taking our first tentative steps in establishing a new church in Denbigh.
THE CUNNINGHAM FAMILY
GRACE CHURCH DENBIGH Update on church planting in North Wales
Last November, we reported on the evangelical scene in Wales and the beginnings of a church plant in Denbigh. Dafydd Cunningham updates us on an exciting year for Grace Church. ‘One Sunday morning at the end of April, I walked from our house, five minutes down the road to the local community centre with a music stand under my arm (a portable pulpit) to our first ever Grace Church meeting. There had
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been weeks of planning, months of discussing and years of praying, and although we were all excited about how the Lord had led us this far, none of us were quite sure how it would go. ‘In God’s kindness we
BY GOD’S GRACE WE KNOW WE HAVE A MESSAGE THAT CAN CHANGE LIVES, COMMUNITIES AND EVEN ETERNITIES ‘Over the following six months we met each month, learning together from Paul’s letter to Titus, sharing ideas of how we might reach our town and growing in friendships. A couple of after-church picnics over the summer helped build relationships and establish our small congregation. ‘Since then, and by God’s grace, we very recently started meeting weekly on a Sunday and we’ve continued gathering each Thursday evening for Bible study and prayer.
Great opportunities ‘The first week of August saw the National Eisteddfod come to Denbigh. More than 150,000 people descended on a town of fewer than 10,000 for a packed week of music, www.fiec.org.uk
dance and literature – it was Glastonbury meets the Hay Book Festival, and all in Welsh. It was an opportunity for us at Grace Church – both Welsh and non-Welsh speakers – to help serve at the Evangelical Movement of Wales stand on the Eisteddfod field, giving out specially produced leaflets with testimonies of local Christians and offering refreshments. It also proved to be a good opportunity to tell locals about Grace Church and some good contacts were made.
Toddlers’ group ‘At the end of September we started a weekly toddlers’ group, also in the community centre. In the large storage space under the centre we discovered an Aladdin’s cave of top-quality toys which belong to the council’s “play library”. With their funding being cut and fewer groups being organised across the county, they were only too happy for us to borrow the toys for our group. Our Heavenly Father is so kind!
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THERE HAD BEEN WEEKS OF PLANNING, MONTHS OF DISCUSSING AND YEARS OF PRAYING, AND ALTHOUGH WE WERE ALL EXCITED ABOUT HOW THE LORD HAD LED US THIS FAR, NONE OF US WERE QUITE SURE HOW IT WOULD GO ‘It’s still early days here at Grace Church. We feel small, vulnerable and sometimes overwhelmed by the social and spiritual needs around us. Yet by God’s grace we know we have a message that can change lives, communities and even eternities. What a privilege it is to be a small part of God’s amazing plans for his worldwide church.’ Dafydd Cunningham Grace Church, Denbigh
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word alive 7–12 & 12–17 April 2014 www.wordaliveevent.org
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FIEC IN SCOTLAND For over 90 years, FIEC has been supporting Independent evangelical churches in the UK. Now, with the appointment of a Scotland Director, plans to expand the work north of the border promise greater opportunities for churches to serve the gospel. Since 1922, UK Independent churches have been united in vision and voice through our work. Yet, until recently, there has been less of a tradition of Independency in Scotland with just 18 small churches affiliated to us. However, things are changing. More and more Independent churches in Scotland are recognising the importance of working together and so are seeing FIEC as a viable option.
Our vision in Scotland In order to maximise this growth and desire to work together, we have appointed Andy Hunter as our new www.fiec.org.uk
Scotland Director to develop our vision in Scotland. With recent changes in thinking, we are focussing more on training, mission and looking after pastors, in line with our key areas. Andy will be seeking to bring these things to Independent churches in Scotland in a way that fits with the local context and needs. Andy, a Glaswegian and a graduate of Oak Hill College, London, has been the full-time teaching elder at Greenview Evangelical Church in Glasgow for the past nine years. He talks about the context in which he lives and works: ‘The culture in Scotland is
becoming more liberal and irreligious, and people are frequently unreceptive to the Christian message. All around we are seeing a real crisis of confidence in Scripture that has led many churches to sit increasingly loosely on the Bible. At the same time there are great examples of churches holding onto Biblical truth and being missional without appearing to be dated or disconnected from society.’ Our vision is to see
ANDY HUNTER, THE NEW FIEC SCOTLAND DIRECTOR
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churches pulling together to reach Scotland with the gospel, to make it possible for every church to be involved in national mission by being part of a network rather than limited by their own resources. Iain Shaw, pastor of Clarkson Baptist Church in Glasgow, explains further: ‘Over the past 20 years or so, many of the FIEC churches in Scotland have been a fellowship in a very limited way. While many churches in Scotland seem to be drifting due to a lack of confidence in the gospel, FIEC is in a position to help restore that confidence both nationally and locally.’ Paul Rees, leader of Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh, agrees that we have a key role to play: ‘Scotland is going through significant church upheaval at the moment as many evangelical ministers and congregations in the Church of Scotland work out their response to the General Assembly on the acceptance of practicing homosexuality
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among its ministers. This is a time where people are looking around to see what networks of support and encouragement there might be for evangelicals to determine their church practice and discipleship.’
