PBC Minister - Neil Brighton

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Welcome

Lori and Neil Brighton

Poynton Baptist Church welcomed our new Pastor Rev Neil Brighton, on the 4th of September 2006. His Induction Service took place on the 7th October 2006 - more.

Neil is married to Lori (a certified accountant) and they have two children. For the last seven years Neil has been the minister of Keyworth Baptist Church, a growing church south east of Nottingham. Neil lists his hobbies as including theology (he is currently researching a PhD) which he assures us is a lot more fun than it sounds, “It’s great to have the opportunity to think through tough questions about God, life and the world”. Worried we might get the wrong impression he hastily adds that in his more down to earth moments he also enjoys cycling, walking and camping holidays with the family.

Neil Brighton and Lori

People often say that they like Jesus but find the church unattractive but Neil remains upbeat, “In my visits to Poynton I’ve found the church to be an honest, friendly and caring bunch of people. Folk have a desire to keep growing and nurturing their faith. I hope to encourage that and ensure we remain a welcome and inviting place for others to come.” Warming to the theme he adds, “using the Bible as compass to give direction provides a framework for us to explore questions as well as the resources to help us through difficult patches in life. Jesus came so we could fully live and church is simply the way we share life together, it is going to be good!”

So how does he see the church impacting the wider community? “I firmly believe that the local church is a gathering where God encounters people. The experience of meeting Jesus changes lives: transforming people into those who want to be a part of what God is doing. With passion like that anything is possible. I hope that Christians will continue its involvement in every area of local life; the parish council, helping with community projects, youth work, supporting families and lots of other unseen ways”.

Before becoming a minister Neil was the Finance and Administration Director of a specialist building company. So why the career change? “When I was 16 I decided that I would follow Jesus whatever that would take. Years later I sensed that God wanted me to stop what I was doing and be something different and so here I am, another decade on, as the minister of Poynton Baptist Church. I’m astounded at where God has led me but am looking forward to this latest challenge.”

Induction Service

Neil’s induction service was held on Saturday 7^th October 2006. The Mayor of the Borough of Macclesfield, representatives from other churches, visitors and congregation were welcomed by John Gatenby, followed by a time of worship led by Isabel Norris. Bill Norman gave an account of the "Call to the Church" and Neil responded with "Call to the Minister".

The Act of Induction was led by Rev Phil Jump, Regional Minister for the NW Baptist Association.

The sermon was delivered by Rev Dr John Colwell, Tutor at Spurgeon's College. The service concluded in a benediction by Neil and was followed by traditional abundant PBC refreshments served upstairs in the Stepping Stones Room.