West London Ministry Morning

Today was the inaugural West London Ministry morning at Duke Street Richmond for ministers and church staff on our side of town. We had a fantastic morning together with Dick Lucas giving 2 sessions on 'the Gospel at risk' and 'The man of God at risk' both introducing the pastoral epistles. Garry Williams gave a paper on 'Calvin and justification'. Both speakers were terrific.

Around 30 of us were there which is way beyond expectations and there was a real sense of excitement at being together. There were a number of really good men who couldn't be there so do please pray that this would develop and we would have wisdom as we plan for the future.

Dick's last session was particularly helpful. He asked us 7 questions from the pastorals saying that the big call of 2 Timothy was to endure and what would stop Timothy and us from enduring

1. Would sin ever take him?

Drink, money, sex, rage these flaws push people out of ministry. Every generation faces these challenges.

2. Would opposition break him?

3. Would sheer hard work wear him down?

4. Would disgrace destory him?

5. Would the undoubted success of the false teachers shame him?

6. Will weariness in the fight cause him to stop battling?

7. Would the sheer worldliness of the church discourage him?