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John Stevens serves as the National Director of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC). FIEC is a family of approximately 675 churches across the UK. The mission of FIEC is to see those churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ. FIEC churches are independent churches that are committed to the Scriptures as the primary tool for preaching and discipleship.

 

How did you become a Christian?

I became a Christian in October 1988 while I was a final-year law student. I grew up in Birmingham in a non-Christian family, and by the time I went to university, I was a convinced atheist.

However, two law students on my course began sharing their faith with me and inviting me to Christian Union events.

Image of a quote from John Stevens about being an atheist

Over time, I saw the difference in their lives and began engaging with the Bible.

I spent a long time fighting God off because following Jesus didn’t fit into my ambitious career plan to become a barrister. Finally, in the quietness of my room one night, I realised that if Jesus really is the risen Lord and I am a sinner in need of forgiveness, I had no other option but to turn to him.

What difference does the Bible make in your life?

The Bible has been central from the very beginning. It was through the Bible being taught and read with friends that I first understood the gospel. Once I believed, I realised that the Bible is the ‘living word of God’. That he is the primary way God makes himself known to me, speaks to me, and teaches me how to live.

Is there a verse or passage that has been significant for you, and why?

I consistently return to Ephesians chapter 1. It speaks of how we have received every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Image of a quote by John Stevens about the importance of having God’s word in your own language

These verses encapsulate the heart of the Christian faith. That is, that God chose and loved us in eternity. That we have the forgiveness of sins through redemption. And that we have the promise of the Holy Spirit.

These precious verses always remind me of my relationship with Jesus and all he has done for me.

How do you think your relationship with Jesus might be different if you didn’t have the Bible in your language?

I think it would be very difficult to have a relationship with Jesus at anything other than a superficial level.

Image of a quote from John Stevens about the living word of God

Jesus makes himself known to his people through his word.

That’s why it’s so essential that we’re able to hear the words of Jesus in our own language.

If they’re not available to us in that way, then inevitably we can’t know Jesus as fully as we should and as we need to.

How has the Bible helped you during difficult times?

The Bible is utterly realistic about life in a fallen world. It doesn’t promise that everything will go smoothly. Instead, it helps us have realistic expectations that sorrow and grief are part of the Christian walk.

Image of a quote from John Stevens about the importance of Bible translation

Whether I was dealing with a relationship breakdown, the early death of my father, or difficult church situations, the Scriptures remind me that God is sovereign and at work even in the most painful circumstances to transform us into the likeness of Christ.

Why do you think it is so important for churches here in the UK and Ireland to support translating the Bible into people’s languages?

I think it’s vital that the Bible is translated into people’s languages so that they are able to hear God’s word and come to know him.

This goes back to the vision of John Wycliffe, who wanted the Bible translated so that even the ‘ploughboy’ could engage with God directly.

Image of John Stevens, National Director of FIEC

We see this pictured on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to speak in other languages so that people from all around the world were able to understand the good news about Jesus.

That was just a foretaste of the great work of translation that needs to be done to make the word of God available to everyone.

 

For more on FIEC, visit fiec.org.uk.

Partner with FIEC to support the Wuldor* programme

Wycliffe Bible Translators is delighted to partner with FIEC churches to unlock God’s word for the Wuldor people of Africa.

You can join in to raise £70,000 to help the Wuldor translation team as they work across 11 language communities, primarily operating from refugee camps and temporary settlements.

Give to the Wuldor programme now

You can find out more about the Wuldor programme here.

*name changed for security reasons

Story by: Alf Thompson

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