Tom Chapman inducted as pastor at Surrey Chapel, Norwich
 Tom and Suzanne affirm their calling
 Robert Amess gives the address
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Tom Chapman, formerly one of Eden's lay elders, was inducted as pastor of Surrey Chapel Free Church, Norwich on 12th October.
The service was led by David Green (Vice Chairman of Deacons). Among those in attendance there was strong representation from Eden Baptist church. Revd Julian Hardyman, recently inducted as Pastor of Eden Baptist Church, led prayers, and the address was given by Eden's outgoing moderator, Revd Robert Amess, chairman of the Evangelical Alliance.
David Green gave a brief history of Surrey Chapel which was founded in 1854 by Robert Govett in Surrey street in Norwich. The previous building in Surrey street has since been demolished to make way for the John Lewis car park, and even though the church is now located in Botolph Street, the name "Surrey Chapel" has stuck. He then gave an account of Tom Chapman's call to be their Pastor. In its 148 year history Surrey Chapel has had only four pastors - Tom is their fifth. David introduced each of the four previous pastors, the first, second and fourth of whom each served the church for over forty years. The third served only three years before being called back to the mission field. Tom and Suzanne Chapman were then invited to give their own account of how Tom was called to become Pastor. Julian Hardyman warmly endorsed Tom's calling and referred to the fact that Eden's loss of a fine elder (and former assistant Pastor) was Surrey Chapel's gain.
Tom joins Surrey chapel after an interregnum of seven years. He has been made most welcome by the fellowship and, in light of the longevity of service of three of the former pastors, they are looking forward to a long and blessed ministry from their new Pastor. Tom himself said that he was their new assistant shepherd - Jesus Himself is their actual shepherd.
Anthea Spray and Anne Bell (both members at Surrey Chapel) then read out the basis of faith of the Fellowship of Independant Evangelical Churches. Tom Chapman was asked, as part of the commissioning, to confirm that he subscribed to this statement. After the promises, prayers were led by Julian Hardyman and the Deacons of Surrey Chapel.
The address was given by Robert Amess (Chairman of the Evangelical Alliance), who preached on Acts chapter 26 (Paul's defence before Agrippa). He stated that he had five main points to address to Tom and the fellowship, but that the first point was by far the longest. On reaching his second point he assured everyone that his sermon was almost completed. The five points were:
- Paul's Double Appointment: as a Servant and a Witness (v.16)
- His Double Source: What he had seen and what Jesus would show him (16)
- His Double Protection; from his Own People and Outsiders (17)
- His Double Ministry: Illumination and Deliverance (18)
- His Double Blessing: Forgiveness and a Place among God's people (18)
Tom served as Assistant Pastor at Eden until August 2001 when he stepped down in order to study at Oak Hill College. Over the previous seven years we were privileged to contribute to his training and early years of ministry. At the same time we benefited enormously from Tom's devotion and flair as well as his wife Suzanne's contributions to church life. There is sadness at their leaving but a great joy at the way the Lord has led them and Surrey Chapel together.
Report and photos by David Lawson