Basil Howlett, former President of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), has died.
Howlett served as FIEC President from 1993–1994. In 2002, while ministering at Carey Baptist Church, Reading, Howlett became Secretary of the FIEC Pastors’ Association – now known as the Pastors’ Network, which aims to “strengthen ministers in independent evangelical churches through fellowship, encouragement, and mutual support in local church ministry”.
“We join with the Lord’s people in praying for Basil’s wife Margaret and their children Andrew, Tim, Rachel and Ruth in this time of grief,” says the FIEC.
Writing on the FIEC website, Richard Underwood, a former FIEC General Secretary, said: “Basil was known for clarity of conviction, warmth of heart and a deep commitment to the gospel.
“He was firm on principle but gracious with people, and his presence in wider fellowship life helped give confidence to ministers and churches seeking to hold together Biblical conviction, evangelical warmth, and local church independence.
“His life’s work was quiet, steady, and fruitful: strengthening churches, encouraging ministers, teaching the Scriptures, and commending the cause of gospel-centred independency.”
FIEC Associate National Director Adrian Reynolds said: “There are hundreds if not thousands of people in ministry today whose lives Basil helped to shape. I am one of those. Gospel work is richer for his quiet, unassuming, but godly influence.”
His ministry extended globally, the FIEC said, including teaching at London Seminary and in Africa and Asia until he reached 80.
He spent time ministering in Lokichoggio, Kenya, with MERF (Middle East Reformed Fellowship) where he trained pastors for the ministry. He also ministered in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and India.