OUR VISION IS TO SEE CHURCHES PULLING TOGETHER TO REACH SCOTLAND WITH THE GOSPEL For Andy, the job of Scotland Director is exciting, as well as a huge challenge. To date, we have been very underrepresented in Scotland so this new role is an opportunity to meet churches and their leaders and to share our vision of Biblebelieving and mission-hearted churches working together to reach the nation. ‘As with the rest of the UK, evangelical churches in Scotland are often fragmented and under pressure,’ says Andy. ‘My hope
is that this role will be a catalyst for churches to come together and be strengthened and encouraged by each other.’ Part of the role, and an initial first task, will be for Andy to build relationships with and offer pastoral support to the existing FIEC family and to Independent churches in Scotland. His experience of trying to lead a church in a way that is gospelfocused, encouraging and which allows people to do what they do best, will help him to connect with these leaders and churches. He’ll also be working with them in practical ways, facilitating teaching, training, and helping with mission opportunities. Another key aspect to the role is to encourage churches to take the lead in developing gospel partnerships through creating regional networks and participating in national mission initiatives such as a passion for life.
Integration This role is not about FIEC in
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Scotland being separate or independent. Instead it’s about better integrating Scotland into the work that we do. John Stevens, FIEC National Director, explains: ‘Andy will be both an advocate for Independency in Scotland and also for Scottish churches within FIEC – with a broad vision to serve the cause of the gospel in this part of the UK.’
MY HOPE IS THAT THIS ROLE WILL BE A CATALYST FOR CHURCHES TO COME TOGETHER AND BE STRENGTHENED AND ENCOURAGED BY EACH OTHER ‘I believe that this new Scotland Director is exactly what we need at this time,’ says Paul Rees. ‘Andy’s appointment is a very tangible expression of the commitment FIEC have to shape a Scottish identity for Independency and reach out to congregations
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who are looking to be part of a bigger family of churches.’ Ian Shaw agrees, ‘I am thrilled that Andy has been appointed not least because he is a man who loves the Lord and has a deep pastoral concern for people,’ he says. ‘I know that Andy will seek to form bonds between current FIEC congregations and also with likeminded churches.’
Standing united ‘There is such potential to see the work of the gospel joined up as FIEC grows in Scotland and is used by God to impact the nation for Christ,’ says Andy. It is an exciting time for the gospel cause in Scotland, with potential for Independent churches to develop their evangelism and plant more churches, feeling confident and unashamed of the gospel and standing united with one another. Written by Jess Bee on behalf of Together
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CHURCH FAMILY Richard Underwood is FIEC Pastoral Director, responsible for pastoral activities and seeking the spiritual health of churches and church leaders. Here, he shares his thoughts on church life. Among the many New Testament descriptions of church, one that stands out for me is that of ‘family’. Step into my house and you’ll experience family on two levels. Initially, you’ll see the people in the photos – smiling and looking our best. But, if you hang around long enough you’ll experience the rough and tumble of everyday family life. Church in the New Testament is a bit like this. The authors give us lots of hints and glimpses of church as God sees it – recipients of his grace, bearers of his image, and displayers of his glory. But they also show us the nitty-gritty of the everyday – all the struggles and triumphs, hurts and healings, tears and laughter. In light of this idea of ‘family’, here are four examples of church life from the New Testament that should inform our worship, discipleship and evangelism:
Community Authentic Christian experience is rarely just about Jesus and me – it’s usually Jesus and us. Church is a community project – we’re in it together, like a family. The first glimpse the New Testament gives us into church life homes in on this sense of community: ‘Those who accepted www.fiec.org.uk
his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer’ (Acts 2v41–42). So, the question is, how good are we at expressing community? How much scope is there for us to get to know one another? To share our lives together? To serve one another for Jesus’ sake? If our idea of fellowship is sitting in rows to sing God’s praise and listen to his Word, then we’ve missed the point.
