Sunday, July 26, 2020

50 years and counting


Today my friend and hero Roger Blackmore celebrates 50 years in ministry. Whilst he has been the person on the platform most of the time it is also as much a celebration of his wife Gill who has been there at every step of the 50-year journey. Together they have pastored churches in England, Scotland and of course Long Island, NY.

Roger & Gill have impacted countless lives over 5 decades and I am honoured and thankful to count myself in that number. I guess my story is replicated a myriad of times in many lives. Accepted, valued, encouraged, challenged, mentored and loved are just a few of the adjectives to describe time with Roger & Gill.

I am an avid reader and I am sad to say too many of the books on my shelves are written by Christian leaders who have crashed and burned along the way and many struggling to stand back up. So, in an age when pastors and Christian leaders seem to have a difficult job finishing well 50 years is a milestone worth celebrating.

Although young I was still aware of the tensions encountered when they were leading our church in Cairnbulg & Inverallochy. Transitioning a church is not the easiest thing to do. But walking into Genesis Church you can tell an instant that this church one, reflects Jesus but also the couple who planted it, Roger & Gill Blackmore.

It is a place that is real, honest, fun, gracious, accepting, loving and of course, are passionate about reaching the people who do not know Jesus yet!

 They and Genesis are the real deal.

Congratulations on 50 years, whats next?