‘Would you wait eleven years for a pastor?’
This was the question asked by Peter Hiles, secretary of Bradley Road Evangelical Baptist Church in Wrexham. The occasion was the induction of Andrew Graham to the church’s pastorate. Peter’s resounding answer was ‘Yes … for the right man in God’s timing!’
Bradley Road Evangelical Baptist Church is located in a residential area near the town centre. Its witness began over a hundred years ago. After several years of prayer, the congregation and friends gathered on Saturday 15 March to begin this new phase in the church’s life.
In marking the start of Andrew’s full-time ministry there was a real sense of joy with thanks for the way the Lord has led, and an anticipation of God’s continued grace.
Andrew started his theological studies at the Bible Institute of South Africa. He completed them by distance-learning from Wrexham, while preaching regularly at Bradley Road as pastor-in-training. On completing his studies in 2007, it became clear to both Andrew and the church that the Lord was calling him as full-time pastor.
In his address, Kevin Bidwell (Sheffield Central Evangelical Church) reminded the congregation, from Colossians 1, that Christ is the pre-eminent Head of the Church. Kevin explained how no local church can function without Christ; Christ has led this local church, and it is to continue to look to Him for the future.
David Neal
