Congregational
Concern
Magazine of the Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches
Issue No. 195
Spring 2010
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Concern
is the magazine
for and about
the Evangelical
Fellowship of
Congregational
Churches
Editor:
Rev. PETER BEALE
Assistant Editors:
Rev. CYRIL ASTON
Rev. MICHAEL PLANT
Rev. PETER ROBINSON
Contents:
Round about
1
Mike Plant
2
Further afield:
Namibia
5
A spiritual tonic
8
Congregational
Worthies: Robert
Haldane
11
Potential Pioneers 14
Manipur centenary 16
Studies Conference 17
Book shelf
18
Stan Guest
20
Cover illustration:
Preaching workshop at
Namibia Evangelical
Theological Seminary
(Thorsten Prill)
Editor’s comment
“O
ne lot of sinners out; another lot of
sinners in!” Such was the perhaps
somewhat cynical comment displayed
on a church’s “wayside pulpit” notice-board a few
years ago following a General Election. They had a
point, of course: despite the efforts of the campaign
leaders in the political parties to persuade the
electorate that their policies and candidates were
beyond reproach, we live in a fallen world in which
even the greatest of leaders are but men, and
therefore sinners.
We live in a parliamentary democracy, rather than
on the one hand under an absolute monarchy or
dictatorship, or on the other hand a state of anarchy,
and for that we should be grateful. Another General
Election is about to take place, and as we look at the
stated policies of the main parties, whatever our
views may be on the strengths and weaknesses on
matters such as the economy, defence, education,
health, transport, foreign relations and so on, we find
that without exception they espouse a secularist,
anti-faith, and in particular anti-Christian approach
to many issues. In the light of this we may wonder
whether it is worth voting.
Since we are to “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to
every human institution” (1 Peter 2:13 ESV) and
exercising our vote is part of our civic duty, we
should certainly do so, first doing our best to find out
the stance of the particular candidates for our own
constituency. As we go to press the Christian Institute
(www.christian.org) is about to produce its “Election
2010 Briefing Paper”, and this will undoubtedly be
helpful. And having voted, whatever the outcome of
the election, we are to pray for our leaders, “that we
may lead peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and
honesty” (1 Tim. 2:2).
Peter Beale
New pastorates
The church premises at Thorpe Edge in Bradford were so packed at the
induction service for Keith Mitton on 6th March that there was standing
room only for some. Mr Mitton was pastor of Pollard Park Evangelical
Church near the city centre for many years. Continued prayer is asked for
him in his new leadership role, along with the two previous pastors,
Douglas Legge and Bernard Umpleby, who continue to serve as elders.
On 27th March
the induction took
place at Bulford
in Wiltshire of
Barnaby Alsop.
The service was
led by Pastor Nigel
Graham
from
Warboys,
the
induction
and
ordination
by
Mike Plant (EFCC
G e n e r a l
Secretary), and
Paul Oliver (Pastor
of Bradford-onAvon
Baptist
Nigel Graham with new pastor Barnaby Alsop and his wife, Verity
Church) preached
powerfully from 2 Cor. 1:3–7. Two former pastors also took part in the
service—David Godfrey (1963–73) under whose ministry the church had
declined to join the newly-formed Congregational Church of England &
Wales and became part of EFCC, and Peter Beale (1980–2003).
With the Lord
On Tuesday 6th April, the day after her 77th birthday, Mrs Brenda
Forsyth of Wiveliscombe went to her reward. Brenda, who had been
suffering bravely with cancer for some time, was the widow of Rev. Ban
Forsyth, and a great stalwart in the work at Wiveliscombe. She will be
greatly missed, and our warm sympathy goes to her family and to the
church fellowship.
Bicentenary
The church at Lee Mill in Devon (pastor Rev. Cyril Short), which
recently came into EFCC, celebrates the 200th anniversary of its
foundation in April.
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
1
From the
Gen. Sec.
Dear Friends,
Giving men the tools for the job
An article with a history
Recently, in “Planting & Watering”, I began a new feature. Each issue
will (DV) contain a book recommendations section from a minister
which lists the books which he found most useful in preaching on a
Bible book. One matter I asked my contributors to bear in mind was the
question of economy. I was concerned for those starting out in the
ministry who need to build up a library as efficiently as possible. I was
concerned that books can be very expensive and value for money is
important. Finally, that some ministers may be on very restricted
incomes and not all churches have realized the value of giving a book
allowance. I then received an email from a minister saying that if
ministers were not receiving a book allowance that is something I ought
to be addressing. As no-one else can as readily do this I am taking up
the challenge.
Considering the bigger picture
Some time ago the EFCC decided to give guidance each year regarding
appropriate salaries for ministers. There are many factors that can be
considered but for simplicity we decided to base our recommendation on
one factor only, and that was to recommend an income in line with the
median income for the United Kingdom. Median income means 50% earn
more and 50% earn less and we adopted this as a practical way of
applying Galatians 1:6: “One who is taught the word must share all good
things with the one who teaches.” We could have considered other factors
such as experience, size of church and the area in which the church is
located but for simplicity we left those issues as a matter for churches to
consider. I cannot imagine anybody would disagree with the advice, but
we all know the practicalities for some churches are that they cannot raise
those funds, and so their ministers will be financially in restricted
circumstances. That will mean that it cannot be left to them to supply their
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Congregational Concern Spring 2010
own book buying needs when every penny spent is withheld from
something else which is needed.
