Bishop Steven, the Presiding Bishop of The International Christian Church Network, assisted by Revd. Phillip Ingham, ordained Michael Fleming on 24th March 2019 at Living Hope Church in Pendle. Michael had been a violent man, an alcoholic night club owner and debt collector, he once used his fists to make his violent way through life. Michael came to faith in Jesus Christ many years ago now and his Christian walk has been a journey of radical transformation. Once he was dyslexic but following his conversion his ability to read and write grew, to such an extent that he now has a theological degree from Manchester University. The ordination took place in front of a packed church, including the MP for Pendle Andrew Stephenson, The Mayor and Mayoress or Pendle James and Janet Starkie, The Mayor and Mayoress of Burnley Charlie Briggs and Patricia Lunt and Councillor Pauline McCormick.
The service was a moving blend of ancient Christian liturgy, personal testimonies, and rousing hymns including, Jerusalem and A Mighty Fortress is our God. Bishop Steven spoke of the need to recognize that it is God’s work through Jesus Christ not ours, that leads to salvation. His emphasis was based around Ephesians 2:8,9 which says: ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Revd. Michael will continue his Pastoral ministry to over 65 Small Groups and various evangelistic outreaches. We look forward to this highly impacting ministry developing further and seeing many more people rescued by the Gospel of Jesus Christ
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