London Leaders Thank Trevor Archer

Serving in Christian ministry for more than 40 years, Trevor has spent the last 13 working with FIEC, first as Training Director and latterly as Director for London. Trevor has pioneered partnerships amongst Independent churches in the capital and, as part of that work, he established FIEC’s regular London Gatherings for church leaders.

Generosity and thanks

Trevor’s successor Johnny Prime led the February Gathering, with ministry from Acts 20 by Jonty Allcock who is pastor of The Globe Church in London. During his sermon, Jonty looked at the words of Jesus in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”, and examined the topic of generosity in light of the passage. He explained that Trevor and his wife Val had always demonstrated this in their work and ministry.

Following the Bible ministry, Trevor was interviewed about his ministry life, before thanks were given by both Rob Pickering of Selhurst Evangelical Church on behalf of the London pastors, and FIEC National Director John Stevens on behalf of the Fellowship.

Giving thanks for Trevor’s role with FIEC, John said: “I am so thankful to God for the outstanding contribution Trevor has made to the transformation of FIEC over the last thirteen years. As Training Director, he introduced clear pathways into independent church ministry and established our Training Fund, which has invested over £2million in the next generation of gospel workers.

“For the last six years, he has supported and encouraged FIEC pastors in London as our volunteer Director for London, initiating church plants and revitalisations and building links with other gospel groups and networks. His energy, vision and sacrificial service have helped to foster a positive spirit of gospel ambition within FIEC.

“At a personal level, he has been a wise counsellor and consistently encouraging friend and collaborator. We are also hugely thankful for all the support that Val has given him. We know that he will not ‘retire’ from ministry, and pray that the Lord will continue to bless all his labours for the kingdom.”

Love and kindness

A central part of the London Gatherings involves eating a meal together. After spending time engaging with one another over good food, the event drew to a conclusion with an open time of prayer and unaccompanied singing of one of Trevor’s favourite hymns: Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean.

Reflecting on both the evening and his time with FIEC as a whole, Trevor said: “Val and I were deeply moved and touched by the outpouring of love and kindness from our many friends in ministry in London, expressed in their generous gifts and spoken appreciation. We felt much loved.

“In my years with FIEC we have been thrilled by much evidence of the Lord’s blessing upon the Fellowship. In particular, to see a route established for men and women from FIEC churches, through the Training Fund and The Hub conference, into pastoral ministry.

“Since its establishment, over £2million has been distributed by the Fund which has enabled 219 men and women to train for gospel ministry in our churches. The generosity and vision of one particular couple to the Training Fund has been humbling and joyful to see.

“In terms of my last 6 years as London Director and in the Lord’s goodness, the creation of our regular London Gatherings have acted as a catalyst for FIEC leaders and churches to work together in partnership, sometimes with other church groupings and missions, to plant new churches and revitalise existing ones.

“There is a tangible sense of ‘belonging’ among the FIEC pastors in London and a heart to work together for the advance of the gospel here.”