Phil Swann
1. How did you become a Christian?
I grew up on the edge of London a, ‘son of the Manse’ and my first words were, ‘God’ and ‘Jesus’. The gospel was one of the first things I learned and I saw its reality lived out in family and Church life. But it wasn’t until I left home for College in Cardiff and listened to familiar preaching that I knew conviction of sin and my need of Christ for the first time. This led to an 11-month struggle until in despair and in a little corner of Truro, Christ came to me while I read Philippians 1:20,21.
2. What lessons have you learnt since that you would want to pass on to a younger Christian version of yourself?
Stop taking yourself so seriously; it’s not about you or your gifts or dreams but it’s all about Jesus. Don’t buy into unbiblical legalistic demands dressed up as Christian absolutes. Don’t despair over your struggles; they are strengthening your faith and developing your compassion for other strugglers. Take time to listen to people and be patient – everyone has a story of difficulty and needs the kindness of your persistent fellowship. Don’t drop friendships with your unconverted friends. Stop being so hard on yourself and respect the limitations of your humanity; you’re God’s workmanship and He knows what He is doing with you.
3. How would you describe your prayer life?
A struggle, a disappointment, a blessing and a mystery that often need the push that only trials can give. I found Pablo Martinez’s book Praying With The Grain, about personality and praying a help. It eased me away from the guilt of failing to fit into a rigid expectation of what a prayer life ‘should be’ to becoming more accepting of how God has designed me to pray. Prayer is now more of an ongoing conversation than an occasion.
4. Which two or three Christian books apart from the Bible have most influenced your faith?
Richard Sibbes’ The Bruised Reed, with its extraordinary compassion and honesty about the soul struggles Christians have and its view of the compassion of Christ. in John Piper’s The Supremacy of God Preaching, with its encouragement and challenge on proclaiming the greatness of God to our deepest human needs.
J.C.Ryle’s Christian Leaders of the Eighteenth Century, where the overview of what God can do through the preaching of the gospel is breathtaking and deeply encouraging.
5. Who or what have been your biggest Christian influences?
My wife Karyn, with her discernment and love of God’s people. My father Derek for the pastoral wisdom that God gave him, and my mother Ceinwen’s praying. Bill Dyer, who I served with in Yorkshire, for his passion for souls and prayer. The church I serve in Llanelli, who have taught me about faithfulness and patience. The Evangelical Movement of Wales with its foundations in experiential Calvinism, and, more recently, Eric L. Johnson and Diane Langberg.
6. What are the main challenges you believe Christians face today?
It has been said that the Early Church, ‘out-thought, out-loved, out-suffered and out-preached the Pagans’. I think that sums up today’s needs. Church needs to be an attractive counter culture that is being both seen and heard by our secular world. Because of this, clarity of the Biblical priorities and integrity over how we live together is crucial.
7. What encourages and what discourages you?
I’m always encouraged in the training of pastors in Wales. Seeing God work faithfully in the ups and downs of the lives in our church in Llanelli encourages me. I’m often encouraged by how sensible, focused, happy and grounded the new and younger Christians are that I now meet. Seeing hurt Christians begin to flourish under the kindness of the church and the comfort of the gospel. Church plants always encourage me too.
Inflexibility and petty-mindedness among Christians discourage me, and when the mechanics of church life eclipse the joy of serving Christ. Hearing superficial quickfix responses thrown at the deep struggles of damaged Christians also discourages me, particularly when those damaged have been wounded by abuse of power among Christians. Seeing pastors breaking down under the pressure of unkindness and criticism is another discouragement.
8. What makes you laugh?
Right now, it’s the thought that en would ever ask me to do this.
9. What would you want to say to the wider evangelical world?
Never forget everything is ultimately all about the glory of God – don’t get in the way or think you can do anything of any ultimate consequence without His Spirit. Love and work together more as we have the same cause and enemy. And cheer up because Jesus Christ is Lord.
10. Which Biblical person (other than Jesus) do you most look forward to meeting in glory and why?
Titus. When Paul went to Troas to preach the gospel and found Christ had opened a door for him there, he left because he didn’t find Titus there. Without Titus, Paul had no peace of mind and when they eventually meet in Macedonia, Paul is in bad shape. God used Titus to comfort Paul. In glory I won’t need Titus’ comfort, but it will be great to talk together about God’s care of souls.
