In the Shadow of the Rock: An Autobiography

In the Shadow of the Rock: An Autobiography

Geoffrey Thomas has lived a memorable life. But despite his achievements, he tells his story as a man comfortably living in the shadow of something and Someone greater. Geoff shares his upbringing in Wales, his ministerial training in the United States, and his family life and ministry that stretched over fifty years at Alfred Place Baptist Church in Aberystwyth. Throughout the book, the winsome Welshman introduces us to a host of leaders he has befriended over the years, giving a valuable perspective on the transatlantic evangelical scene. And most of all, you will read of Geoff’s love for the Rock of his salvation. Contents Dad - Mam - The Town Where I Grew Up - My Schooling and My Church - University in Cardiff - Seminary Days, Philadelphia, 1961–1964 - Coming Home to Wales and Marriage, 1964 - Aberystwyth, a Small Town with Almost Everything - Christianity in Aberystwyth in the Twentieth Century - Alfred Place Baptist Church - Beginning as a Preacher - My Journal - Key Brothers and Formative Influences - Some Memorable Conversations - The Ministry of Mercy in Aberystwyth - Epilogue For fifty years, Geoff Thomas has been my mentor and friend. His weekly emails recounting details of encounters and observations are often priceless. If I were forced to list my top five preachers, his name would be there. As a young Christian at Aberystwyth University in Wales, his mentorship and care for me proved definitive. I would not be where I am today without his guiding, supportive hand. He has preached all over the world, met and kept extensive diary-like notes of conversations with thousands of people, remained in the one church for over half a century, and influenced generations of preachers. That he should write a self-deprecating autobiography is a measure of the heart of this man. His autobiography is a window into the evangelical/reformed church of the last seventy years and more. I predict that this book will be widely read and talked about for years to come. --Derek W. H. Thomas For some time now, Geoffrey Thomas has been in the habit of sending out occasional letters that reflect on God and the gospel, his travels and life, and people and movements in the Christian world. They are gems. Well, reading these autobiographical reflections is like receiving an eleventy of these letters at one fell swoop! This volume of reminiscences is enthralling, winsome in its wisdom, and a fabulous window on God's work in one influential life, for Geoffrey Thomas has indeed had a profound influence for good in the Christian world, and especially among those people who are Reformed in their theology and vision of church life. It was a recommendation by Geoff to an Baptist elder in Belfast in 2000 that led to my being involved in Ireland, both the North and Eire, for two decades now―and I thank God for the author of this book and the fruit of Geoffrey Thomas' ministry and life. --Michael A.G. Haykin, Professor of Church History, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Biographies and autobiographies usually make for fascinating reading. This volume will not disappoint. Yet it is more than the story of one faithful man’s ministry in ‘Aber’ for fifty years. The reader will gain perspective on the twentieth century as Geoff weaves his own story into the religious climate in Wales either side of World War II. The recovery of historic biblical Christianity is portrayed through his eyes. There are also delightful cameos of his professors at Westminster Seminary, of men who were his friends and had a formative influence on him, and also of some who were converted to Christ under his preaching ministry. The author has been candid and is very aware of his shortcomings but at the same time very conscious of divine mercy and grace that sustained him for those fifty years. --Austin Walker, formerly pastor of Maidenbower Baptist Church, Crawley, UK Geoffrey Thomas was the pastor Alfred Place Baptist Church in Aberystwyth, Wales, for over 50 years. During that time Geoff preached through (almost) every word of the Bible. Geoff received his theological training at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, where he was especially influenced by the teaching of Professors John Murray, Cornelius Van Til, and E.J. Young. Westminster awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2011. Geoff is still a frequent conference speaker all over the world. He also holds the position of Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan.