A prayerful new beginning
 

A report from the induction of new Yorkshire Baptist Association regional minister Clive Burnard  

I am praying for: "The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the churches so that God’s people will be made bold to witness to the Gospel of Christ. May God anoint Clive to serve Christ’s mission in the YBA” 

This was just one of many prayers offered during the induction of the new Regional Minister, the Revd Dr Clive Burnard (pictured right) at The Well Baptist Church, Sheffield.

The whole event was enveloped in prayer and there was a sense of excitement at the moving of the Holy Spirit. Before the act of induction, the congregation filled out prayer cards highlighting their prayers for Clive, the YBA, the association’s churches, mission in Yorkshire, and personal matters.
 
There were prayers for renewal, revival, refreshment, a reaching of the unchurched.

• “I am praying for churches to be filled again with the Holy Spirit! Refilled and re-energised, seeing growth in faith and numbers.”
• “For a renewing of God’s people that as we draw close to Him we reach out to our communities and families.”
• “For a new passion for Jesus among our churches that might overflow into our communities bringing transformation and change.”
• “For those who have lost the faith they once had in you…that you will bring your ‘lost sheep’ home.”
• “May God’s Spirit move in power throughout this county and that there be a rich harvest of people coming to faith.”

For Clive and Marilyn, there were prayers for blessing in their ministry, happiness in their new home, peace and joy.

• “That the Lord would use Clive mightily in the mission He has given him and the YBA."
• “For Clive to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. For God to use Clive mightily in this new role surpassing all exceptions. For a spirit of humility and service for Clive.”

There were prayers for courage, boldness, wisdom, strength, energy for Clive. And for the YBA Team “to be refilled with the Holy Spirit as they readjust to changed roles and priorities, so that God’s work in Yorkshire will be done to the glory of His name.”

There were prayers for named families, friends and churches – and a prayer for children to be saved from a future of despair. The youngest contributor prayed for the sun to be out and drew a sunshine! The sun and the Son certainly shone on the day!
 
The service was led by Regional Minister/Team Leader the Revd Graham Ensor and Regional Minister the Revd Mary Taylor with music for worship provided by folk from The Well. YBA Legal and Property Officer the Revd Ann Chesworth led the opening prayer.

Pastor K’Paw Shee, of the Karen Baptist Church, Sheffield, gave a moving Bible reading in the Karen language from Matthew 28 v 16-20. YBA Executive Chair Liz Allen spoke about how Clive's calling was discerned and Clive responded.

The act of induction was led by Graham and included the YBA Staff Team, the association’s churches, ecumenical representatives and the whole congregation. Clive and his wife Marilyn were then invited forward for the laying on of hands and prayers, during which prophetic messages were given.

YBA Mission Enabler the Revd Kez Robinson introduced the guest speaker evangelist the Revd Kwame Adzam (pictured), who is minister at Trinity Baptist Church in London. There was a time of ministry before Northern Pioneer Co-ordinator the Revd Roy Searle gave the final blessing. 
 

This report first appeared on the website of the Yorkshire Baptist Association, and is reproduced with permission.