Every day for the next month, I am going to be posting profiles I have written about local churches for the Grace Baptist Partnership Month of Prayer and Giving. Please read, pray, and give as able for this important ministry. First up: Grace Baptist Church, Aberdeen.
Through your prayers and giving, you are our partners in proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray that we would continue to do so with all boldness and without hindrance!“The church of Jesus Christ is essential”. So says John-William Noble, pastor of Grace Baptist Church Aberdeen. The Scriptural witness would definitely agree, not least the author of Hebrews who writes: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25). The practical outworking of this New Testament imperative has, however, been tested and proven challenging in different ways around the world over the past year, not least in Aberdeen. The effects of ongoing lockdowns and restrictions have impacted on church members, as well as friends and family of church members. As the church does not have a building of its own, they use rented premises, which of course have closed during Scotland’s lockdowns. The church has been particularly discouraged by the loss of momentum that was being built in their community as a result.
These very real obstacles have not succeeded in hindering the church or its proclamation of the gospel. Even as Grace Baptist Aberdeen members have lamented the legislated closure of churches, they have been emboldened by the reality of the church’s essential nature and ministry. As John-William continues,
We are proclaiming the message of hope and life that goes beyond the grave. As
serious as the current crisis is and as great the hope people have in a return to
‘normality’, we stand on the reality that the church is not hindered by worldly suffering
and must seek to preach Christ and care for and support people in the face of it.
This is not pious bluster, but a practical belief meaningfully worked out in the church and the community. There have been many instances of members holistically caring for one another and being ready to swiftly assist those in need in the community. The church has also continued to proclaim the good news of eternal hope in Christ through street evangelism and literature distribution. During the most recent winter lockdown, they organised an online Christianity Explored course to build relationships and make disciples. In the midst of everything, God has been pleased to bless them with baptisms and additions to church membership, and others are regularly attending who do not yet profess faith in Christ but in whom God is clearly working.
Pray that COVID-19 would be eradicated and that there would not be a return to lockdown restrictions on the church. Pray that God would grant the church favour in the eyes of their local community and nation.
Pray that God would bless the church’s evangelistic efforts, and that he would continue to add to the church those who believe in Christ.
Pray for John-William, as he leads the church and efforts to start a Christian school and publishing house.
You can make a gift to Grace Baptist Partnership and the ongoing work of leadership training, church planting and revitalisation, using this link: Donate | Grace Baptist Partnership
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