Bangor Parish celebrates the lay ministry of John Bateman
On a crisp November evening when the temperature would fall below zero, St Comgalls in Bangor was aglow with the warmth of the affectionate tributes paid to the continuing ministry of John Bateman.
A Diocesan Lay Reader in Bangor Parish for the last 35 years, John has exemplified the intent behind Lay Leadership; to draw men and women with unique talents and wider wisdom from a range of professions into the teaching ministry. Perhaps more importantly, he has taught by example and not merely by words.
His CV covers 34 yrs in Lurgan College, teaching Classics and Ancient History; his influence great both in the classroom and in societies; active in the Scripture Union; and over time, demonstrating a heart for mission both home and abroad via the Torch Trust (for the blind and visually impaired) and support for Crosslinks initiatives; a man of both prayer and action, modelling out gentle, humble, servant leadership.
After leaving Lurgan College, he wanted to serve and make his talents available to the church. He brought the wisdom of the scholar to the ministry, and represents a time when all reading was spiritual reading, to get and then impart wisdom. For John, that wisdom throughout the generations was one of substance over fashion, and it’s vital, irreducible core belief was that salvation is for all, which then motivated him to reach out, to all.
“Great is Thy Faithfulness” sounded out that his is a gospel for all the seasons; summer, winter, springtime and harvest, a call and response to the love and mercy shown. And in one of the texts, chosen by John and preached on by Bishop Harold Miller, (1st Timothy 2.1–8), we heard about that same holistic gospel, reaching out to all, calling for lives to be marked by godliness and dignity. And in that quest, we have been indeed fortunate to have had examples like John Bateman, modelling out faithful service, teaching how to receive both strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, embodying values and principles that are truly timeless.
With thanks for this article to Roy Upritchard, Rector’s Churchwarden of Bangor Parish.