st thomas' weekly bulletin letters
This is an archive of the St Thomas' "Weekly Bulletin" letters, written by Simon Manchester and other St Thomas' ministers.
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Dear Friends, Last August the five clergy took a day away to think about helping men grow spiritually. You may remember the searching comment of John Lennox in his sermon here (August 2008) when he said very few men keep pace in their spiritual learning — but grow hugely in their professional learning. We recognised that it is easier in some ways for children, youth and women to grow in biblical knowledge because they join programmes and systems (Sunday School, TOMS, BASIC, WOT, etc.) more freely than men. Occasionally a man has a hunger and makes great discoveries in books, Bible study, PTC or through extension courses via Moore College or SMBC — but they are too rare. So we spent a day thinking about how to help men make such progress in a year. Our hope is that the key truths that liberate would be clear and the key truths of faith, home, work, ministry and witness would flow in a helpful sequence. The aim was not to start a programme that men would come to — since they are often too busy already — but a permission for able and willing and invited men to get a few friends together and help them grow in gospel convictions. We have started with about twenty men who could disciple 5–6 each and we have produced a (completely optional — but maybe helpful) set of 40 short studies on all the issues that men need to think through. Imagine the blessing if 100 men across St Thomas’ are not only clearer and keener in a year’s time but have stronger gospel friendships as well. This ministry has been called “RELIABLE MEN” from the 2 Timothy 2:2 text. It literally means “faith men” or “believing men” but the point is the same — helping men grow in fellowship and partnership for Christ. Some of the groups may join the terrific Wednesday morning timeslot (7–8am) in our Hall, led by Stewart J— , but others will find their own time, place and style. If 2010 goes well it will be life-changing for many and we will have more groups for 2011. May God help and bless us in the 2 Timothy 2:2 task. Yours warmly,
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