James Burnett is the Principal and CEO of Belfast School of Theology (BST). Married to Hazel, James is also an amateur sailor, triathlete (see photo) and open-water swimmer.
1. How did you become a Christian?
I was not brought up in the church. In fact, I didn’t really know any Christians until around the age of 17. By then, I had a fearsome reputation as a tough guy in my area of Belfast during what was called The Troubles – which was a mighty achievement! When I did meet Christian teenagers who attended something called Scripture Union, the name of Jesus captured my heart. I wanted to find out more. No-one (and let me emphasise “no-one”) dared make fun of me for attending Christian events.
The Lord pursued me and for a year and a half I said “No” to Him; you see, I had a niggle that if I became a Christian, I’d have to become a full-time Christian worker and that to me was like Freddie Krueger – a freaky nightmare to a sports-obsessed teenager.
Finally, on a Scripture Union weekend I experienced Jesus in a dramatic, life-changing encounter. He really saved me from the enemy.
By Monday lunchtime, the sixth form was in utter shock and disbelief! And two years after leaving school, I met an old school friend at the bus stop. He (Richard) said: “It’s all a bluff, isn’t it? You finding God, it’s all a trick to lure people into making fun of you so you can beat them up! – Right?” I said: “No, Jesus is real and I want to be a missionary!” He said: “It’s a ruse,” and backed away, deferentially, into the night. Richard reminded me of how much the Lord had saved me from in my former life. He made me laugh too.
2. What lessons have you learnt since that you would want to pass on to a younger Christian version of yourself?
Take God seriously but do not take yourself too seriously! You are that kid plucked from a whirlwind of Irish trouble. Always remember it’s Jesus’ ministry, not yours; your job is to be faithful.
3. How would you describe your prayer life?
When I became a preacher, I realised intimacy with God leads to power in the pulpit. I learned to pray like Calvin, Luther, Wesley and all the greats: at least an hour in the morning or evening. I also seek to maintain a sense of His presence throughout my day, and I follow a “Bible-in-a-year” reading scheme.
4. Which two or three Christian books apart from the Bible have most influenced your faith?
Starting out as a young Christian, John Stott’s The Cross of Christ; starting as a in preacher, Dennis Kinlaw’s Preaching the Spirit; and five years in post, Eugene Peterson’s Under the Unpredictable Plant.
Outside Scripture, reading “old books” by Augustine, the Church Fathers and Luther make me want to be a better Christian.
5. Who or what have been your biggest Christian influences?
Derek Bingham, the Keswick preacher and author, mentored me until his passing. Spending time with Derek was spending time in the presence of the Lord, every time! At Oxford, fellow Ulsterman Professor Alister E. McGrath’s lectures and scholarship were such an encouragement to a young evangelical; and I’m thrilled he’s returning to BST in June to lead a conference on The Future of Christian Doctrine. Countless friends and church members have also shaped me.
6. What are the main challenges you believe Christians face today?
We live in extremely uncertain geopolitical times. Christians must work hard to avoid another “Babylonian Capture” of the church in support of someone else’s nefarious moral and political ambitions.
7. What encourages and what discourages you?
I have the gift of faith; I don’t do pessimism! The “quiet revival” is hugely encouraging: the gospel is unstoppable!
Naysayers get on my spiritual nerves.
8. What makes you laugh?
Wacky comedies; and I’ll share with you what makes me cry: Manchester United. I’m a life-long supporter. The banter about our own players during matches is hilarious – “so and so plays like a donkey!” As fans, we’re very honest – and opinionated! Maybe things will change under Carrick.
9. What would you want to say to the wider evangelical world?
Do not become distracted from “doing good”. Resist the temptation to resort to “might and power”. The world needs authentic Christians who walk in the Spirit as they are commanded to walk in the Spirit and who walk in the light as He is in the light.
10. Which Biblical person (other than Jesus) do you most look forward to meeting in glory and why?
Noah – I’d like to compare seafaring stories; or Jonah’s whale (assuming there are talking mammals in heaven). Most sermons focus on what it was like for Jonah, but I’d like to hear the whale’s perspective. What was it like swallowing that acidic wee prophet: as bitter as sea urchin, which, when undercooked, are very bitter?
