Andrew Symes
1. How did you become a Christian?
It was at an after-school Christian group, when I was 14. Although we weren’t churchgoers as a family, my parents said it was time I got confirmed in the CofE. Over a number of weeks, the school chaplain explained who Jesus was, what His death and resurrection meant, and how to put my trust in Him and follow Him. Immediately I knew that this would mean a life of service, not just belief, and that the truth about Christ has global and cosmic significance, as well as being personally right for me.
2. What lessons have you learnt since that you would want to pass on to a younger Christian version of yourself?
Don’t be surprised at being disappointed by yourself and others, but be prepared to be amazed by the grace and goodness of God.
In learning patience and gentleness, don’t lose passion for God’s truth and justice. On the other hand, while those who hunger for righteousness are blessed (Matt. 5:6) so are the meek (Matt. 5:4); Jesus also tells us not to get worried or worked up (Matt. 6:31-33).
Although to be fair, I’m still learning these lessons now!
3. How would you describe your prayer life?
I’m okay at praying with others, especially my wife with whom I have a Bible and prayer time at the start of every day. I’m not so good at praying on my own in a systematic way. Every time we acknowledge God’s presence with us, praise Him and bring Him our requests, even just ‘in the moment’, we are always blessed and it’s taking a stand against self and secularism. Why don’t we do it more? – We make so many excuses for this.
4. Which two or three Christian books apart from the Bible have most influenced your faith?
In my teens I remember Discipleship by David Watson being an inspiring grounding in the basic areas of life following Jesus.
Anything by John Stott and Martyn Lloyd-Jones warmed my heart, but particular influences early in my Christian walk were Stott’s commentary on the Sermon on the Mount, and the Doctor on Romans 8.
Aged 21, I went on a life-changing trip to Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, visiting missionaries and praying for the church and the people. This was after reading In the Gap – what it means to be a world Christian by David Bryant, who showed how the focus of my Christian life should be God’s work of exalting Christ in the nations, and then, how the local church and my ministry fit into that.
5. Who or what have been your biggest Christian influences?
My school chaplain, who brought me to faith; a South African bishop with whom I served in the late 1990s; my wife.
6. What are the main challenges you believe Christians face today?
Materialism and the cult of self. Secular ‘progressive’ ideologies dressed up as true reality and compassion. Reaching the unreached while remaining counter-cultural. Ministry to the (economically) poor will become a growing challenge.
7. What encourages and what discourages you?
I’m encouraged when I meet young people who love the Lord and His word, who understand the signs of the times and think outside the box, being prepared to challenge views of their peers. I’m discouraged when I see sin and compromise in myself and other more influential church leaders.
8. What makes you laugh?
Satire that is observant, with a sense of the ridiculous. I get Private Eye magazine and sometimes when I read a section to my wife I’m reduced to helplessness. Old comedy classics also work: Inspector Clouseau, Not the Nine o’Clock News, Brian Johnstone’s ‘oh, Aggers’ on Test Match Special.
9. What would you want to say to the wider evangelical world?
Are we trying to shield church members from the real challenges of discipleship, perhaps by ignoring or compromising with culture’s false ideologies? How can we, like Nehemiah, say honestly, ‘Look at the trouble we are in’, and prepare an army for spiritual warfare and rebuilding of the walls?
10. Which person (other than Jesus) do you most look forward to meeting in glory and why?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He paid the ultimate price for his love for Christ and his passion for truth and justice. He could be intense, but also fun and creative – though from a privileged and formal German family, he developed an appreciation for black American soul and gospel music which he introduced to his students!