CHURCH IS A COMMUNITY PROJECT – WE’RE IN IT TOGETHER, LIKE A FAMILY Celebration Like all good families, churches have many causes to celebrate: babies are born, exams are passed, significant milestones are reached. Let’s not forget that Jesus joined his family in celebrating the wedding at Cana. And, in talking about church life, Paul encourages us to ‘rejoice with those who rejoice’ (Rom 12v15). We need to learn to celebrate happy moments together. This may mean interviewing people in our meetings and thanking God with them for his goodness. It may mean bouquets and banquets. There is little danger that we will find too much to celebrate.
Conflict Conflict is inevitable in a fallen world. Trying to avoid it will condemn us to relationships that are shallow and unfruitful. Instead, facing conflict and seeking to resolve it with God’s help and for FIEC Together Autumn 2013
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God’s glory will strengthen our relationships and bear a harvest of good things.
WE NEED TO ASK GOD FOR THE GRACE TO BECOME PEACEMAKERS When Paul writes to his friends in Philippi, he knows that two of his co-workers, Euodia and Syntyche, are having a hard time. That’s why Paul urges others in the fellowship to help them to grow into the same mind in the Lord (Phil 4v2–3). Next time we become aware of tensions in the fellowship, we shouldn’t feel surprised and walk away. Instead, we need to ask God for the grace to become
peacemakers, just like our Heavenly Father.
Commission In the New Testament the word ‘household’ has a subtly different meaning from our modern western idea of the nuclear family: mum, dad and 2.4 children. The New Testament household was more like a small enterprise: extended family, household staff, and the family business. So, what is our Heavenly Father’s family business? Making disciples – seeing others growing in grace and in their knowledge of the Lord Jesus (Matt 28v18–20). Whether we’re building community, celebrating
how to KEEP going fuelling a lifetime of fruitful ministry
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God’s goodness or seeking to resolve conflict, let’s keep the big picture in view – helping each other to become warmhearted and whole-hearted disciples of Jesus Christ. Richard Underwood FIEC Pastoral Director Richard was the General Secretary of FIEC from 2004 to 2010. Before that he was the pastor of Soham Baptist Church for 11 years, a ministry which included providing pastoral support to the local community in the wake of the highly publicised child murders. A native of Suffolk, Richard came to faith in Christ in 1967. He is married to Pippa and they have two grown-up children, David and Anna.
Day conferences for pastors and their wives in 2014. For details visit:
fiec.org.uk/events Conferences in Swindon, Enfield, Harrogate, Bournemouth, Glasgow, Bridgend, Liverpool, Chessington & Nottingham.
pastors’ NETWORK www.fiec.org.uk
TRAINING OVERSEAS Over the years we’ve helped men and women as they train for gospel ministry. James Midwinter received support from the FIEC Training Fund to study in North Carolina, here he shares his story: ‘Choosing where to pursue theological training is a difficult decision. When I was faced with where to study I had options in the UK, but also there were a number of foreign seminaries to consider. But why would I think about relocating my family to another country for theological training?
It appoints gifted professors who are not only renowned scholars but also have a pastoral heart and ministry experience. It has also developed a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates not only a solid theological foundation, but also a brilliant array of practical courses tailored for life in ministry. And it also has an intentional focus on loving and equipping seminary wives for the work God has called them to. Our generation and the ones to follow need – perhaps more so than ever before – theologically-robust, pastorallysensitive and culturally-aware pastor-teachers, and RTS strives toward these objectives with excellence. My first year has certainly confirmed that these aims are lived out in practice. The
Demanding academic study ‘Hannah, my wife, and I spent seven happy years in Birmingham after we were married. Alongside my career as a solicitor and Hannah’s work as a Macmillan nurse, we served and were lovingly served by our home church, Monyhull Church. As God began to draw my heart towards fulltime pastoral ministry, He confirmed a number of objectives. One of which was to pursue the best formal theological education I could – my training and work as a lawyer had shown me the benefits of demanding academic study in preparation for a vocational calling. After hours of prayer and discussion regarding where to undertake this study, we discerned God’s will for us to move to Charlotte to train at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS). ‘But why did we make this choice? RTS is recognised as one of the leading reformed seminaries in the world and has prayerfully pursued a specific model of training with the purpose of equipping pastor-scholars. This ethos shapes every aspect of RTS’ methodology. www.fiec.org.uk
THE MIDWINTER FAMILY
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work has been hard, but the privilege of studying here far outweighs the pain of a few late nights.
