Nationwide Christian Trust runs events to encourage people on their journey of faith from its base in Ongar, Essex, including men’s breakfasts and ladies’ days

A new role in retirement

After stepping down after almost three decades of pastoral ministry, Ian Moore tells in his own words how he’s taking on a new role

I retired in 2012 after 28 joy- filled years of pastoral ministry at Elim’s Church in Ingatestone, Essex. At the time, I had no real plans, but felt strongly that it was time to stand down. At my farewell service David Campbell, my Regional Superintendent, preached. Embarrassingly, I remember just one line, “Good Christians don’t retire, they just die!”

I had no plans to do anything beyond my ongoing prison chaplaincy responsibilities and supporting pastor friends in DR Congo and India.

I set about working through my ‘to do list’, things that needed doing around the house and in the garden. Out of the blue, while leading an away weekend at a pastor friend’s church, I received a Macedonian call to offer pastoral help while the church continued it s search for an Assistant Minister. After seven years, working two days a week, I attempted to retire once more!

I sensed God smile as I failed a second time. For a while, I had been leading ‘Time Out with God’ days at Nationwide Christian Trust’s (NCT) Centre in Ongar, Essex. Days where people can hear God’s Word and enjoy his presence in beautiful surroundings. Life had fallen into a new and pleasant routine – that was until, once more out of the blue, I received an invitation to consider applying for the role of Editor of Living Light, NCT’s quarterly daily devotional. This was something quite outside my skillset; to me it was like being asked to walk on water. My wife Carol and I laid a fleece, if accepted it would be on the basis we would be considered without favour alongside the other 15 applicants.

So, here I am, walking on water with David Campbell’s words ringing in my ears. This is a huge responsibility and privilege; an opportunity to share God’s Word throughout the UK and further afield. This is the grace of God. I was filled with trepidation and a sense of inadequacy, as I took on this new role as Editor, but I guess the Lord likes it that way.

God has opened doors to communicate his life-changing, unchanging Word in contemporary ways and language. As I write this article, I am in my hotel room in Andhra Pradesh, having spoken at a conference for 330 pastors. I only say this to bring glory to God – the amazing God who opened this door of opportunity to a minister who served for over 25 years in a small village church that never grew beyond 90 members.

Now a new chapter of God’s grace has begun for me with Living Light. Living Light is read by thousands, this apart from its online takers and readings on Premier Christian Radio.

I believe in the fundamental importance of regular Bible reading, in understanding and living out the Word of God. I fear that, as pastors, we might be surprised, even shocked, by the number of Christians in our churches who are spasmodic in reading the life-changing message the Bible offers.

At NCT, we want to elevate and promote daily Bible reading. We sincerely believe our daily Bible insights, written by a group of gifted contributors, promote a healthy personal walk with God.

Church growth studies point to the centrality of God’s Word to be a major contributor to a healthy church, offering a powerful witness to our needy world.

I have been involved in Prison Chaplaincy for almost 20 years; a ministry which remains near to my heart. I’m thrilled we send Living Light materials free of charge to prisons, and hospitals. There can be no better reward than seeing men and women’s lives impacted by the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Over the years, in various settings, I have had the privilege of seeing the Word of God becoming life as people take hold of the truth by faith. Broken souls daring to believe that their future is no longer determined by their past. This is a work of God’s grace. I remember one occasion at the close of chapel, a man who had a life sentence brought a friend forward for salvation. I spoke to the man, who happened to be in a wheelchair and, as I did, I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to step back and allow his friend to pray over him.

As I looked on, I saw an image of amazing grace that will stay with me for ever.

May I encourage readers to pray for prison ministry, chaplains, volunteers, officers and inmates alike. Your prayers are the bedrock of the ministry.

The Nationwide Christian Trust’s vision is to help people find the Lord Jesus and to strengthen them in their spiritual lives. As well as producing Living Light, NCT also runs events to encourage people in their journey of faith, such as Time out with God, Delving Deeper, Ladies’ Days, Men’s Breakfasts and more. NCT also operates a Prayerline and has a team of compassionate listeners to pray with people when they call.

So it turns out that David Campbell is a prophet! But what about you, dear reader. Could there be more for you? Dare you believe?

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8.

This article first appeared in the June 2023 edition of Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.

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