Jonathan Lamb
1. How did you become a Christian?
I am very thankful for parents who faithfully taught me and my siblings the basics of the Christian gospel, and whose lives truly modelled Christian discipleship. I was part of a small Brethren assembly in London which expressed genuine care for a small boy, specially praying for me when I contracted polio. And it was at that time that I came to faith, at the age of five, through a mission for children and through my father’s wise guidance and prayer.
2. What lessons have you learnt since that you would want to pass on to a younger Christian version of yourself?
Eat Scripture. Fight every sin. Depend on God’s grace. Work with teams. Keep your eyes on eternity.
3. How would you describe your prayer life?
Still learning, with a long way to go. I’ve found it helpful to carry prayer lists; to try to turn emails and meetings and phone calls and people into prayer opportunities; to use Biblical prayers, which are ‘like large clothes that parents buy their children to grow into’. I’m very thankful for the regular opportunities to pray with others. Margaret and I try to use every mealtime as another brief prayer opportunity. As an avid listener of national and global news, I’ve tried to turn the news into prayer – ‘watch the news with God’. Over the years I have become more aware of how dependent we must be on the Holy Spirit.
4. Which two or three Christian books apart from the Bible have most influenced your faith?
As a student I was greatly helped by Derek Kidner’s Tyndale commentaries on the Psalms, and by Jim Packer’s Knowing God. Subsequently, my faith was informed and strengthened by every Bible Speaks Today commentary I could afford. I’ve also been very thankful for many commentaries on 2 Corinthians, the New Testament letter which has most shaped my own Christian life and ministry.
5. Who or what have been your biggest Christian influences?
They include my father’s gentle and humble leadership in a small London church; the privilege of working alongside John Stott, whom I first met as a student and with whom I worked in Langham Partnership; the friendship, courage and witness of many believers in Central Europe and Eurasia during my days with IFES, and the priorities and commitments of believers in the majority world of Africa, Asia and Latin America, with whom we worked in Langham Preaching. Then I must add: wonderful resources from evangelical publishers; and a faithful and forgiving wife.
6. What are the main challenges you believe Christians face today?
We are in danger of suffering from malnutrition – the loss of Biblical understanding – and we must confront that challenge in our churches (I support the call for a renewed catechesis). We also suffer from a form of schizophrenia – proclaiming one thing but living another – and we urgently need to ensure our lives and Christian communities demonstrate the authenticity of gospel truth. We face a growing secularism, a challenge which calls for both of these things – clear Biblical understanding and robust, faithful discipleship. On that basis, we must focus together on the evangelistic and missionary task with renewed energy.
7. What encourages and what discourages you?
I’m encouraged by the younger generation, by God’s work around the globe, and by the many evidences of God’s power in weakness. I’m discouraged by our evangelical tribalism, and – were it not for the Spirit’s comforting and empowering presence – by the constant struggle with sin.
8. What makes you laugh?
Three amiable daughters who keep their parents’ feet on the ground.
9. What would you want to say to the wider evangelical world?
Work together. Concentrate on gospel priorities. Live the truth. Dismantle tribalism. Ensure that church culture is shaped by servant leadership. Plant a tree.
10. Which Biblical person (other than Jesus) do you most look forward to meeting in glory and why?
Jeremiah, who was given such a tough mission yet displayed honesty, faithfulness, perseverance and hope.