Why ministers need books
In 1 Timothy 4:15 Paul commands Timothy: “Practise these things
[public reading of Scripture, exhortation and teaching], devote yourself to
them, so that all may see your progress.” Our use of our gifts—and no-one
can exhort, preach and teach without the relevant gifts—is to be
something which we work at and in which others can see our progress.
Paul even towards the end of his ministry writes in 2 Timothy 4:13 for
Timothy to send him “the books, and above all the parchments.” Even as
an inspired Apostle he is a hard-working student. While being a fluent
speaker can attract people it is teaching that will build people up in the
faith. Such teaching takes hard work and study. When I was preparing for
the ministry Dr Lloyd-Jones published his Preaching and Preachers and in
it states that ministers need to engage in eight different kinds of reading.
1. They need to read through the Bible at least once a year.
2. They need to study the Bible in detail, both reading commentaries on
particular books but also books on prophecy or typology which show how
the Bible holds together as one book.
3. They need to read devotionally, so they will read books and sermons
which directly aim to touch the heart.
4. They need to expand their minds to see God’s truth so they will need
to read Theology.
5. They need to read Church History and Biography to see how God’s
truth has been worked out in life situations.
6. They need to read books defending the faith from the attacks of the
modern world (for example in regard to creation and psychology).
7. They need to read books on pastoral matters such as preaching,
evangelism and counselling.
8. They need to read books which reflect on topical issues and will
influence the way people think and so regard the gospel.
If that sounds a lot they need to do it is because it is a lot and yes, they
do need to do it! If a minister currently thinks he knows enough then that
is a sign he knows very little.
Why a book allowance?
Because ministers need books as tools for the job God has called them
to do. If like me you have a very limited set of tools for DIY you dread
doing jobs because you know you end up doing them with not-quitesuitable tools and do them less well than you could do. The job takes
longer and is less well done as a result. Of course the Bible is the only
inspired book from which ministers are to draw spiritual food for God’s
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
3
people each week. Ministers however need the stimulus of study to get to
grip with what God’s word means and then to undertake the equally
important task of moving from the meaning of the text to how it is to be
applied to encourage, challenge, correct and teach the congregation. Let
me give one example which relates to a sermon I preached on a recent
Sunday morning on Paul’s thorn in the flesh from 2 Corinthians 12:1–10.
Books used: 3 Bibles, Greek NT and 2 lexicons, 3 commentaries. On
Amazon the total cost would have been £127! Bearing in mind that
ministers will probably preach on several Bible books each year and that
some study tools are used each time, a book allowance of £200 would be
a fairly minimal allowance. Most ministers could use more and they and
their hearers would benefit.
Is there a silver lining to this cloud?
Yes—because books used for sermon preparation may be bought using
an untaxed book allowance. It is a very tax-efficient way of providing for
a minister. So do please consider this seriously and in doing so encourage
your minister and even benefit yourself!
Yours in the Lord,
Mike Plant
Westminster 2010: Declaration of
Christian Conscience
On Easter Day a large number of Christian leaders from a broad spectrum
launched a “Conscience Manifesto” ahead of the General Election with
what they describe as a “call to arms for the country’s Christians”. They
state:
WE BELIEVE that protecting human life, protecting marriage, and
protecting freedom of conscience are foundational for creating and
maintaining strong families, caring communities and a just society.
WE INVITE Christians of all denominations who subscribe to the historic
Christian faith to sign the Westminster 2010 Declaration of Christian
Conscience. (See www.westminster2010.org.uk.)
WE CALL upon all parliamentary candidates to pledge that they will
'respect, uphold and protect the right of Christians to hold and express
Christian beliefs and act according to Christian conscience.
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Congregational Concern Spring 2010
Further afield… Namibia
The Gospel of Prosperity and
Liberation or the True Gospel
of Christ?
Challenges and Opportunities
for the Church in Namibia
by Thorsten Prill
T
he first missionaries arrived in Namibia, formerly known as South
West Africa, at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1806 two
brothers, Christian and Abraham Albrecht of the London Missionary
Society founded a mission station in the south of the country.* Many more
missionaries, mostly Lutherans from Germany and Finland but also
Methodists from England and South Africa, followed in subsequent years.
Their efforts and those of indigenous evangelists and pastors bore much
fruit. A hundred years after the arrival of the Albrecht brothers the church
was still growing.
Today, between 80 and 90 per cent of Namibia’s multicultural
population of 2 million is affiliated to a church. The Church is a visible
and important part of Namibian society. As such it faces many
challenges: the biggest gap between rich and poor in the world, a
HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 15.3%, one of the highest suicide rates in
Africa and alcoholism which affects almost every class and ethnic
group.
