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Jim Barr
When did you first come to Bloomsbury, and why?
I first came to Bloomsbury one Sunday evening in 1986, only because I knew that a certain young lady was going to be there. At the time I had not been to church in years, and expected the same from Bloomsbury as I had experienced at other churches – the glib answers to difficult questions and the addiction to mediocrity in its worship and its thinking. The preacher that evening was Howard Williams, and he surprised me. He was not afraid of controversy, and was certainly not mediocre or glib. He explained that Bloomsbury was the church for those who did not fit in anywhere else, and that suited me. I was hooked in more senses than one, because I married the young lady shortly thereafter.
What do you admire and enjoy most about the church?
I value the cutting edge approach of its preachers, the assumption that the members of the congregation have brains, and that everything, from the lunches to the music and preaching, can and must be done to the highest standard. I value the very diverse range of people the church attracts, as well as the constant flow of visitors from interesting places. I admire the fact that Bloomsbury has the confidence to retain its own identity and follow the path where God leads, rather than following the latest liturgical fad, Christian gimmick or worship songbook.
What one aspect do you especially love?
Bloomsbury is blessed with a great organ and a great organist, the resources to maintain both, and many very talented members. Although I have valued the preachers at Bloomsbury, in particular their ability to relate theology to modern life, the high standard of music is a strong reason to keep coming.
What do you hope for the future of Bloomsbury?
I hope and pray that Bloomsbury will not slide into the morass of easy religion and simplistic worship styles that are the destiny of many of today's churchgoers. It will maintain its inclusiveness, and as Baptists have traditionally been individualistic and outspoken, I hope it maintains its personal and societal challenge to the world.
Do you have a memorable moment of an event at the church?
Bloomsbury is a very international church, and we particularly valued the fact that we were able to keep in touch with and feel part of the community while we were living in the Far East. This was reflected in the dedication of our first son, who was born while we were away and he was dedicated during a visit home. He was baptised just last year. Our other two sons were also dedicated at Bloomsbury, and for all three of them, it is the one place, apart from the family, where they can meet people who knew them when they were first born.
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