September 20 was the occasion of an induction service to formally recognise Ashley Jones for the pastoral ministry of Rugby Evangelical Free Church.
Around 140 people from around the UK came, including many good friends of the church, men who had preached during the interregnum and a number from Caterham Baptist Church, where Ashley had previously ministered.
Ashley gave an account of his call to Rugby. He spoke of the warm welcome that he received and how he was drawn to the church. He had received positive feedback from those whose advice he sought. At one point he decided not to proceed, but found that he could not stop thinking about Rugby. This led to Ashley requesting that the church reconsider him, which they did.
Graham Laywood gave the ‘charge to pastor Ashley Jones’ and Owen Milton gave the ‘charge to the church’. This was followed by prayer and setting apart led by Pastor Keith Johns, with the Rugby elders laying hands upon Ashley.
Paul Watts preached powerfully and relevantly from 2 Timothy 4:3 – ‘preach the word’– where he encouraged Ashley to 1) preach the bible, 2) preach Christ, 3) preach sound doctrine and 4) preach to people.
David Arnold, a former elder, now wheelchair bound, brought the benediction.
