Blog
Reviewing the Evidence
As you are all very well aware, we recently hosted a Jesus: The Evidence lec-
ture here at SBC. It was something that I felt very strongly that God was say-
ing we should do and, judging by the response, He was definitely in it. We
had around 90 people attend, and it was great to see the sanctuary full, with
people seated in the balcony too.
Derek, our speaker, gave a sincere and considered presentation and an-
swered questions honestly. The atmosphere was good, with a real buzz of
conversation in a very crowded back hall during the refreshment break. We
obviously had the full gamut from atheists to committed Christians in the audi-
ence, and the feedback has been positive. Christians tell us they found the
evening affirming, and we hope that we gave the agnostics more to think
about. As for the atheists, it is a huge encouragement and testament to them
that they were willing to come along and listen and be open to hearing anoth-
er point of view.
Did we convert anyone? Has anyone been brought into faith by this evening?
Have we made a difference? The chances are that we will never know.
Sometimes we just have to step out in faith, do what we believe we are being
asked to do, and then leave the rest to Him.
Reflecting on this really gave me an appreciation of Derek and the work he
does. He initially researched the subject for his own purposes and, when he
did come to faith based on his findings, felt compelled to share these with oth-
ers. To this end, he travels the length and breadth of the UK sharing his
thoughts. This year alone he has given 49 presentations travelling as far
south as Devon and north to the Isle of Skye and Uist. He accepts no fee or
travelling expenses, and any donations he does receive are used solely for
reproducing the booklet he hands out freely. His paid work is done remotely
while travelling.
What an inspiration this is to those of us (it can’t just be me?) who struggle
when it comes to evangelism. We are reluctant to talk about our faith because
we fear rejection, worry that we will be seen as pushy, or that people will
take offence. We struggle to find the right words, and are reluctant to invite
people to Christian events because of these concerns.
As we head rapidly towards Christmas we find ourselves in that time of year
when people are perhaps a little more receptive. Non – Christians will often
be happy to attend a carol service or a midnight mass, for example, even
though they only attend church for baptisms, weddings and funerals for the
rest of the year. Christian imagery also becomes more acceptable; In
amongst the Santas and robins, the nativity makes an appearance on cards,
and many homes have a nativity set amongst their Christmas decorations.
Happily, at the same time as this softening of attitudes, this is the time of
year when churches go into overdrive. If you look on page 6 you’ll see a
copy of the Churches Together in Southwell Christmas Greeting, destined
for The Bramley newspaper, that details 27 different service on offer, just
from the 12th December onwards (the publication date). There are carol ser-
vices, family friendly events, formal services, reflective services, etc. etc. on
offer – surely something to suit everyone?
Many of us love to squeeze in as many Christmas services as we can, so
why not take advantage of the Christmas Spirit and invite friends to join you?
No one is going to judge if you head for a coffee (or mulled wine) before or
after, so make it into a treat. This is a joyful time of year, meant for sharing,
and probably the easiest time to extend invitations as well as the most likely
that they’ll be accepted, so let’s go for it. This Christmas, let’s all be more
Derek!
Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a blessed new year on behalf of
the ISG.
Love and Prayers
Sue H