Prosperity gospel
However, the Church is also confronted with challenges of another
nature. Prosperity gospel preaching and teaching is wide spread,
especially in Pentecostal circles. Sometimes the preaching of such a
wrong gospel happens very openly, at other times the approach is more
subtle. The message, however, is always the same: the more money you
give to the church the more God will bless you materially and heal you
from any diseases. Not surprisingly, there are people who leave these
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
5
churches after a while
feeling
totally
disillusioned. Some of
them return to their
m a i n s t r e a m
denominations, others
join one of the so
called African Initiated
Churches. While there
are many believers in
both church groupings
there is no guarantee
that they will hear the
true Gospel of Jesus
Lutheran church in Rehoboth, Namibia
Christ. In some African
Initiated Churches a
blend of Christianity and traditional pagan beliefs can be found while in
traditional churches liberation theology is still dominant in pulpits.
Namibian liberation theologians argue that the Gospel is to be
understood in socio-political terms. They define it as the good news that
God wants to liberate people from political oppression and social
injustice. “That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that
he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the
Scriptures”, as the apostle Paul writes in 1 Cor. 15:3–4, is at best of
secondary importance to them.
These are the conditions in which the small number of evangelical
churches and para-church organisations, such as Scripture Union,
Campus Crusade and the Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary
(NETS), minister. Their specific challenge is the fact that many of their
supporters and members come from the poorer groups in society. As a
result, they often cannot pay their pastors, staff workers, and lecturers
adequate salaries or fund the training of full-time workers.
Strategic importance
However, for the future of gospel ministry in Namibia the role of NETS
is of strategic importance. NETS was founded 20 years ago as the only
evangelical theological college in the country. Today there are 30 fulltime residential students, mostly from Namibia but also from other parts
of southern Africa. The same number of part-time students attend the
weekly evening classes at the Windhoek campus. In addition, there are
about 650 students enrolled in the Distance Education programmes.
These students live all over the country. Among those are 100 inmates
of Namibian prisons who have come to faith in Christ during their time
6
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
in prison and who use
the NETS programmes
to
get
a
better
foundation of the
Christian faith. There is
clearly a strong desire
among Christians in
Namibia to get to
know God better and
to serve him faithfully.
The
mission
of
NETS is “to equip
Christians
with
knowledge and skills
After Sunday service at Evangelical Bible Church,
to live godly lives and
Katatura, Windhoek
serve the Church and
the
wider
community”. NETS tries hard to put this mission into practice. This
happens through its study programmes which provide students not only
with a good Bible knowledge but also with practical ministry skills such
as expository preaching, pastoral care, evangelism and leadership skills.
In addition, NETS organises retreats for pastors and Word Alive
conferences for all those involved in teaching the Bible, i.e. preachers,
house group leaders, youth workers and Sunday school teachers. The
Lord has blessed the work of NETS in many ways: the student numbers
have increased in recent years and while the college still struggles
financially there has been generous financial support from abroad for
student scholarships, the training of Namibian lecturers, and a new
library and resource centre for pastors. However, the challenge remains:
to convince not only foreign donors but also Namibian churches and
individuals to invest in the training of future church leaders who are
driven by the same mission as the first European and Namibian
missionaries, i.e. to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of
salvation, to all the people of Namibia and beyond.
* Buys, GL, Nambala, SVV, 2003. History of the church in Namibia. Windhoek: Gamsberg
Macmiillan, 9–10.
Thorsten Prill lectures in systematic theology and missiology at Namibia
Evangelical Theological Seminary (NETS), Windhoek. He is a personal
member of EFCC. If you would like to receive further information
about the work of NETS you can contact Thorsten at
[email protected]
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
7
A spiritual tonic
by Bill Dyer
A review of Paul Cook’s Fire from
heaven—times of extraordinary
revival (Evangelical Press, 143pp,
£8.99)
H
ere is a spiritual tonic to stir the
blood and fire the passion of every
believer in these times of spiritual
drought and decline. Paul Cook uncovers
the largely forgotten but exceptional revivals
which took place in our country during the
years 1791 to 1840. It seems that most
modern evangelicals have overlooked this
period, focussing rather on the First
Evangelical Awakening which can be dated
from the beginning of the extraordinary
ministry of George Whitefield in 1737 until the death of John Wesley in
1791. These were years when great pioneer preachers opened up a way
for the gospel, while labouring against fierce opposition.
They gathered believers and formed them into little groups for fellowship
and prayer. But the period of phenomenal ingathering when chapels were
built and a gospel witness established in almost every town and village
followed in the years 1791–1840. When John Wesley died in 1791 the
Wesleyan Methodists in Britain numbered just 72,000, whereas by 1851
membership had grow to 360,000. In addition, by 1852, the Primitive
Methodist membership was 110,000 with an additional 230,000
adherents. The Baptists and Congregationalists were little affected by the
Evangelical Awakening of the eighteenth century but were extensively
revived in the early nineteenth century; the Congregationalists alone grew
to between a half and three quarters of a million.
Powerful revivals
Paul Cook concludes, “Overall, between 1791–1840, one and a half
million people were gathered into Nonconformist chapels in England and
Wales: one out of every ten of the population at that time.”
