During the Welsh revival of 1904/5, 100,000 people became Christians, marriages were restored, pubs closed down, football and rugby matches cancelled for lack of patronage.

For us living in the 21st century it's hard to believe it really happened. Many Churches are happy to just survive, others are willing to try just about anything to get bums on seats.

Apparently, the worst thing we can do is to preach the Gospel, because it may cause offence and put people off coming to Church.

I would venture to suggest that if we don't start preaching the whole Gospel and bring some substance into our meetings, the day will come when the UK will truly be seen as a secular society.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Rome; "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to everyone who believes" This is what saves souls, not dumbing down the truth so as to make the way to salvation easy and cheap.

I am committed to leading a totally inclusive Church, but I am also totally committed to preaching the whole gospel.

I'm finding being 64 years old a strange thing, part of me is ready to go on and on as a full-time minister because I feel I still have a lot to offer, and yet there are moments when my own personal beach hut by the sea is very inviting.

The Apostle Paul wrote about wanting go and be with the Lord, but realised he was more needed down here on earth. Of course I don't put myself in his exalted bracket, however I do understand what he was saying.

I know a minister who is counting down the days on his calendar to his retirement. Doesn't seem to be the right attitude to me.

For me, I just want to be useful to the Lord and hopefully pass on some of the things I have learnt through the years, and I will carry on rejoicing always seeing the glass half full.

So, the beach hut will have to wait!!!