What was the last book that you read and what did it teach you ?
I have just read “ Image bearers “ by Rachel Atkinson and Michael Lloyd . The writers remind us who we are - that we bear the image of God . The book is a toolkit designed for Christian discipleship , helping us to consider a theological understanding of restoration . It was refreshing - like jumping into cool water on a hot day .
Of course , we know we are made in God ’ s image but when the canvas starts to get a little frayed or dirty we need to be reminded we are his workmanship . This is what the book does with helpful exercises and resources . As I said , I am a ruminator . I am sure I will consider these things for several weeks .
What are the roots of your Christianity ?
I am a glorious mix of traditions . I used to say I was a Calvinistic Pentecostal with a small “ p ”. I travelled the world as a child as my Dad was in the army . We then settled in the North of Scotland .
As a teenager I went to the school Christian Union as I always had an interest in God . I became a Christian at an SU youth camp and then went to the Free church of Scotland in the very North of Scotland .
In the church women could not pray out loud in the prayer meeting , let alone preach . Some of the women in the church had a lasting effect on me . My Dad used to say that some of them were prayer warriors - Exocet missiles .
Each week in Sunday school we were taught the great story of God ’ s redemption love - learning theology , scripture and catechism . We even had annual exams ! This foundational church birthed in me a love of scripture .
A year after becoming a Christian I was reading through the book of Acts and realised that God had sent His spirit to help us . I realised I could not live the Christian life without his help .
I also started writing to authors of Christian books I read , like Michelle Guiness and David Wilkinson . They wrote back - sending me more books to read . Their kindness helped shape my Christian understanding of the bible and the world around me .
What would be your key message to young people attending church ?
To learn to trust the voice of God , not the voices around them .
Read our latest impact stories from our growing bank of LWPT Alumni – those who have been helped directly from your support and generous donations .
Anthony Parkinson - Practical Engagement with the Local Community
Your grant facilitating my studies enabled me to have a direct impact in the way we think about community mission as a church .
We have shifted from an events and programme driven model to a more holistic and incarnational model . This way of thinking is a direct result of modules taken at undergraduate , and now postgraduate , level , considering contemporary mission paradigm .
This has impacted my own thinking about mission , the way I preach and the way we are beginning to actively engage with our local community .
One example is our Foodbank , which has transitioned from a very transactional , overthe-counter delivery model , with minimal opportunity to genuinely engage with people , to a community hub . This model gives both practical and spiritual support , developing relationships and including opportunities for ALPHA and other introductions to the Christian faith . We are blessed as a church because of this .
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