The explanation for this extraordinary growth lies in the powerful
revivals described in this book. It is spiritually enriching to read of the
wonderful works of God. At Hull people ran through the streets to mid-
8
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
week meetings to get a seat in buildings that held 1000. At Yeadon God’s
presence was so manifest and conviction of sin so widespread that people
were weeping in the streets over their sins, and business was suspended
for several days in some of the workplaces. There were so many penitents
that prayer meetings in the chapel were continuous from morning to night,
and 600 converted. The superintendent minister wrote, “we are expecting
to have the whole town converted when we get our new chapel opened”.
In Nottingham and in Cornwall many Christians felt so much of the
overwhelming power of grace that they were unable to walk without
assistance at the end of meetings.
Searching challenges
While examining these revivals Paul Cook places a number of searching
challenges before the contemporary church.
Spiritual Reality—“They knew a quality of spiritual life to which most
of us are strangers … a depth of spiritual experience, a joy in God, an
ardent love for Christ, a thirst for holiness, a compassion for the lost and
an uninhibited zeal for God.” Much contemporary Christianity is formal
and cerebral and lacking experiential reality. There has been a tendency to
confine God to the pages of the Bible, and make him appear remote so
that we no longer deal directly with God himself as a person, whereas, for
example, the Cornish Wesleyans “expected God to visit them and deal
personally and directly with their souls. … They held the view that spiritual
soundness within a Gospel church is not just dependent upon a faithful
ministry of the Word, but also requires direct operations of the Spirit of
God upon the souls of the people.” Orthodox belief without the Spirit’s
power can be powerless and unattractive — “our Reformed theology is
too much in our heads and too little in our hearts … Our present weakness
has more to do with our lack of spirituality than our lack of ability.”
Evangelism is only effective when there is a movement of God’s
Spirit upon the souls of men — Man was seen as totally dependent
upon God for salvation. These men regarded salvation not primarily as the
sinner coming to God in response to the Gospel, but as God coming and
regenerating the sinner through the Gospel and by the power of the Holy
Spirit, and then declaring peace to his heart. Men and women were urged
to call upon God for mercy through Jesus Christ — and that involved both
repentance and faith. The mere act of calling was not regarded as salvation
— God had to act, God had to come. Assent to evangelical truth and
expressing a desire to be committed to Christ is all that is usually expected
today, but all this is possible quite apart from any work of God in the soul.
It was because they knew that both widespread revival and
every individual conversion depended upon God’s sovereign
activity that they prayed so much. A conversion in normal times is just
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
9
as supernatural and wonderful as a conversion in revival times. “The
Wesleyan Methodists 1791–1840 expressed complete dependence upon
God and resorted to God whenever they sensed a decline in their
churches.” “In our desperate situation today we are not as desperate as we
ought to be. We do not cast ourselves upon God like our forefathers …
They depended upon God more than we do, they looked to him more
often, they prayed more diligently. If we continue to think that what we are
doing is all that really matters we ought not to be surprised if God leaves
us to ourselves. We must come to the end of ourselves and begin, with
God’s help, to call upon him as these Christians did with an urgency and
an insistence which will not be denied. No activity is more calculated to
lead to the conversion of sinners, to restore power and effectiveness to the
church and lead to the prosperity of gospel preaching, than the holy work
of importunate prayer.”
Concert of prayer
1784 saw the Congregationalists and both the Calvinistic and Wesleyan
Methodists in Wales joining in a great “Concert or Union of Prayer”. “All
over the land a cry to God ascended to heaven for an outpouring of the
Spirit upon the churches. William Carey’s missionary vision arose from
this, and the revivals which broke out in 1791 and continued until the
1840s all over the British Isles were surely God’s answer to the fervent
prayers of his people.”
Our EFCC Constitution states that one of the Objects of the Fellowship
is “To encourage prayer for the reviving power of the Holy Spirit in the
Church.” Our need for that reviving power is very great, and reading Fire
from Heaven should inspire us to call upon God with urgency and
expectancy. I wholeheartedly commend it.
“What were the men of the Holy Club in Oxford seeing: the Wesleys,
Whitefield, Benjamin Ingham and others? What were they praying for? It
was not revival. As we have noted, they were thirsting after God and
desiring holiness of life. There is something much more important than
seeking revival. It is seeking the God of revivals. We need to know God
more fully! Let us thirst after him! Let us seek a manifest presence of Jesus
Christ! Let us seek holiness of life! Let us hunger and thirst after
righteousness! Such holy pursuits are not to the exclusion of a desire and
prayer for revival, but they are of even greater importance. And God will
not disappoint those who long for him.”
Paul Cook, Fire from heaven
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Congregational Concern Spring 2010
Congregational Worthies (12):
Robert Haldane (1764–1842)
by Arthur Fraser
L
ife is full of surprises, it is often said. That is
certainly true of the life story of Robert Haldane.
Very few, one imagines, would have been able to
claim that the path to their conversion to Christ began
with the French Revolution. Yet Robert Haldane made
precisely that claim. The momentous event “aroused
[him] from the sleep of spiritual death”, according to his
nephew-biographer. How? Not, perhaps, as we might
have expected. For to begin with, he viewed the political convulsion on the
continent favourably, believing that it opened the door to the betterment
of mankind. His vision for social justice, which took little account of man’s
native depravity, was deeply stirred by the upheavals across the Channel.
