Preaching with a purpose

Yes I'm a Local Preacher. Does that make me in any way better than the people who sit it the pews or chairs? Not at all. I am just like them with the same need to get closer to God. It does mean that I have studied the Bible and Methodist beliefs a little more than the congregation, but I do not have a monopoly on belief and wisdom. Instead I see myself as preaching not only to the congregaqtion but also to myself. Uncovering what the Bible teaches and spreading it out for us to examine, to see where we should go next in our Christian journey. We all have a responsibility to read the Bible and learn from it. Being a Local Preacher is great because I am reminded to read my Bible more, in order to have things to say to my congregation. When you have been a Local Preacher for 40 years you get a certificate to say so. I'm not likely to get one of those as I am already 64. However if God blesses me with long life I shall receive one when I am 104. An aunt died recently , ...

Yes I am now an accredited Local Preacher with the Methodist Church in Britain. Although my circuit is Tiverton and Wellington in Devon and Somerset, England I hope you will allow me to have the world as my circuit and you as my readers a welcome part of my flock. My activities on the internet were acknowledged at my service as a vital part of my ministry and that encourages me to reach out to any who will listen. May be you don't go to church in a building, but perhaps here you read things that touch your heart and help you to understand your life a little more. I am always happy to receive comments here, including questions that trouble you. Generally speaking there will be more younger people reading this, if I can be of any help to you please ask me. Perhaps there is something about modern life which is worrying you, tell me about it and I will do my best to give an answer that is God honouring. It doesn't matter what I think as an individual, but I will try to give y...

Tomorrow I officially become a Local Preacher in the Methodist Church. I'm feeling a bit nervy, but that is good because it means I take it very seriously. A few weeks ago I thought I would like to wear a fascinator hat, as it is a celebration, but now the solemnity of the occasion has taken over and I will not be wearing the fascinator. We don't take things seriously enough these days, everything is frivolity, but life is a serious business. A preacher has a very serious job to do, helping to bring people to God through Jesus. You can read about my journey to becoming a local preacher in the link below. How to Become A Local Preacher

Tonight I went to the Local Preacher's meeting and after being quizzed on my spiritual journey, discussing Wesley's sermon and giving a presentation, I was voted in as a Local Preacher. Tomorrow, hopefully, the Circuit Meeting will also vote in my favour.In a month's time I will have a Celebration service and then I will be fully accredited. So why am I doing this, at the age of 64, when I could be sleeping in on Sunday mornings? I believe God has called me to do this. He has equipped me with a knowledge of the Bible, which is the only real way we have of knowing God. He has given me an enthusiam to bring knowledge of his love and forgiveness to those who will listen to what is preached.If you want to read more about my struggles to get this far click the link below. How to become a Local Preacher in the Methodist Church in Britain

It's good when June turns out like this, lovely sun, blue skies and a cool breeze. It makes you thankful. It is amazing how a bit of sunshine really lifts our spirits. Though a grey day can be very restful. The sun makes us want to be up and doing like the animals in The Wind in the Willows. I've had a good day, short mat indoor bowling at 10 a.m. followed by lunch. Then I tackled the assignment of unit 12 of Faith and Worship, the course I'm doing to become a local preacher with the Methodist Church. When I start these assignments I feel as if I will never master them, but so far I always have so I take comfort from the previous one. Unit 11 was a terror to get to grips with but now is happily in the past. I also played piano with a youngster and then did my shopping in the town near where she lives. Back home to meet a friend and then more of unit 12. A very satisfying day. What was your day like, do tell me?