Refreshed And Re-envisioned Church Leader Stewart Keiller Tells Us Why We Can Have Hope In 2012

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After a six-month sabbatical, to 'recharge, reflect and re-envision', Stewart Keiller is back at the helm of Bath City Church.  Having overcome moments of feeling out of control and in unfamiliar territory, Stewart tells us about his hopes and dreams for 2012 - personally and for Bath..  And explains why in times of challenge we can have confidence in God.  He tells us how he has been experiencing different expressions of Christianity, reveals his booklist. And we ask - just how is it to be back with his BCC family?      

(PICTURES:  STEWART KEILLER, COVERS; CHURCH UNIQUE, BELIEVING IN BRITAIN AND A NEW HISTORY OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY)

So Stewart you are just back from your sabbatical as 2012 begins..  What are your hopes and dreams for this year?  Both personally and for the church in Bath (as a unified body)

Yes the sabbatical has been very refreshing.  I think it was a very personal time rather than going up the mountain getting the tablets, but I am very envisioned for the year ahead.  For BCC I believe the word is 'confidence' this year, stepping into who we are.

As for the city, I am still totally committed to expressing Jesus in all our diversity.  I was very sad that I was not at the first Love Bath event which I was working on with the team, but looking forward to seeing Love Bath 2012 in action. 

Do you feel there are some challenges for us all in 2012?

Clearly the economic climate is of real concern.  But there is huge hope in uncertainty.  David Cameron's speech about Christianity and the Queen's speech on Christmas Day all highlight that some things are opening up for the church.  I think Big Society is something that churches need to really embrace, lets be fully supportive of the government. 

What would you say to anyone who is facing personal challenges this new year?

You can have real joy in the face of the darkest trial, just persevere.  Often there is no alternative to persevering, but hang on in there!  My sabbatical time felt like a wilderness but in those dark wilderness experiences our faith is tested.  Faith is never tested in the good times, it is always the dark times which cause us to fall back on God. HANG ON IN THERE!

Are there any particular events at BCC which you are particularly church_unique_coverlooking forward to?

Yes as always there is a great programme.  Every event we do is open to all, we see a part of our serving the city and region is bringing inspired teachers and ministries.  We have Peter Jackson (Toronto) with his Father Heart School in March, worship leaders from Bethel Church USA in May and our summer conference in June... just praying about that at the moment.  (Click Here for BCC Events)

How do you feel your faith has changed or evolved thanks to your sabbatical?

Wow.  Not sure to be honest.  I think it is one of those times that I will look back on and see the hand of God working significantly.  I can say that wrestled with the issue of power, leadership, trust and some personal stuff... I hope that I just know Jesus better.
 

What are the valuable things from your sabbatical you will be building into your church life this year?  (ie some times of solitude with God in the shed) 

believing_in_britain_coverTime out!  We all lead busy lives, it seems that whatever we do we are busy.  I can not emphasise enough that no matter what you do for a job or ministry or as a homemaker take time for Jesus.  You may feel that it is impossible to find a day or two to spend with him, but do it!  We make time for what we value, what do you value?  

Do you have any new desires in God following your sabbatical - fresh ways of exploring/experiencing God?

I had some wonderful experiences during sabbatical, pilgrimage, monasteries, bleak walking on moors, finding spiritual hot spots.  I deliberately decided to avoid charismatic worship meetings because I wanted to experience other spiritual expressions.  So a silent retreat with Benedictine Monks and chats with Christians who see things very differently was on the agenda.  
I think one of the most precious moments was walking to my summer house at the bottom of the garden (shed really) with a pot of coffee, and spending two to three hours in prayer and study...wonderful.  
Keeping that up is the challenge, even though I am paid to pray and study its amazing how it is hard to find the time...almost like there is someone trying to prevent it!!

How does it feel to be back with your BCC flock?

Not sure they would like to be compared to sheep but I know what you mean.  I have really missed them.  They are my family.  Colourful, diverse, lovely.  Church is family, with all its problems and faults.  I want to lead differently this year, leading a family who are joined together in a commitment to the purposes we are called together.   a_new_history_of_early_christianity_cover

What are you reading at the moment?

to be honest I have got about 15 books on the go at the moment.....

Anything you would add?

Well just an encouragement to anyone reading this, make Jesus the focus of your attention, he leads you to the love of the Father and fills you with the power of the Spirit... and thats all we need really! 

What's your New Year's project?  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Do you have an unique or new way of experiencing the love of the Father?  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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