Leaving London

So after almost five years of life and ministry in London my family and I have departed London City Presbyterian Church, for a short time of vacation with family in Scotland before moving on to serve at Main Street Presbyterian Church in Columbus Mississippi.

Here are some lessons I hope I have begun to learn through my time in London:

1. In ministry in a local church, always prioritise spiritual change over structural or organisational change. Without the former who can bear the latter?

2. The gospel really is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. Ministers can’t save anyone. Grasping this truth is the only thing that keeps me climbing the pulpit steps.

3. Churches turn corners spiritually when they pray together. If they don’t, generally speaking, they won’t.

4. Ministry never clashes with family time unless ministers let it. It is vital to keep on plugging away at getting the balance right.

5. In Britain in general, and in the Free Church of Scotland in particular, we suffer from ADD (Affirmation Deficit Disorder). I hope that it has been good for my pride to serve in a context where affirmation does not come easily.

6. While single sermons can have great power to effect change, nothing compares to the drip feed effect of sustained exposure to the teaching of whole books of scripture over a period of years. A huge change in my thinking after 5 years in London has been to expect, as the ordinary pattern, incremental spiritual growth in people through a steady diet of gospel truth over the long haul, rather than cataclysmic life transformation through a single sermon.

7. Being a pastor is not an inoculation against spiritual decline in my own soul.

8. It is vital that I guard against becoming a sermon factory, churning out a manuscript in time for the Sunday deadline. The nurture of my own soul is almost as important to the welfare of my family and my flock as it is to myself.


12 Responses to “Leaving London”

  • David Kjos

    Welcome to the U.S.A.! Sorry it has to be Mississippi, but I don’t know if there are any Presbyterians here in North Dakota.

  • Stephen Dancer

    Hi David, as I have said already, sorry to see you go, but every blessing in your new field. Great thoughts in this post.

  • Walter Brands

    Dear David, I wish you Gods blessings in the US. I am sure God will lead you there day by day.

  • Owen

    Hey Bud,

    I too am sorry to see you go, but often think of you and hope to hear good things soon. Hope the move goes well and that the Weans settle into the school quickly.

    We all live off his generous bounty, gift after gift after gift. Jn 1.16

  • owen

    Hey Bud,

    I’m sad to see you go too. But wish you all the very best Stateside I’m sure many blessings will follow. (Jn 1.16)

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/doctorabacus/2696194730/

    TTFN – OD

  • Martin Downes

    Hi David,

    Really helpful reflections. Thanks again for your kindness and counsel earlier in the year.

  • Reflections on Pastoral Ministry « Gospel Driven Blog

    [...] on Pastoral Ministry Martin Downes has posted the reflections of one of his friends (David Strain) who was a pastor in London (London City Presbyterian Church) and soon to be in Mississippi (quite [...]

  • Donnie MacLeod

    Welcome to the USA! Welcome to the PCA!
    I hope you guys (ya’ll) are ready for the culture shock of the deep south. Be prepared to be warmly welcomed and received by some of the most wonderful people you will ever meet. I am sure your accent will be loved by all! I hope you can get used to the heat and humidity. Only eat grits if it would be offensive to refuse them!
    May our gracious God richly bless your new sphere of ministry. If I can give any advice/help on living in the USA don’t hesitate to contact me. If you find yourself in St Louis be sure to get in touch.

  • David Strain

    Thanks for the welcome gents!

  • Scott Hamilton

    Hi David
    Not sure if you’ll remember me but I was involved in Dundee Uni CU when you were with UCCF. Glad to see God at work in and through you. Trust the move to the States is fruitful. Let me know how I can pray for you.

  • Jessica Duncan

    We are looking forward to having you here at Main St. Presbyterian Church. I do feel sorry for you about the heat and humidity though. July and August tend to be the worst months of the summer for heat here. Hydrate.

  • Ben and Amanda Conway

    Great to read your thoughts and see all that the Lord has been doing with and through you and your family. (We went to Duncan of Jordanstone together, where I met and married Ben (Bill) ) We are living in East London now, just missed you guys. I heard from M-C recently, she’s married off and living in her home town. Blessings to your lovely family and Church.
    Ben and Amanda

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