But thanks to the influence of discerning evangelical ministers in the area,
his ardent political convictions were skilfully re-directed towards higher
goals and this process ultimately led to his salvation. Describing the
transition, he pithily remarked that, “missing the shadow, I caught the
substance.” However, it was to take quite some time before he lived down
his perceived pro-revolutionary stance, and even his later missionary
endeavours at home and abroad were construed as politically subversive
in some quarters.
Apocrypha removed
Robert Haldane, a wealthy Scottish landowner, was destined to make a
profound impact on the Christian world in more ways than one. He himself
regarded the greatest achievement of his life as having the Apocrypha
removed from Bibles circulated in the Continent. This success came in the
late 1820s only after a long and bitter dispute with the British and Foreign
Bible Society which, at the time, was receiving many demands for
Apocrypha-containing Bibles, even from Lutheran and Reformed Protestant
churches! Surprisingly, Haldane’s many opponents in the controversy
included several members of the “Clapham Sect” such as Charles Simeon
who employed the “becoming all things to all men” argument. An important
by-product of Haldane’s campaign on the Apocrypha was his publication of
a major work on the plenary inspiration of Scripture which restored the
evangelical faith of a significant number of ministers.
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
11
Missionary in Geneva
Other analysts of Haldane’s life might judge, with some justification, that
his finest achievements stemmed from his missionary work in Geneva in
1816–17. Burdened by the low spiritual state of Europe generally, his
ambition to visit that famous city was finally realised after the Napoleonic
wars had ended. Sadly, Calvin would not have recognized the Geneva of
that time. The last embers of the Reformation had all but died. The
theological academies and churches were thoroughly permeated by
pernicious heresies. Ignorance of the Bible was lamentable in professors,
pastors and students alike. But, through his masterly exposition of Paul’s
letter to the Romans (subsequently transcribed into his classic
commentary) to a small group of interested students, Haldane was
instrumental in God’s hands in fanning the flame of a fresh revival in
Europe.
Notable men
Notable men in this 19th-century second Reformation, men like
Frederic Monod, César Malan and Merle D’Aubigné all owed their
conversion to the opening up of the whole counsel of God by this
dedicated missionary. Aware no doubt of the nature of his audience,
D’Aubigné included this tribute in a speech he gave in Edinburgh in
1845, some 3 years after Haldane’s death: “… if Geneva gave
something to Scotland at the time of the Reformation, … Geneva has
received something from Scotland in return, in the blessed exertions of
Robert Haldane.”
Inspired by Carey
A zealous missionary spirit had characterized the life of Robert Haldane
ever since his conversion in 1794. Inspired by Carey’s work in India, he
planned a mission to Bengal, taking with him several hand-picked men.
Amongst these was Dr Bogue of Gosport to whom he owed much for his
conversion after his brief naval career. The whole venture was to be
financed by the sale of his large estate at Gleneagles. However, the aim
was ultimately thwarted by the opposition of the India Company.
Haldane then turned to mission work in Scotland. Along with his
younger brother James, he established the Society for the Propagation of
the Gospel at Home (SPGH). Other developments quickly followed.
Bibles and religious tracts were printed for public distribution, Bible
seminaries were established for the training of men for itinerant preaching,
and places of worship, modelled on Whitefield’s tabernacles, were built in
several major cities. All these projects were financed solely by Haldane
from the proceeds of his estate.
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Congregational Concern Spring 2010
Congregationalism in Scotland
Meanwhile, some 12 men, including the Haldane brothers, “resolved to
form themselves into a Congregational Church” in 1799. What they
termed “impure communion” in the Established church was the key factor
in this far-reaching move. Robert subsequently recorded that this had
never been the original intention, but came to “rejoice in the Institution.”
The teaching at his seminaries contributed to the rapid growth of
Congregationalism in Scotland at this time. Students came from various
Presbyterian backgrounds, but according to one under Dr Ewing’s tuition
at Glasgow, “they found [themselves] decided and intelligent
Congregationalists” by the end of the course.
The Congregational cause continued to flourish until around 1808 when
Robert, followed by his brother, sought to promote forms of worship in the
churches which they regarded as most in line with apostolic practice. This
included adopting a Baptistic position, a move which precipitated a huge
upheaval in the new churches, resulting in a permanent rupture between
them and the Haldanes. Congregational churches then pursued an
independent line, becoming self-supporting financially and continuing to
advance the gospel in Scotland through itinerant evangelism.
Despite this sad division, nothing can take away from the pivotal role
played by Robert Haldane in promoting the cause of Congregationalism
in Scotland. But it does come rather as a shock that a well-motivated
decision on his part should have such unhappy fallout.
Life is indeed full of surprises.
Dr Arthur Fraser was pastor of
Latimer Memorial Congregational Church, Beverley,
and lives in active retirement in Drumnadrochit, near to Loch Ness.
“In these days of boasted liberality, it may appear captious to oppose
with zeal the errors of men who have acquired a name in the Christian
world. The mantle of charity, it will be said, ought to be thrown over
mistakes that have resulted from a free and impartial investigation of truth,
and if not wholly overlooked, they should be noticed with a slight
expression of disapprobation. Such, however, was not the conduct of the
Apostle Paul…. Let not Christians be more courteous in expressing their
views of the guilt and danger of corrupting the Gospel, than faithful and
compassionate to the people of Christ who may be injured by false
doctrine. It is highly sinful to bandy compliments at the expense of truth.”
