Colonial First State workplace fellowship
Sydney, *Province/Other 2234
(612) 93033025

• Education: Honours degree in Economics, but so long ago now it doesn’t matter any more.
• Experience: I’ve preached up to 4 or 5 sermons a year for 25 years in the churches that I’ve been involved with; have led Bible study groups for much of that time also. Professionally, I give many presentations, sometimes to small groups or individuals, but sometimes to large audiences. I’m told that I have an easy style to listen to, that I explain things well and that my talks/sermons are easy to follow and clear.
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: They are theological, without being heavy. I aim to explain the Bible’s teaching in a way that is accessible to all people. They are also practical, seeking to encourage Christians to really live for Christ, working out the ways in which being a Christian makes a difference to every aspect of our lives.
• Sermon or series that made a difference: The work I did on my own sermon on The Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:22) has had a more profound impact than any other on my life - it opened my eyes to God’s grace and love in ways I’d not appreciated before.
• What my parents think of my sermons: Not Christians so have no opinion
• Best advice given to me about preaching: Get the congregation involved somehow, by active engagement or a pertinent visual aid. Don’t mistake a sermon for an academic paper - you don’t have to prove everything you say, just argue it with conviction and a lot of prayer. Seek God’s message for the people to whom you are speaking, not my own message.
• Books that have had an impact: "Holiness", by JC Ryle, an English minister and preacher from the 19th Century. EJ Young’s commentaries on Isaiah. Sarah Sumner’s book on Men and Women in the Church - liberating reading. Henri Nouwen, "Life of the Beloved"
• Hobbies: Listening to great Christian music - from the classical masters (Palestrina, Byrd, Bach, Haydn, Handel, etc) through to contemporary music (Michael Card is one of my favourites, and keep an ear out for Mike Rayson - an Australian country singer about to hit the USA.) Having singing lessons so I can do their songs more justice when I try them!
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: There is no other name under heaven by which we can come to know God, but through the name of Jesus. He has done it all for us; He is our all-in-all. Trust in none other than Him. He is worthy of our trust for He has suffered for us, died for us and risen for us. He is of surpassing worth. Avoid, therefore, the common trap of all mankind which is to let your own efforts and deeds intrude into your approach to God. Come only through Jesus - He’s enough and far more than enough.
• What I want on my tombstone: He lived and died in Christ.