The Latimer Trust asked Mark Meynell
1. How did you become a Christian?
I’d gone to over 2000 church services before coming to Christ in February 1989. I heard the gospel explained in a way that really hadn’t registered before. It blew my mind that I might actually know Jesus personally!
2. Who is or has been an influential person in your Christian pilgrimage?
John Stott has been a key person in all kinds of ways, though I only got to know him in the last few years of his life. But someone who has been hugely significant for me is Bishop Edward Muhima. He was my mentor and prayer partner during the four years we lived and worked in Uganda. He stood head and shoulders above the herd as someone of genuine humility and love for people. I owe him a lot.
3. What piece of advice would you give young ordinands going into ordained ministry today?
Never ever allow yourself to stop being a learner! As a minister, as a believer, as a human being!
4. Which is the best book you have read in 2023?
The best book by a long stretch is Jeremy Eichler’s book Time’s Echo: The Second World War, The Holocaust and The Music of Remembrance. He considers the responses of 4 extraordinary composers: Richard Strauss, Arnold Schoenberg, Benjamin Britten and Dmitri Shostakovich (the latter two being 2 musical heroes). It’s an extraordinary book that crosses all kinds of disciplines, and is incredibly moving.
5. What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve just finished a book on the Resurrection to come out in 2024 with IVP, and so at last can get back to a novel I’ve been working on for over five years! Who knows if it will ever get finished…?
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