Craig Dyer has just announced that he is leaving his post as Training Director of Christianity Explored Ministries (CEM) to take up a new role on the pastorate of Hamilton Baptist Church (HBC), central Scotland, from September.
Dyer told en: ‘What strikes me is that, even during 15 years with CEM, as I have travelled around the world, I never really stopped thinking like a pastor. I had worked in that capacity for almost 20 years prior to my time at CEM. Then, it was great to meet elders and pastors of churches around the world and to have a good understanding of the joys and challenges they face.
‘I also had the privilege of serving on the preaching team of the church to which my wife Margaret and I belonged, which really helps to keep itinerant gospel ministry rooted. But over the last few years I have felt increasingly drawn back to settled local church ministry and that growing sense coincided with the conviction of HBC that I might serve there.’
'A church that loves the Lord'
Dyer says Hamilton Baptist ‘is a church family that loves the Lord Jesus, takes His word seriously, wants to know Him better and to bring others to know Him as Saviour and Lord. They were looking for someone to join their elder and staff team and to focus on opening up the Bible at church meetings and in pastoral settings. I grew up in HBC, so had to be absolutely sure that it was right to go back in this role, but the Lord has been very gracious through the process and brought us all to that mind.’
He added: ‘Most of my work has been Bible teaching and training globally. CEM works now in about 140 countries, and I am always struck by how God’s word addresses people with power and relevance in all the varied cultures across the world. This has only strengthened my confidence in the power of His word and the work of His Spirit. These convictions are indispensable for pastoral ministry.’