GOD’S PLAN OF REDEMPTION INCLUDES EVERY TRIBE, NATION AND LANGUAGE ‘However, God has more to teach us in preparation for ministry than we will learn on campus alone. We have come to realise that nothing strips away man-made, self-support systems like moving overseas. More positively, nothing enlarges our understanding of and love for the bride of Christ
THE HUB
worldwide than experiencing the indescribable sweetness of fellowship with brothers and sisters from another continent and culture. God’s plan of redemption includes every tribe, nation and language – and it gets the spiritual blood pumping to experience just a small part of that plan. ‘We are enormously blessed to have received support from FIEC’s Training Fund to enable me to pursue my studies at RTS. Trusting that I can maintain the class schedule and complete my degree within three years, we hope to return to the UK and work with a FIEC church from the summer of 2015.’ James Midwinter
For more info: Visit the Midwinter family blog: www.savedtobechanged. wordpress.com
FIEC Training Fund Many men and women who want to train for gospel ministry will gather financial support from their home church, friends, family and Christian trusts. However there is often a genuine shortfall. This is where we as a Fellowship can help. Individuals from FIEC churches can apply for help towards the costs of formal gospel training courses. If you would like to support the Training Fund or find out more about applying for support please contact the FIEC office.
CONFERENCE2014
A CONFERENCE FOR THOSE ON THEIR JOURNEY INTO INDEPENDENT CHURCH MINISTRY. 17-19 JAN 2014, NEAR MILTON KEYNES
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www.fiec.org.uk
NEWS FROM OUR CHURCHES
ROGER CARSWELL AT THE REAL LIVES MISSION
COWPLAIN EVANGELICAL CHURCH In the summer Cowplain Evangelical Church held a mission and outreach week entitled Real Lives led by evangelist Roger Carswell. It was a wonderful week with over 1500 people hearing how the gospel had changed the lives of some well-known people. Each evening Roger interviewed a guest and then went on to powerfully explain the gospel, challenging people to accept Jesus. God was certainly at work as you could hear a pin drop as the audience listened to Roger. At the end of each evening an appeal was made and a number of people responded. Guests included Fiona Castle, Zimbabwean cricketer, Henry Olonga, ex-Portsmouth footballer Linvoy Primus and 80’s pop singer Yazz. The week concluded on the Saturday evening with Cannon and Ball. Through much laughter and comedy they went on to share their faith and many commented on how much they were www.fiec.org.uk
challenged by what they heard that evening. It was wonderful to see how many of our church family got involved in organising the week. There was a great sense of teamwork and friendships were deepened as we worked together. We also encouraged other churches to join in with the mission week. This gave smaller churches, with less resources, an opportunity to get involved. We encouraged our church family to pray for the week through special prayer meetings, prayer cards, prayer teams, praying regularly for the mission in the Sunday services and in small groups. We encouraged people to pray and expect God to answer our prayers. This was important as this built a level of expectation and deeper trust in God. We have seen many wonderful things come from the mission week and we continue to pray that we will see more people come to Christ. Phill Brown, Pastor of Cowplain Evangelical Church, Portsmouth For more info: Visit www.cowplainchurchportsmouth.co.uk
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NEWS FROM OUR CHURCHES STREET BAPTIST CHURCH Street Baptist Church annual holiday Bible club took place in the last week of July. It was preceded by a team taking assemblies in all six local primary schools, so that every child of primary school age in Street and the surrounding area had an opportunity to hear the gospel. Over 110 children came each day and for many this was their first church contact. The theme this year was ‘Jungle Mania’, with teaching and activities including clear explanations from the parables of Jesus of the problem of sin and our need of a saviour. A marquee, funded annually by
Michael Eavis (who runs the world-famous Glastonbury Festival) provided additional space to enable us to accommodate everyone. Each evening a youth event was run for teenagers, who are part of the church youth group, and their friends. The club culminated with a family breakfast on Sunday morning leading into a special service which, together with a coffee morning earlier in the week for parents, enabled whole families to be reached with the gospel. The church was packed with well over 200 people, many of whom would not normally come into a church. Over the years, the club’s impact is seen not only in the children who are there during the week, but often many years later. Through our door-to-door work we have found that local people remember coming to one of our holiday Bible clubs or having taken their children to one. This continues to provide a wonderful open-door for the gospel. Alwyn Barry Street Baptist Church, Somerset
HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB
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For more info: Visit www.streetbaptist.co.uk
