The new Pastor of Radstock Baptist Church has an interesting and unusual background.

Guy Yeomans was a late starter as a minister, having had careers as a teacher,

Australian Member of Parliament, Public Affairs Consultant and CEO of Sydney Anglican Schools. In 2000, he lived in a Jesuit community in America, where he trained as a Spiritual Director – a vocation he pursued concurrently while pastor of a Sydney church from 2005–2016. Those dual vocations will continue in England, where he will provide spiritual direction to ministers, churches and others, with the West of England Baptist Association and further afield.

As to what he brings to his new role at Radstock Baptist Church, Guy replied: “Recent surveys of religion in the UK reveal that, although mainstream churches continue to lose members, there has been a substantial increase in those interested in spirituality. Many people are seeking something beyond Western consumerism, self-gratification and money. They intuitively know there is more to life. Many have been part of a church, but have left. As one person said, ‘I left the church to find God.’

“I want to change that, so people with a hunger for spirituality consider church as a natural place to come to explore and share. As followers of Jesus, we don’t have all the answers; we are flawed human beings who try to make sense of life – and God.

“We should be prepared to ask the hard questions – even when there appears to be no simple answer. Despite honestly expressed doubts, fears and confusions, the mysteries of Life and God are very real. Church should be about sharing our sometimes messy, sometimes fruitful journeys, so that we might mutually encourage one another to live authentic growing lives,

paring away our false selves and seeking our true selves created in God’s image.”

Guy is joined by his wife, Sandra, an early years educator and ten-year-old twins, John and Carys.

If you would like to meet up with our Australian friends and hear Guy speak, you will be made very welcome on Sunday mornings from 4th September. The

services at 10.30 a.m. will be followed by tea and coffee and a time to chat. Evening

services are at 6.30 p.m.

We are a lively mixed age fellowship. Guy’s Induction/Welcoming will be on Sunday, 18th September. Details to follow.

Kathy Butler