Induction at Gorseinon
On 21 February, John Williams was inducted to the pastorate of Bethel Evangelical Church, Gorseinon, near Swansea. He took over from retiring minister, Rev. Owen Jones.
The chairman, Sulwyn Jones, welcomed the congregation of nearly 300 and commented on the joy of one of the church’s own members coming into office as pastor. He opened in prayer and introduced the first hymn, ‘How deep the Father’s love for us’.
In his introductory comments Sulwyn Jones stressed that the call to be a minister of the Word of God is the highest calling in the world. Graham John, representing the Associating Evangelical Churches of Wales, read from 2 Timothy 3:1 – 4:5. David Norbury, representing the Evangelical Movement of Wales, led the meeting in prayer.
Bethel’s secretary, Keith Vine, then gave a brief yet informative account of Mr Williams’ call. This call came to fruition in December 2007 after a unanimous vote by the church membership.
John explained how the Lord had led him and given patience to await God’s plan. He expressed his gratitude to the church and read from Romans 11:33-36: ‘Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgements, and his paths beyond tracing out!’ There then followed the induction, which included a public commitment by Bethel members to support John and his family in all aspects of his ministry.
Dr Eryl Davies gave the ‘charge to the minister’, expounding 1 Thessalonians 1:5: ‘Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake’. The gospel, power and service of God must be present in every fellowship and pastor’s ministry.
On a sadder note, a long-standing deacon, Donald Arundel, was critically ill at the time and died the day after. How he would have loved to have been present!
Rhys Davies