CROMHALL CHAPEL 2013 is a big year for Cromhall Chapel as we celebrate our 200 year anniversary. In 1813 a group of itinerant preachers began holding meetings in a humble cottage in an area of Cromhall known as Townwell. A few years later, in 1819, the chapel and an adjoining cottage was built for the growing fellowship. A number of activities took place over a weekend in September to celebrate the church’s anniversary, but the highlight was a joint Songs of Praise evening service with St Andrew’s, another local church. Invitations were distributed to each house in the village to encourage those who have been to the chapel in the past or were new to come along and celebrate with us as we marked this special anniversary. David Shawe Cromhall Chapel, Gloucestershire
www.fiec.org.uk
BETHESDA EVANGELICAL CHURCH
STREET WORK
At the end of July we were joined by a team from Mississippi to help us with a one-week mission called Shining the Light in Fraserburgh. We had great weather so there were plenty of people out and about in the town centre, harbour and beach who we were able to chat with and give tracts to. As well as a holiday Bible club, we held a number of events during the week, including a women’s night, a men’s night and a sheltered housing event. The highlight of the week was a Scottish and American pancake afternoon attended by people who we had met earlier in the week. We also ran a pre-school music group on two afternoons which has now become a regular weekly event in our church life. We are excited at what God is going to do as we build relationships with parents and families of the children who attend. It is encouraging to see a number of non-church parents bringing their children along already. We would be delighted if people would pray for this specific activity.
PREPARING FOR THE SCOTTISH/AMERICAN PANCAKE EVENT
David Runcie Bethesda Evangelical Church, Fraserburgh, Scotland www.fiec.org.uk
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A PLACE TO RETIRE Since its inception in 1974, the Evangelical Housing Association (EHA) has been providing housing for retiring ministers and missionaries from FIEC and Grace Baptist churches to rent at a reasonable cost. Roy Saint, FIEC Administration Director, who represents FIEC on EHA’s management committee, reports. When pastors retire some are not provided with housing by their churches, so find themselves without anywhere to live. The Evangelical Housing Association (EHA) works with these individuals and their spouses to provide a home for them in their retirement. Although the increasing trend for church pastors to own their own homes is to be welcomed, there is a continuing need for EHA to provide housing. They offer support to those approaching retirement through purchasing and
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managing the rentals of suitable properties.
WE HAVE LIVED VERY HAPPILY HERE FOR OVER FIVE YEARS Peter Buckle is a retired pastor of FIEC churches in Lancashire and Norfolk. He and his wife Anne (pictured above) are one of many individuals and couples who are being helped by EHA. ‘We did not imagine that when we stopped working we
would be living in a new build bungalow in such a beautiful location on the edge of the Lake District,’ says Peter. ‘We have lived very happily here for over five years.’ Candida Morris, EHA’s secretary, talks about how they work: ‘We don’t hold a stock of properties, but will buy a home as near as possible to where the applicant would like to live – subject to price and availability – as and when a need arises. Ideally, two to three years’ notice of a forthcoming retirement is helpful to assist with planning and budgeting.’ www.fiec.org.uk
Tenants pay rent below the commercial rate and this restricts the amount EHA can borrow on a new property. The balance is funded from the proceeds of selling vacant properties and from the support of trusts, churches and individuals. Rick McClure, EHA Treasurer, explains more: ‘We are grateful for the support we have received over the past 40 years, but we do need continued help if we are to go on meeting the need for housing. We anticipate that we will need to raise a considerable amount over the next three years simply to cover the needs that we are currently aware of.’
WE DID NOT IMAGINE THAT WHEN WE STOPPED WORKING WE WOULD BE LIVING IN A NEW BUILD BUNGALOW IN SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LOCATION ON THE EDGE OF THE LAKE DISTRICT
www.fiec.org.uk
Over the next two years, there are at least four ministers approaching retirement who have requested EHA’s assistance. One pastor explains his situation and how support from EHA is so important: ‘We made early contact with EHA. If their funds permit they will supply us with a two-bedroom bungalow in an area of the country of our own choosing. This will enable us to select a region where the amount we will need to pay will not be the eye-watering rental and council tax demanded where we presently live. That provision is the second brightest star in our future. The first, of course, is that the Lord always provides.’ Roy Saint FIEC Administration Director If you would like to support EHA, either on a regular basis, with a one-off gift, or via a legacy, then please contact EHA Secretary, Candida Morris, via the FIEC office or the EHA website: www.evangelicalhousingassociation.org.uk.
