The Latimer Trust asks Robert Bashford
How did you become a Christian?
I became a Christian through Crusaders, which was an organization of Bible-classes for boys. At the age of 12, I was at an Easter houseparty, where one of the talks made me realize that Jesus died for me and I had to make a response, which I did. During my teenage years I received good Bible teaching though Crusaders, but also unhelpful liberal teaching through the church I was attending then. So I went to university as a confused Christian and had to re-discover that being a Christian means knowing Jesus.
Who is or has been an influential person in your Christian pilgrimage?
I am indebted to many Bible teachers, whose ministry in preaching and writing has been so helpful. One particularly influential person was Miles Thomson, who was the minister of the church I belonged to in my younger adult years before ordination.
What piece of advice would you give young ordinands going into ordained ministry today?
I would want to say three things to any young ordinand today:
1. Have your eyes wide open to the present state of the Church of England. Pray for wisdom, and look for godly advice, concerning where your God-given call to ordained ministry can best be worked out.
2. Resolve now that your priority in ministry will be to serve as a faithful preacher of God's word.
3. Resolve now that you will keep your daily walk with the Lord fresh.
Which is the best book you have read recently?
One of the best books I have read recently is Sinclair Ferguson's "The Whole Christian." It focuses on the relationship between grace and works in our salvation. A tremendously pastoral book.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am finishing a devotional guide on John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress."
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