This is the wording of a letter that John Tredgett sent to me on Friday 10th November 2023. He says in the accompanying email:
[It is interesting that John describes Malcolm and Audrey as members they were not members they were well respected adherents. I was endeavouring to persuade them that they should be church members and they were resisting this idea.]
Dear Steve and Val,
Dear Malcolm and Audrey, [separate letter!]
We continue to feel gratitude to God for all that you mean to us at GEC. We have been blessed by your fellowship, your labours in the gospel, and your support over these many years.
We are also thankful for your honesty in sharing concerns about the preaching at GEC. As elders we do care about the flock, and feedback that is given in a loving, constructive spirit is always welcome.
Many points that have been raised are good ones for all ministers to consider and aim at. All sermons worth the name should pay due regard to exposition, accessibility, application, time management, etc. As preaching elders we will be continuing to strive for these until the day we go to glory!
We are also aware that GEC sees many different men stand behind the pulpit, each with his own distinctive style and approach. There is no ‘one size fits all’ minister; the Lord uses different men and different styles to edify different people.
With that said, we have undergone much soul-searching, prayer and consultation over the last few months, and our joint conclusion is that the changes in Andrew’s preaching over the last eighteen months have been of the Lord. We acknowledge that new ground is being broken, but that the course Andrew is pursuing remains biblical and worthy of our support.
We are in no doubt of the love and respect that all have for Andrew, including those who have felt a little uncomfortable with his more recent ministry. It is important to keep in mind that we are involved in the Lord’s work at GEC; this demands that we be eager to maintain unity and to pray regularly for each other.
It saddens us that the preaching has not been as well received among the membership as it might be, but we are aware that even Spirit-led preaching can produce mixed reactions and require some getting used to.
We love you all and would dearly desire your continued support at GEC. Please remain assured of our good will, prayers and earnest desire to do all things for your edification and to the glory of the One who is the Lord and Saviour of us all.
Andrew Rowell *
John Crosby
John Tredgett
* I did not agree to have my name added to this letter and I do not know if it was ever sent. You can see however that it is dramatically different to the views that were in place on the 14th November (just 4 days later) and on 19th November (just 9 days later). This is an astonishing switch of views and position with regards to the dissenting couples.
On Sunday the 14th November (just 4 days after this proposed letter was sent to me!) John Crosby wrote this (to which John Tredgett said he agreed):
(Paragraph 159 in the summary)
Regarding your current situation, and writing from a position of deep respect, I would urge you to prayerfully consider the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:28). In my opinion, until recent times, you fulfilled that request with some distinction. However, since then this (sadly) has not been the case.
When fed the spiritual food which is ‘convenient’ for the believer, they will grow in grace, or to use another metaphor, they will be edified and ‘built up in their most holy faith’ (Jude, v.20). This was, I believe, the outcome of your ministry until recent times.
When you informed us of your studies, I was greatly encouraged and hoped they would lead you to a deeper understanding of the scripture and enhance your ministry. With great sadness, I do not think this has been the case. As a consequence, the feeding of the body of Christ has been seriously affected. Whatever the future in the Lord’s will holds for you, I respectfully urge you to consider these matters.
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