Leamington Spa: a new chapter

A new chapter began for Emmanuel Church, Leamington Spa, with the induction of their pastor James Midwinter on 9 September.

James worked as a lawyer before being called to the ministry and training at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC. He was assistant pastor to Ray Evans at Grace Community Church, Bedford for two years before coming to Leamington Spa in August.

In addition to a large contingent from Grace Community Church, the Emmanuel Church family was joined at the induction service by representatives of Wycliffe Church, Sheffield, where James had been in membership while a student. He met his wife Hannah there too. There were also some from Monyhull Church, Birmingham, where James and Hannah were members for seven years, during which time James served as a ministry assistant for a year and an elder for two.

Gospel-shaped leadership

At the induction service, John Tindall of Chessington, who had been a formative influence on James, led in prayer. Ray Evans preached from Philippians 3.7-4:1 on gospel-shaped leadership. He spoke of the need to be rooted in the gospel of grace, to persevere through discouragements, and most of all to strive for the fruit of love in yourself and the church fellowship.

Off to London

James was called as associate pastor to work alongside the current pastor Bill James. However, since his call, Bill James has been appointed Principal of London Seminary and will be leaving Emmanuel at the end of November. The church will be seeking another pastor to work alongside James.