Robert Haldane, preface to Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
13
15th Jan. 2011—Stony
Stratford
by Robert Lightowler
W
hat our nation needs are leaders; what are churches need are
leaders. No one doubts this, but what we also urgently need in
this country are pioneer evangelists.
There are a number of young men I know who are quality saints and, I
believe, the Lord is setting aside for the ministry (as pioneer evangelists,
pastors, missionaries or nation shapers). To know young brothers who are
on fire for the Lord and have a passion for souls is a privilege. To facilitate
opportunities for them, and others like them, to take steps into strategic,
active ministry is my desire.
We are planning to host a weekend here to provide exposure to
seasoned servants of Christ that will help them to evaluate their own
area of service. This will be done through short teaching sessions
opening up into Q & A times, forums and feedback, and informal
fellowship over food(!) It will hopefully also build links that will provide
networks of support when they later face the challenges of front line
service.
Roger Carswell and Peter Milsom (UFM) are booked and it is hoped to
have other key men of God join us who will be encouragers and mentors.
Bill Dyer (the EFCC trainer) is involved and David Woodard an FIEC
Church restorer.
This is not a training programme nor is it intended to replicate or
interfere with what a local church is doing. It simply gives an opportunity
for those with potential to be identified, encouraged and form links with
others of a like mind and those who are ahead of them. We also want to
listen to these under thirties so that we understand their perspective and so
discern if there is a need for something else in the future.
14
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
At this stage could I ask if you would be prepared to let people know
about this event? I didn’t think it appropriate to advertise this Forum and
so open it up to anyone who wants to come along. Rather, to have young
men recommended by their minister or someone who knows that they
have potential and a degree of maturity. We have around 10 at present but
could cater for around 25.
Robert Lightowler ([email protected]), Stony Stratford
Evangelical Free Church, Milton Keynes MK11 1EA
Salvation
by Brian Dupont
A
ll that Jesus accomplished on the Cross brings us SALVATION. This
is the glorious Bible word which covers and includes so many
different aspects of Jesus’ work on the cross.
To these are added the believer’s response and experience. Included are
Conversion, Being “Born Again”, Justification, Adoption, and
Sanctification.
Salvation is the great central theme of the New Testament and of the
Christian Good News. Only the sufferings and death of the Lord Jesus
Christ can make such blessings available to sinful but repentant people
such as ourselves (Eph. 2:13). This life, here and now, is greatly affected
by the experience of receiving salvation. This is by a living faith — a trust
— in Christ’s finished work for us on the cross.
But the fulness of our salvation awaits the Christian in heaven. No more
sin, pain, tears, death will spoil our worship or our joy. Perfect forgiveness!
(Rev. 21:3–5). Romans 8:20–22 reveals that the whole fallen created
universe eagerly awaits the final act of GOD’s full salvation—the Return of
the Lord Jesus Christ in power and great glory. Then all will be subject to
his perfect reign for all eternity.
Brian Dupont is a former pastor, and current member of Staines
Congregational Church. This article first appeared in the church’s
newsletter, and is reproduced by kind permission.
Stapleton Road Memorial
A memorial window has been placed in the refurbished foyer of
Stapleton Road Congregational Church in Bristol to commemorate the life
of the late Pastor David Thomas, who served there from 1977 until his
death in 2008. The window includes a daffodil to recognize Mr Thomas’s
Welsh origins.
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
15
Manipur centenary
by Lamboi Haokip
T
he centenary celebration of
the Evangelical Churches
Association of Manipur in
North India took place on
February 14th and 15th at Peace
Ground,
Churachandpur,
Manipur.
Between 25 and 30 thousand
people attended, with
about six states being
represented
including
Bhutan and Nepal. EFCC
UK was represented by
Rev. David Saunders.
The
Bethesda
Foundation is a charity
project to support tribal
children on India-Burma
border. Currently, we
David Saunders (in front of pillar) present at meetings
have been enabled to
support
about
30
children for their schools,
and proved some temporary support to four widows. Through the
generous support of some friends and donors including Blythswood
Trust, we were able to buy a rice field and constructed a house, size 80ft
x 40ft, for orphan children. Right now we are digging a tube-well for
drinking water for the Children’s Home, which will hopefully be
completed
by
20th
March. We are now left
with one major need in
order to be able to start
the Children’s Home,
that is Light or a Solar
Template.
Anyone
interested to help us in
this crucial need may
please contact me (email
[email protected]).
16
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
Studies Conference Report
D
id you know that St Patrick was a Congregationalist? Well, that was
the suggestion made by Dr George Speers of Ballynahinch in his
stimulating paper on The History of Congregationalism in
Ireland, delivered at this year’s Studies Conference which was held at
Orange Street Chapel in central London. “According to one tradition”,
declared Dr Speers, “Patrick founded three hundred and sixty five churches
and ordained a similar number of bishops, while another tradition says that
he formed seven hundred churches and ordained seven hundred bishops,
that is, in either case, a bishop or pastor to each congregation.”
