Herne Bay Evangelical Free Church
Glorious sunshine greeted the induction of new pastor Keith Hoare at Herne Bay Evangelical Free Church on Saturday 1 September. Over one hundred gathered for the service including at least a dozen from the church where Keith grew up in Ashford, Middlesex.
The service was chaired by previous pastor Patrick Hawes. An ‘account of the call’ was given by elder Philip Cousens. Keith had been known by Philip and his wife since the age of 14. They had watched his spiritual progress and noted especially his work with Arab World Ministries for the last 22 years and his pastoral care for an evangelical fellowship in Aix en Provence for the last 14 years.
Keith ‘responded to the call’ recounting how God had guided his decision and how family changes had helped decide its timing.
After the singing of ‘Immortal honours rest on Jesus’ head’, Graham Heaps, from Dewsbury Evangelical Church (Keith and Janice’s home church), read from 1 Peter 5. Patrick Hawes then conducted the induction; and prayers for Keith, his family and the Herne Bay church, were led by Gary Brady, Graham Heaps and Patrick Hawes.
Gary Brady, minister of Childs Hill Baptist Church spoke from 1 Peter 5:1-4. He noted the need for a pastor to ‘lead, feed, read and heed’.
The congregation gathered in the church hall for refreshments and there were greetings from various fellowships. The church is grateful to all who prayed and worked hard for this special day and looks to the Lord for future blessing.
