What could possibly be prompting Michigan-based theologian Joel Beeke to travel 3,500 miles across the Atlantic to a small Welsh town in mid-Wales?
The answer is found in Alfred Place Baptist Church, Aberystwyth, who are celebrating 50 years of ministry from their beloved pastor, Geoff Thomas. Dr Beeke is to preach at the anniversary service on 15 November.
A lot happened in 1965, the Race for Space, the Vietnam War, The Beatles’ classic album Rubber Soul. But for the members in Aberystwyth their abiding memories of that year concern the arrival of a fresh-faced new preacher from Merthyr Tydfil. He brought with him a firm resolve for Christ-centred pastoring and a tenacious belief in the power of the preached Word of God.
Robust reformed theology
A graduate of Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia, Geoff had been taught by the likes of Professor John Murray and Cornelius Van Til. His time in that institution had caused him to become convinced of the need for a robust Reformed theology, as well as the importance of a firm conviction in the authority of Scripture.
Like many other Welsh ministers of his generation, Pastor Thomas’s major influence has been that of Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Often encouraging others to read the Lloyd-Jones biography, Geoff would remark ‘it’s the story of my life too’.
The past five decades have been characterised by the same ups and downs that every pastor faces. Departures and disagreements have been coupled with the joys of witnessing God saving lost souls and seeing believers grow in grace. Nevertheless, what is unusual in this case is the sheer length of time that has been spent wholeheartedly pursuing these latter goals.