Dr Speers led us ably through the “ups and downs” of Irish
Congregationalism, from its first introduction into Ireland by nonconformists following the Reformation in the sixteenth century, through
the period of the Commonwealth when churches were formed in Dublin
and the main garrison towns, to the decline which set in with the
Restoration of Charles II. There followed the “wilderness years” from then
until 1800, followed by “the big push” during the revivals of the 19th
century. The period from 1900 to the present Dr Speers described as
“From regression to stabilization”, and reminded his hearers of the great
need to proclaim the gospel throughout the island of Ireland.
The second paper was given by Dr Robert Oliver of Bradford-on-Avon
on the life of Cornelius Winter (1742–1807), mentor of the far betterknown William Jay of Bath. Converted through the ministry of George
Whitefield, he went out at his invitation to minister in Savannah, Georgia.
Returning to England after Whitefield’s death, and unable to obtain
Anglican ordination, he became a convinced Dissenter, serving for ten
years at Marlborough and twenty (until his death) at Painwick in
Gloucestershire. “Noted for his catholicity of spirit”, he was a remarkable
man whose story is fascinating and challenging.
Booklets or CDs with the Conference papers are available from the EFCC
office. The 2011 Conference is planned for Saturday 19th October, and will
include a paper commemorating the 1611 King James Version of the Bible.
Visit the EFCC Web-site at www.efcc.org.uk
EFCC now has a broadcasting account at www.sermonaudio.com.
There is a great deal of good preaching on this site. You will find
increasing material there, too, from EFCC ministers and speakers at
EFCC conferences (including Studies Conferences) promoting
evangelical congregational principles.
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
17
“Every GP should read this book!”
— Dr Judy A. McLaren, family doctor.
“All kinds of helpful information laid out in an attractive form ... fresh
and up to date.”
— Gaius Davies, consultant psychiatrist, in his foreword.
Dementia: Frank & Linda’s Story
New understanding, new approaches, new hope.
Through a true narrative that starts with the first, early signs, it focuses on the
three important aspects of dementia—living, helping, and spiritual support.
“This book inspires on so many levels – to the carer for whom it is a
resource, full of ideas and memory-joggers – but most of all to the
dementia sufferer, because it might provide the key to unlock the soul
of a Christian whose mind has forgotten the loving God.” — Pam
Rhodes, author and TV presenter, (Songs of Praise).
Worshipping with Dementia
Meditations, Scriptures & Prayers for Sufferers & Carers.
This is a worship resource for caregivers, sufferers, families, pastors, church
groups, and medical professionals.
“A rare gem of a book that tackles a much neglected but widespread
condition, and does so with great honesty and hope.” — Dr Mark Stibbe,
Evangelical Scholar, Conference Speaker, Minister and Author
Could it be Dementia?
Losing your mind doesn’t mean losing your soul.
Sold out in its first year and still selling strongly.
£8.50 each (including p&p)
from www.pilgrimhomes.org.uk
or by cheque to Pilgrim Homes Trading Ltd,
175 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2AL
18
Pilgrim Homes
Tel: 0300 303 1400 [email protected]
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
Book shelf
Dementia: Frank and Linda’s
Story by Louise Morse
Worshipping with Dementia:
Meditation, Scriptures and
prayers for Sufferers and
Carers edited by Louise
Morse
Pilgrim Homes, £8.50 each
A review by Rachel Marsh
D
ementia: Frank and Linda’s story is
packed with lots of useful
information about dementia with
some illustrations from Frank and Linda’s
life, rather than the book being primarily
Frank and Linda’s story. It has lots of
practical tips.
Mrs Morse clearly explains the importance
of the person with dementia being loved
and valued by God and how they can still
commune with God through the power of
the Holy Spirit. There are some useful tips
and challenges for ministers and fellow
Christians in a person’s church on the
importance of not neglecting these pilgrims
or their family and their spiritual needs.
Finding the reason
There is much in the book about the
importance of meeting the person in their
reality and realising that if they are calling
out or agitated there is usually a reason,
and we just have to try and find it. This is
very helpful as well as the section on
challenging behaviour and tipping points.
The importance of realising that many
people with dementia will towards the end
of their illness need full time residential care
is very relevant, as there is often a lot of guilt
about this.
Useful information
The section on minding the care funding
maze has some useful information,
although some of it is already out of date
due to the fast- and ever-changing rules and
regulations. It is no longer always correct
that people with dementia cannot get
nursing care’ although it is still difficult to
ascertain. This will no doubt change again
after the election and with the outworking
of the dementia strategy.
I should like to have seen rather more
balance on some issues such as The Office
of the Public Guardian: although there are
faults with this organisation it was set up to
protect the vulnerable, as there are
unscrupulous families around. I would
agree with Mrs Morse’s advice on the
importance of developing a Lasting Power
of Attorney with your loved ones, however
young you are.
Worship resource
The second book on worshipping with
dementia is a valuable set of short Bible
readings and meditations along with a
prayer and a hymn to read or sing. These
are very useful and can either be dipped
into or used consecutively. There are some
helpful passages on assurance and God’s
provision and never failing promises to
keep us to the end until we move on to be
with him for ever.
