First Baptist Church Halifax
At the time of writing, I not that long ago learned that Spurgeon’s College in South London, UK, has closed with immediate effect. Spurgeon’s was where I studied for my undergraduate degree and carries significant reputational weight in Britain and Europe – indeed, before it closed, it was the largest college of its kind in Europe. It’s where my formal formation for ministry began nearly eighteen years ago, and it was indeed formative in my discernment for Christian ministry, albeit not the way that was intended. As someone who often sees poetry in the happenings of the universe, it feels poignant to me that at a time when the ministry in which I serve God has been rejuvenated and enabled to flourish in new ways here with you, there are those in a college with whom I have history who have now lost their jobs, their placements on programmes on studies, and indeed their financial investments too.
I could not have foreseen, as a closeted gay student at Spurgeon’s, that almost two decades later I would be blessed with such an opportunity of fellowship and ministry. For the last five months have been a period of great joy for me, to serve God and the community of First Baptist Church Halifax in this corner of the world. In my last sermon on the 24th August I shared that Steven and I had recently begun watching the BBC sitcom Rev, which documents the highs and lows of parish ministry in London. I said:
“I, of course, have had my own “Rev” adventures over the last few months – experiencing the life of church-based ministry with all of you. I’m glad to say, that there have truly been no lows whilst I’ve sought to serve you in Rusty’s absence. The sort of thing that plays out during an episode of Rev hasn’t really happened here at all, thankfully! Although, one common thread is the abundance of interesting conversations and interactions with new people – that’s been a lot of fun.”
It's all true. It was such a blessing to know everyone at FBCH, to laugh and learn with them, and to eat plenty of good food in the company of excellent conversation.
From their LGBT+ service: Queer Spirit Church, to congregational meetings on building project and land sales, from Sunday morning services to weekly team meetings, from pastoral chats over coffees and food to blossoming friendships and companionship, from the parade at Pride to praying for those in need and at risk; ministry at First Baptist Halifax was fulfilling and rich. My sermons for the summer journeyed through nourishing meals of physical and spiritual food in a series entitled “Meals of the Bible”, there was trivia bingo for Canada Day, blessings of music from the choir and friends in the Filipino community too. We were able to welcome new faces, reconnect with those a little more familiar, and created space for one another.
It was a time in which we sought to worship God in word, in thought, and in deed.
It was such a privilege to serve as Interim Minister for the last five months, yet a sadness that it feels like a privilege because of who God has made me to be. I was inspired and deeply moved by their warmth of welcome, and their commitment to practice what they preach. I long and pray for the day that all LGBT+ Christians can find such peace and joy in church, whatever their vocation in life.
And so again, I finish this short reflection of my time with FBCH with words from that final sermon:
“This is my prayer for you, as a community here at First Baptist, that what you have done inspires you to go further. That who you are continues to speak of an abiding mutual love that sings of the source of all love. And that as Rusty returns from renewal leave, you discern together where the heart of the Divine is calling you to go – as a people who do good, who do justice.
A people who, with one voice and one heart, declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News, for all. Amen.”
Revd Luke Dowding, Chief Executive Officer
