About Stewart & his Vision
“Christ
Church, offering real hope, through Jesus, today”
Stewart, married to Sheila, a deputy head time teacher, has two children, and three grandchildren. Stewart came to Southport as vicar of Christ Church 13 years ago. He has a vision under God for church growth, but sees this as only sustainable when it becomes the vision and ministry of the whole church. He recognises the importance on the part of the church membership of a worship style within which the ministry of the Holy Spirit is evident and which has a strong evangelistic thrust. In part however, he feels, that this is best achieved through an accommodation of different inclinations by providing a contrast of worship style. This is reflected in the Sunday 9.30 service being more familiar and conventional in content while the 11 am service is more contemporary, all age, band led etc. Stewart feels that when people know they are taken seriously and that their individuality is respected, greater harmony results and God’s kingdom is built.
He believes that the church’s mission statement resonates with the heartbeat of God
Although Stewart would not describe himself as a Theologian he has a Masters Degree in Theology and trained for the ministry at Oak Hill Theological College in London. He has a passion for evangelism. In his previous parish in Bolton where he served for seventeen years he was involved in the planting of two satellite congregations and still believes that it is primarily through faith sharing that God's Kingdom grows. He is committed to the primacy of biblical preaching and sees the challenge of the twenty-first century church as that of reaching the local community for Christ through authentic, incarnational, discipleship. He sees the newly opened ‘Vivesco' (Come to Life) café within the church building as an important expression of the witness of the church within the Southport town centre community. He believes the churches mission statement ‘Christ Church offering real life through Jesus today' resonates with the great commission and is fundamental to the church's mission. He also accepts that a ‘one size fits all' approach does not take account of different inclinations in worship and that diversity enriches and enables greater inclusiveness. He would not describe himself as a ‘card carrying charismatic' but has in recent years experienced renewal in the Holy Spirit. He sees the church as currently in transition and recognises that for most people at Christ Church their identity is in Jesus and not in denominational affiliation. He does, however, value greatly the institution and still believes the Church of England is the ‘best boat to fish from'. Despite its failings he sees ‘THE CHURCH' as the hope for the nation and the passion of God's Son. One of his greatest joys is to see those who have come to faith baptised by full immersion in the recently constructed church baptistery pool. He also welcomes the transition of the church towards a Cell structure.
On a personal level, as a member of Royal Birkdale Golf Club, he enjoys his golf and is looking forward to the British Open at Birkdale in 2008. He is a keen photographer and has recently started a Camera Club at Christ Church. He also loves motor sport and when time allows visits the Oulten Park circuit in Cheshire. His personal indulgence is his Golf R32 !
Ultimately, however, his desire is to be obedient to the call of God on his life. To remain enthusiastic about the things of God and to see the coming in of the Kingdom of God here in Southport.