New pastor for Thatcham
Rev. David Crowther has accepted the Lord’s leading to become pastor of Thatcham Free Church, just months after Thatcham started to ask the Lord for an under-shepherd.
Thatcham had been seeking a new pastor for several months, when, one Friday in October 2008, David Crowther and his wife Sally began to pray that God would lead them into a new pastorate. They had no idea that their prayer was to be answered so quickly.
The next day, during a visit to the South of Reading Christian Fellowship, Crowther was asked by the Senior Pastor, Rev. John Angliss, whether he was interested in taking on a new pastorate. When Crowther replied, ‘Yes’, Mr Angliss arranged a meeting with Thatcham’s secretary.
After several preaching engagements and meetings with the church members, the invitation was extended and accepted, with the Crowthers taking up their pastoral duties on 6 September 2009.
The induction service, on 10 October was attended by a large number of folk. A warm and happy atmosphere prevailed as Mr Angliss led the service and conducted the induction of Mr Crowther, with his wife at his side, into the pastoral role.
The church was honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Thatcham, as well as several other local church leaders and representatives. A large party came from Parkstone in Dorset, and from other churches where Rev. Crowther had previously ministered over the past 30 years.
In his address, Rev. Angliss spoke from Acts 20:17-35, and reminded the congregation of the obligations of a pastor (or shepherd) towards the members of his flock, and similarly of the obligations and responsibilities of the members of the flock towards their pastor.
The church’s prayer is that in all our worship and service, the Lord Jesus Christ alone will be glorified, and be presented to needy men and women as Saviour. Please pray that the Crowthers will be anointed by the Holy Spirit to guide the church in the coming days.
