A new movement to multiply gospel workers
Robin Sydserff
In May 2024, an important event was held at Yarnton Manor in Oxford. Organised and hosted by 9:38 (which exists to resource and train up church leaders), it brought together training stakeholders – networks, churches, training providers – to reflect on the crisis in ministry recruitment. This was reported in en (July 24) under the headline “Major consultation event addresses ‘recruitment crisis’.”
As training stakeholders, we left convinced that ministry is a noble task, convicted to pray to the Lord for workers, and committed to working together. Lydia Houghton’s en feature article “Is there really a ministry recruitment crisis?” – is an encouraging read. There are hopeful signs.
Dick Lucas at 100: 'Transforming preaching'
Robin Sydserff
Today is Dick Lucas’ 100th birthday. As Director of The Proclamation Trust (PT), a ministry started by Dick in 1986, it is my privilege to write something to mark this milestone, though on behalf of countless others in the UK and around the world.
Humility
Dick eschews praise. He is a humble, godly man who has assiduously pointed away from himself to Jesus. A suggestion to call the new PT building at Elephant and Castle “Lucas House” was quickly voted down. Instead “Proclamation House” was chosen, reflecting the ministry, not the man.
Grace in the darkest moments: A response to suicide
Funeral services with no gospel and no hope are now the norm.
Having no service at all is now a popular option. Instead, people are encouraged to use the money saved for a celebratory memorial. It's an extremely successful idea, appealing to death-denying hearts.