Journey with Richard Greenham

One of my lesser-known Puritan heroes is a pastor by the name of Richard Greenham. He stands out as one who was earnestly committed to the building of robust spiritual community in the local church as a thoughtful counselor of the heart. Greenham pastored in the little village of Dry Drayton, only five miles northwest of Cambridge. Installed as rector on November 27, 1570, he would pastor faithfully for twenty-one years at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. The aim of the sermon for Greenham was never merely the acquisition of information, but knowledge that included a true understanding that warmed the affections and produced obedience. He believed that the sermon should be reflected on, and discussed, within homes and among fellow parishioners. Hearing a sermon was a community project, and one to be embraced by the corporate family of God and the individual families of God. For Greenham unapplied doctrine was a waste of time. The ministry activities at Dry Drayton leave us a powerful example of community life within the congregation. Greenham started with the objective of teaching and preaching the Word and what immediately followed was the private communal aspect of Christian experience. I love this ministry model and trajectory, believing the public proclamation of the Word ought to fuel the private conversations within the body, leading to spiritual understanding, delightful affections, and courageous obedience. May Redeemer Church be the Dry Drayton of our day!