John is the pastor of a church in South Wales.
When did you trust Christ?
I was raised as a believer and would always have said that I was a Christian. However, I lacked assurance and regarded living for Christ as an obstacle to really enjoying life. I wanted as little of Christ as was necessary to get to heaven, so I did not love him. At age 19, I was challenged about my sinful and hypocritical behaviour. I felt this severely and cried out for forgiveness. This resulted in an amazing experience of God's grace for me as a sinner. For the first time, I loved God.Serving in the Christian Union at university offered the opportunity to fellowship with Charismatics and Anglicans who were far more godly than I was. I came from a fairly narrow Reformed church background, so this was both a shock and a great joy! Working as an apprentice with Daf Meirion-Jones was formative. His discipleship, example, and friendship gave me a clear illustration of the Scriptures. This has shaped the way I view ministry, family, and the Christian life.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
Serving in the Christian Union at university offered the opportunity to fellowship with Charismatics and Anglicans who were far more godly than I was. I came from a fairly narrow Reformed church background, so this was both a shock and a great joy! Working as an apprentice with Daf Meirion-Jones was formative. His discipleship, example, and friendship gave me a clear illustration of the Scriptures. This has shaped the way I view ministry, family, and the Christian life.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I am looking forward to gaining a deeper understanding of discipline. I would also like to find a mentor to help with planning a discipleship centre for fellowship and teaching.
What is your ministry?
I am the sole minister in Grace Church, a small, independent church in a deprived, post-industrial town in South Wales. I lead several school assemblies each week and am a governor for two schools. Additionally, I am a part-time hospital chaplain and preach regularly in the open air. I am working to develop a residential model to disciple and provide employment for people from deprived backgrounds, particularly those who are homeless or suffer from addiction.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
My past leadership roles have included serving as Exeter Christian Union evangelism secretary and president, and as a leading fellowship apprentice for Saint Leonard's Church, providing children and student ministry. I was then an Assistant Pastor at the Freeschool Court Church, before my current pastorship of Grace Church.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
My ministry with Grace Church is reaching marginalised people from the working poor that few Evangelicals in Britain reach.
