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Wem Baptist Church - Induction of Rob Whiteway

What a tremendous privilege it is to be involved in the setting aside of a faithful man to the Christian ministry!

For the last two years or so, Rob Whiteway has been Student Pastor at Wem Baptist Church. Having been converted in 1985 and involved in several bible preaching churches as a member and worker, including this one as a valued Youth Leader and diligent servant, in 2003 Rob felt a call to full time Christian ministry after a period of real heart searching and agonising. Studying with the Evangelical Theological College of Wales, he had opportunity as part of his course to spend a short period working alongside Phil Wright, the Pastor of the aformentioned church.

I don't think any of us at that point could have quite foreseen just how the providence of God would work out. Suffice it to say that a bond was formed, foundations were laid, and very soon afterwards Rob was called by the congregation at WBC to join the work at Wem.

Two years later, the church have now called Rob to a permanent role not just as an elder, but as their Assistant Pastor. Standing amongst God's people today was a great experience of seeing the next exciting step of God's unfolding plan for the church at Wem, for Rob, and for the entire Whiteway family.

It was a delight to be involved in the prayerful laying on of hands as Rob made his vows and the folk at Wem affirmed their loving support of him, their willingness to submit to his teaching, and their anticipation of what God might do in the future through their connection. In particular, it was wonderful to hear Phil, the pastor, declare that he couldn't think of another man with whom he would rather work.

Steve Barlow, Pastor at Grace Bible Church in Saltford, not only led a group of his own church members in two inspirational musical items plainly parading Christ, but warmly preached "Five Markers from the Ministry of Paul" as a benchmark for Rob's future ministry.

As closely as I remember, Steve exhorted Rob to imitate Paul in his:

1. Courage

to stand for absolute truth in a postmodern world
to walk as the Master walked
to stand up for the weak and weary
to speak out and not be silent
to imitate Christ in his suffering
to be meek

2. Conscience

have a conscience free from offence to God
live and minister in the light of the judgement of God

3. Compassion

see people as the Lord of Glory sees them
lay down your life for them and love them
look forward to privilege of sinners being made whole

4. Cross

Be a preacher of the cross!

5. Crown

Fix your eyes on glory
Make "Maranatha!" your cry
Take many people home with you

Here are some pictures of the day taken by a certain photographically gifted deacon from Wheelock Heath.

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Posted by Danny at March 4, 2007 8:58 AM | TrackBack