Holbrooks Evangelical Church
On Saturday 3 July, the ordination and induction service for Holbrooks Evangelical Church’s new minister, Ben Holmes, took place.
Approximately 300 people came together for this special occasion. These included members and friends who worship with Holbrooks regularly, pastors and friends from other churches, and a group from London Theological Seminary (LTS) where Mr Holmes recently graduated.
Holbrooks completed an extension and major refurbishment of the church just before the induction and part of the work included the installation of a video link to the church hall. Some 40 people were seated in the hall and were enabled to be part of the service through this resource, so already the upgraded facilities are proving a real blessing.
Mr Holmes first came to our church as a teenager, when he met Liz, who later became his wife. He has been a member of our church for 11 years, our youth leader for the best part of ten years and was already serving in our church leadership team before being called to the pastorate just over a year ago.
He has since completed a two-year course at LTS, and his induction marked the beginning of his full-time ministry. He has three children – Leah, Chloe and Zak.
Rev. Frank Holmes from Doncaster, the father of our new pastor, ordained Mr Holmes; and the church leaders inducted him into the ministry at Holbrooks.
We were delighted to have Andy Christofides, from Cardiff, as our guest speaker. He gave an animated and challenging gospel message based on John 3:16.
After the service, everyone had a time of food and fellowship, some taking advantage of the lovely weather and sitting outdoors in the garden area.
We are excited for the future and there is a real sense of anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in our midst in the years ahead. We give thanks to the Lord for his provision and pray the Lord will use Pastor Holmes mightily for his service both in Holbrooks and in wider service.
Nigel May
Pic (l-r) front row: Frank Holmes, Ben Holmes, Andy Christofides; back row: Steve Foxwell, Les Pitter, Ralph May, Shaun Thompson, Nigel May, Gary Brooker.
