Interview : Rick Lewis
We are delighted to have Rick Lewis , Mentor , Course Leader and friend of Preach magazine , as our LWPT interviewee .
Rick Lewis
Rick is an internationally known freelance mentor of leaders and consultant to a wide variety of Christian organisations . Author of ‘ Mentoring Matters ’, he has 30 years ’ experience in leading local churches and has taught in several ministry colleges around the world . He is based in Sydney , Australia .
What do you see as the most significant challenge for preachers ?
Preachers face so many challenges and calls on their time , so sermon preparation must fit around other priorities . People are used to fast-moving media and struggle to maintain concentration . I try to remain true to the Scripture ’ s text and deliver something for the head , the heart and the hands in every sermon . It should be thoughtful and intelligent , connect with emotions and help people with real life .
What advice do you have for those starting a life in ministry ?
Stay close to Jesus and act like his apprentice . He ’ s alive and present with you by his Spirit ; aim to get to know him better throughout life . Your personal , hidden life of prayer and devotion is key to your ministry . It requires humility and leads you to a ministry of faithfulness , hope and , most of all , love .
You sing at your local church , what does that look like ?
Each month I lead the singing at our local church and I ’ m right into it on those occasions . When I ’ m not leading , I sing with all my energy to support the person leading . The resistance to singing , especially among men , is puzzling but once overcome , it ’ s uplifting for all . I like to model thoughtful , passionate engagement in sung worship and urge others to give themselves fully to God , with heart and soul .
What was the last book that you read and what did it teach you ?
It ’ s a bit left-field but I ’ ve just read Farmers or Hunter-Gatherers ? by Peter Sutton - a critique of Bruce Pascoe ’ s book , Dark Emu . It presents a particular view of Australian aboriginal society before British colonisation and sold over 360,000 copies . Like many , I was impressed and stirred up by it . I learnt not to be swept up in trends before checking facts and the importance of disagreeing with grace and truth .
Are there any lessons from the Bible which help in your role as a mentor ?
The word ‘ mentoring ’ is never used in scripture but the Bible is full of examples of one person helping another to find their way forward in faith . In the best examples , the ‘ mentor ’ pays attention to what God is already doing in the other person ’ s life and seeks to promote that work . Jesus ’ work to develop and empower the Twelve is a wonderful blueprint for Christian mentoring .
What would you say to someone considering becoming a mentor within the church ?
Firstly , ‘ Please do !’ We need more mentors . Overcome feelings of inadequacy , start where you are and trust that God can use you . You ’ ll never be perfect but you can develop the qualities that are so valuable in mentors , becoming more godly , safe , authentic , calm , relational , positive , self-aware , self-controlled and other-centred . Remember that it ’ s not your job to change people but to point them to Jesus , who can transform them from within by the power of his Spirit .
What would you like others to know about your relationship with God ?
It brings me great joy and hope . I believe it could be the same for others . This world can be a dark place and life very discouraging . God offers life to the full and a vision of how all things can be renewed and restored under his rule . Putting God first in my life helps make sense of everything else .
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