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BOOK REVIEWS
We would like to say a big thank you to Jonathan Carswell and 10ofThose for providing these book reviews.
Old Wives Tales
The Christmas Thingamabob
By Clare Heath-Whyte
By Mark Dever
Clare Heath-Whyte records the stories of seven eighteenth-century women who would mostly be unheard of if it wasn’t for their famous husbands. And yet their lives have much to teach women today about living for and serving Jesus wholeheartedly. However, they are not all great examples to follow, and Heath-Whyte is honest about the weaknesses and failings of these women. There are lessons to learn from each and the reader is challenged to consider whether similar attitudes or habits are hindering godliness and spiritual growth in their own lives. As a minister’s wife, I couldn’t help but be inspired by Elizabeth Whitefield’s sacrificial spirit and godly perspective on family life. I was equally repelled by the bitterness of Molly Wesley and challenged by Heath-Whyte’s prompts to assess my attitudes in comparison. Despite the many obvious cultural differences, the challenge of living a godly life in an ungodly society was as real in the eighteenth century as it is today, so this book is hugely relevant and helpful. The questions at the end of each chapter are thought-provoking and biblically challenging.
The thing I love about Mark Dever is that not only does he communicate the gospel, but he communicates the gospel with compassion for the people who he is addressing. And he does it brilliantly. The Christmas Thingamabob is designed to given be away en masse by churches and individuals during the Christmas season. It starts with a gripping story and then, with brevity and clarity, Dever walks the reader through the very centrepiece of Christmas by answering who Jesus is and what He came to do. For many this means the baby Jesus in the wooden manger. But as Dever explains from the Bible, the real story of Christmas leads to Jesus on the wooden cross. Christmas is an amazing opportunity for many churches to reach out to those in the local area. Why not use this book (which is short and readable) during your church’s Christmas mission? Reviewed by Jonathan Carswell 10 of Those
Reviewed by Carolyn Lacey Woodgreen Evangelical Church, Worcester
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www.fiec.org.uk
The Man Christ Jesus
Be Bright
By Bruce Ware
By Dr Andrew King
Perhaps we know what the incarnation – God becoming man – means, but as Bruce Ware challenges us in The Man Christ Jesus, have we stopped and really thought why it matters and how it changes everything? Ware starts with the honest confession that as a 10-year-old he bemoaned the fact that God calls us to be holy like Jesus. It seemed so unfair when He is God and we are not. But as Ware takes us through eight facets of Jesus’ humanity, he shows us that it is a totally reasonable and right call. From Jesus growing in wisdom as the Spirit enables understanding, to his faithful obedience to his Father’s word, and his ultimate and necessarily human death on the cross, it is clear that understanding Jesus’ humanity transforms our pursuit of Jesus’ holiness. The book is largely accessible, but certainly if the reader – with the help of the Spirit – engages both their head and heart, this book will be a rich blessing. It is ideal for personal reading, book groups and even study sessions.
Dr Andrew King of Highbury Baptist Church has written a book that will help equip those beginning university to stand for Jesus. The book is short, but as Michael Reeves says in his foreword: ‘Andrew has rammed it chock-a-block with good, sensible advice’. The book is split into five parts. It begins by preparing the reader to leave for university, helping them assess their worldview and understand its importance. King then gets to grips with what they will need to know when they arrive: how to find a church, how to choose friends and how to witness to those they meet along the way. There is also a super chapter on ‘Why are you studying?’ Each section includes helpful study questions that are thoughtprovoking and challenging in applying the truth. This short book should be given to every student leaving for, or arriving at, university, whether they are strong in the faith or doubting their Christian upbringing. Be Bright takes the high calling of God to live holy lives and applies it to some of the most energetic and impressionable people in the church family – students.
Reviewed by Jonathan Carswell 10 of Those
Reviewed by Jonathan Carswell 10 of Those www.fiec.org.uk
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NEW AFFILIATIONS Since the last edition of Together 10 churches have joined FIEC: Calne Evangelical Church, Wiltshire Charlotte Baptist Chapel, Edinburgh Christ Church Southampton, Hampshire Grace Church Quedgeley, Gloucester Hope Community Church, Cambridge Mow Cop Community Church, Stoke-on-Trent New Life Church, Roehampton Niddrie Community Church, Edinburgh Tir-Y-Berth Community Church, South Wales York Evangelical Church, York
www.fiec.org.uk fb.com/theFIEC @theFIEC 01858 434540 admin@fiec.org.uk Registered Charity No. 263354 Charity registered in Scotland SC040111
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