Meet Ben Lucas - Our Pastor
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Ben was an active youth at Dorford Baptist Church and while in the waters of baptism, God gave him a prophecy, which would mark the beginnings of his calling to full time pastorate ministry. Ez and Ben attended an Alpha course with a New Frontiers Church. During this time, Ez gave her life to Jesus and Ben recommitted himself to our Lord. Shortly afterwards they were married and called back to the Baptist Church in which Ben had grown up. God started calling Ben to pastoral ministry, a call that was now shared by Ez. They explored this calling by involving themselves in the many different areas of a large and vibrant church. Whilst doing this, the church recognised both their callings, as did the Southern Counties Baptist Association and Bristol Baptist College.
Ben says “I am a ‘people person’. It is my aim to help everybody to discover their own gifting and to encourage the use of their gifts within the church, in the wider community and in overseas mission. I am passionate about mission. I have an understanding of unchurched people and believe that I am now equipped to preach the Gospel by word or deed in the wider community. I am also passionate about the ‘gathered church’. This is an area in which I have been developing over the last 3 years.” Ben is an outgoing character and inspires friendship and loyalty. He is full of good humour and has friendly and encouraging words for everyone. His wife, Emma, will enjoy being effective as a youth specialist.
Ben and Ez were both ordained and inducted to lead our church on 7th September, 2008.Ben's Latest Letter .jpg)
Dear Friends,
June has been a busy and a great month. I began the month finding out that I was going to be a Dad for the first time (scary but truly amazing). As June continued I had the pleasure of baptising Mark; Chloe and Verity in the sea at Flag Head Chine; I took my first funeral (an incredible honour). I attended my first NAMS (= newly accredited ministers) day; I shared testimony at Farside; I led my first Canford Heath praise and testimony evening service; and I turned 32 (not so good).
As I reflect, I can also look forward to having a new youth worker; baptisms outside in September; more baptisms in December (hopefully inside!); the next Alpha beginning in September and some exciting new initiatives for mission that we will be looking at together over the next few weeks and months. I'm in a good place and I'm excited at what God is doing on the Heath and in our Church.
However, I am aware that the Christian journey is not always full of excitement and happiness. Many of you may be having different seasons or challenging times as you read this letter. Let me encourage you: when we were on the men's walking weekend I was finally introduced to an infamous Neil Murdoch walk! We got to the car park and started the 10 mile walk.
The first stretch was a steep uphill. Neil offered us the choice, a steep climb or a longer easier way up. Well what a silly question; we are men - we will do it the hard way or die trying! So up the steep hill we went, and I am pleased to report that no one died, but a few of us did look not far away from it! We then had a lovely walk without hills for a few miles and it was during this time I realised I had tweaked my groin, but that wasn't going to stop me - especially now we were on a nice path and the terrain was flat... or so I thought!
Suddenly we went off road as we took a sharp downhill across rough terrain. It was here that whilst talking to Phil I suddenly disappeared down a huge hole and what was a tweaked groin was now agony and what was a lovely pair of shorts were now ripped and ruined (Thankfully I was wearing underwear - a lesson I learnt when my trousers split playing cricket with men and woman ministers and vicars). I arrived for lunch in pain to good fellowship and banter. After a refreshing break by a beautiful river it was time for the last 5 miles. Again the walk started with a sharp climb which we zigzagged up. I was in agony. Thankfully we were coming to the top of the hill, but no - at the top another hill started - then another, then another. Pain set in, some of the men looked like they may need the air ambulance until finally the top was in sight. Beautiful views were waiting. As a mark of success and banter my ripped shorts were hoisted up onto a flag pole as a mark to our climb. Why do I tell you all this?
The Christian journey can be something like a Neil Murdoch walk! Some of us may feel at the top aware of all around, thanking and praising God for all he has done. Others may feel they constantly have to climb up hills - the treadmill of life. Some may feel they are resting; others on the way down. Some may even feel at the bottom of a hole, too battered and bruised to go on. Wherever you are: God is there with you; God wants to help you; God wants to help bring you through - and like a Neil Murdoch walk it will be well worth it in the end. Isaiah tells us: ‘but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.' (Isaiah 40:31 NIV). I encourage you now to reflect on where you are on your Christian journey; maybe starting out, or perhaps further along the way. I encourage you to pray that God will reveal His purpose for your life, show His love and pour out His anointing of the Holy Spirit.
It is my prayer that you will feel encouraged and excited as you continue on the most adventurous of walks - your own personal walk with Christ. It is my prayer that we, as a Church, will support and help each other on our personal walks. It is my prayer that because of how we walk many men, woman and children will come into relationship with our God and begin their own journey.
God bless you all on your walk,
Love, Ben
Page last modified 11 July 2009.