Dr Rachel Marsh
is a consultant geriatrician.
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
19
From the Guest
House
The Good Book
H
ow many books have you read? I must
confess that I have to give the answer, “Not
very many.” I recall that I received several
books as a prize when I left college in 1950. But I cannot recall reading
them!
Now, of course, there are lots of books on our shelves here and I often
look one up for a reference. I certainly realize that I don’t know everything.
I inherited from my grandfather the seven volumes of Lloyd’s
Encyclopædic Dictionary. It was printed in 1895 and gives quotations from
literature to illustrate words. It also gives the obsolete meaning of words (if
obsolete in 1895, how now?!). I turn to it often.
But now I must say that, of course, I read my Bible. First thing, when the
alarm goes, I turn to the next passage of the Old Testament. And pray
through the churches I have served. Then, after breakfast, I read the next
passage in the New Testament. I must have read the whole Bible many
times.
How important it is to know what other people have written. Especially
if they are servants of the Lord God. How we need to know God’s answer
to all the questions that arise—in our minds or put to us by others. So here
I turn to our Lord Jesus for example. He had some very searching and
tempting questions put to him. So how did he respond? With all his
wisdom he could have
said, “I know better.” But
he didn’t. You will find that
so often his reply began,
“It is written.” It’s in the
Good Book.
Stan Guest
Ruby wedding
Our
warm
congratulations to Stan
and Doris Guest, who on
Easter Day celebrated their
fortieth
wedding
anniversary.
20
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
EFCC publications
Telling Another Generation
£0.50
This book contains a symposium of papers originally written to mark
the twenty-fifth anniversary of EFCC, and as a tribute to Stan Guest,
who has been closely involved in the work of EFCC ever since its
formation, and retired as secretary of the Fellowship in 1989.
Serving as a Deacon by John Legg
£1.95
Now reprinted in a revised edition. “Diaconates might find it useful to
supply each member with a copy of this work” —Evangelicals Now.
&
E
Evangelical & Congregational
£5.00
A brief survey of Congregational history, church order, confessions
of faith, the ministry, worship and sacraments. Includes Savoy
Declaration of Faith.
C
s p e l t r ut h
•
spel i ndep
e
nd
e nce • g os
el
go
e f
c c
go
fe l l o w s hi p •
A brief survey of Congregational history,
church order, ministry, worship and
sacraments with the Savoy and 
Declarations of Faith
p
Children of the Covenant by John Legg
The biblical basis for infant baptism.
£0.50
Signs and Seals of the Covenant by CG Kirkby
A biblical review of the doctrine of Christian baptism.
£3.50
EFCC also has available these books about
Congregational history and church government
Wandering
Pilgrims
Whatever Happened
to the
Congregational
Churches?
Wandering Pilgrims by ES Guest
£5.00
Subtitled “Whatever Happened to the Congregational Churches?”
s pe l truth
go
•
e f
c c
l
pe
•
s pel inde p
go
fe llows hip
ES Guest
c e • go
de n
s
en
Manual of Congregational Principles by RW Dale
The definitive work of Congregational church government.
£13.00
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
OR
THE CHURCH MEMBER’S GUIDE
by
JOHN ANGELL JAMES
Edited and Abridged by Gordon T. Booth
d:
is Go we
LORD not
the
ple,
and
peo
us,
that
made are his ture. :3
Know
has
we
his pas 100
he
es;
selv sheep of Psalm
our
the
and
Christian Fellowship or the Church Member’s Guide
by John Angell James
£3.75
A practical manual for church members to learn their duties and
responsibilities.
All these items are available from the Office Manager. Prices are exclusive of postage and packing.
Online purchases available at www.efcc.karoo.net/publications.html
About Concern
Congregational Concern is the quarterly magazine of the Evangelical
Fellowship of Congregational Churches, and is edited by Rev. Peter Beale.
All Rights Reserved: no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the permission of the
Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches.
Unless otherwise stated, Scripture quotations in this publication are from the
Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984
International Bible Society. Published in Great Britain by Hodder & Stoughton
Ltd.
It is assumed that contributors are in sympathy with the aims of EFCC.
However, the views expressed in this magazine are strictly those of individual
contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor or of the
Committee of EFCC.
The magazine is made available freely to member churches of EFCC. It will be
sent to individual subscribers at a cost of £6 per annum (4 issues) inclusive of
postage. Cheques (payable to EFCC) should be sent to the Office Manager.
Mailing address details are held on computer solely for producing mailing labels.
Names and addresses are not passed on to any other organisation.
EFCC Addresses
General Secretary:
Rev. Michael Plant
27 The Ridings
Longlands
MIDDLESBROUGH
TS4 2WA
Tel.: (01642) 217222
E-mail:
[email protected]
Office Manager:
Mr Anthony Harrison
PO Box 34
BEVERLEY
HU17 0YY
Tel & Fax:
(01482) 860324
E-mail:
[email protected]
Concern Editor:
Rev. Peter Beale
37 Tamar Road
Bulkington
BEDWORTH
CV12 9PU
Tel: (024) 7631 4606
E-mail:
[email protected]
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