The Rev Dr Michael McClenahan who, as a
boy, attended First Lisburn Presbyterian Church and later
lectured in theology at Oxford and Yale Universities, will
return to his roots next month to conduct a series of five
special meetings entitled �Justification: A right
relationship with God� (Stories Jesus told about life in His
Kingdom). Organised by First Lisburn Bible Ministry
Committee under its convenor Tom Kinkead, the meetings will
be held in the Upper Room of First Lisburn Presbyterian
Church on Sunday evenings 3rd February to 2nd March from
6.30pm to 8.00pm. Music Groups will take part in the
services and there will be a Prayer Healing Ministry Team
available afterwards. Everyone will be made most welcome and
tea will be provided afterwards for those who would like to
stay and chat. You might find it helpful to bring your
Bible.
Speaking of the forthcoming series of meetings, Dr
McClenahan says, �Jesus was the master of every kind of
teaching. He could preach to vast crowds, holding their
attention for hours. Yet he also took time to answer
individual questions. In the gospels, many of his sermons
and answers contain stories called parables - many are
justly famous and some are more obscure�. He concludes,
�Jesus says that the parables are all about his Kingdom -
his rule in our lives. But, what does it mean to be part of
Jesus� Kingdom? Who is justified - that is, who is in a
right relationship with God?� Dr McClenahan will address
these important issues and the topic for each of the five
Sunday evenings is as follows:
Sunday 3rd February
Being religious - the biggest danger of all
Luke 18: 9-14
The Pharisee
Sunday 10th February
Welcoming crooks and cheats - an open door to heaven
Luke 18: 9-14
The tax collector
Sunday 17th February
Why does God bother?
Luke 15: 11-31
A wayward son
Sunday 24th February
Doesn�t God care about my efforts?
Matthew 20: 1-16
Labourers in the vineyard
Sunday 2nd March
Investing in the Kingdom
Matthew 25: 14-30
The parable of the tenants
As a boy, Michael McClenahan attended
First Lisburn Presbyterian Church and after leaving Friend�s
School, he studied law at St John�s College, Oxford. He
became Student Assistant Minister in Oldpark Presbyterian
Church, Belfast in 1998 and during 1998-1999, he began
ministerial training in Union Theological Belfast, and the
following year returned to Oxford to pursue theological
studies. After obtaining a divinity degree, and a Master�s
degree in ecclesiastical history, he began and (eventually)
completed a doctorate in philosophy concentrating on the
eighteenth century theologian Jonathan Edwards. During this
time the family moved to the United States where Michael was
engaged in research at Yale University.
During his studies Michael was keenly involved in the life
and work of St. Ebbe�s Church, Oxford. Initially involved in
the leadership of the ministry to students, he latterly
moved the focus of his work to a new church plant in
Headington (north of Oxford). This work grew steadily and
has recently moved to its own building in Headington.
Michael has preached in many churches in Northern Ireland,
England, and the United States. During his studies he taught
theology at the University of Oxford and at Yale University.
The family returned to Northern Ireland in 2006 and Michael
is now assistant minister in Greenwell Street Presbyterian
Church, Newtownards. He is married to Judith and they have
four sons.
15/01/2008
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