We have heard today (22nd November 2023), the sad news that Bishop David Pytches was 'promoted to glory' on Tuesday 21 Nov at 11.45pm with Mary and his family by his side.  On one hand we share in the profound sadness of the loss of his presence with us, his large and jovial personality bringing much hilarity to conversations seasoned by his unique wit and charm.  On the other, our hearts are 'strangely warmed' knowing that he is with Jesus in glory.  We thank God for the privilege of knowing and ministering alongside this inspiring man of God and leader in Christ's Church.  Without doubt David has shaped the church today through his influence and encouragement. 

As I reflect on his life there are three things that stand out for me:

Firstly, David was a visionary leader

It was whilst serving the Lord in Chile as a missionary working for SAMs that David was first baptised in the Holy Spirit.  Everything changed.  Now as Bishop of Chile, Bolivia and Peru David introduced charismatic renewal to large areas of South America.  David established a culture of church planting and embedded a commitment to the indigenisation of the clergy and enculturation of worship and church life.  What started in South America would then come to the shores of the UK as David and Mary made the bold move, with their four daughters, back to land in Chorleywood in the parish of St Andrew.  Revd John Perry, David's much-loved predecessor, had laid a foundation of charismatic worship allowing David to build upon it. The Lord opened a door and a divine plan unfolded.  With a heart for Chorleywood and a vision for the wider church, David and Mary set out to train, equip and encourage church leaders from far and near to be filled with the Holy Spirit and take charismatic ministry back to their churches.  Inspired and influenced by John Wimber and his many visits to St Andrews, David wrote his book "Come Holy Spirit" which became a best seller.  The impact of John and David released the missional purpose of renewal in the Spirit, equipping ordinary Christians to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit and to witness to the presence and power of the kingdom of God.  But God did not stop there!

Secondly, David was a Risk Taker

With a humility of heart, David and Mary knew that there was still more that God wanted to do as renewal swept across the UK.  A multi church gathering was born in the Summer of 1989 in the Bath and West Show ground at Shepton Mallett.  Someone had the bright idea of calling it 'New Wine' because it rhymed with '89.  What began as a St Andrews church week away soon became a much larger endeavour as people's hunger grew for more of God's presence and ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

New Wine has brought large numbers of people to faith, given encouragement to clergy, grown confidence in the ministry of lay people, renewed parishes in the Church of England and congregations of other churches, inspired leaders throughout the Anglican Communion and assured charismatics of their place in the Church of England.  Time and time again David took risks and God worked through him.  He listened and was obedient.  New Wine also became a platform to encourage Church Planting, something that remained on David's heart to the day he died.  John Wimber regularly recalled, "Freely you have received, freely give". "What God has given, make sure you give away". It is a joy to see New Wine continue to thrive in the hands of successive leaders still with the DNA of renewal and church planting to this day.  In 2021 David was awarded 'The Alphege Award for Evangelism and Witness' by Archbishop Justin Welby, for exceptional contribution to the renewal of the church's capacity for evangelism and witness through the founding of the New Wine and Soul Survivor Christian festivals and pioneering practice of church planting.  A worthy recognition of a man who has come to know that 'faith' is spelt R-I-S-K.

Thirdly, David was a lover of God's word

David remained theologically sharp to the end.  You could ask him a question and he would reply quoting scripture, chapter and verse.  David was a man soaked in scripture and saturated by God.  God's word has always been his plumb line.  I remember enjoying even the political conversations with him which he always brought back to God's word.  His sharp mind along with his firm grasp of scripture fed his passion for writing theological books which have nourished and inspired so many.  His last book was a study on prayer, his last preach was on prayer, totally fitting for a man who relied on God in prayer for all things.  'Don't just sit in the premises, stand on the promises' was the cry at one of his services, calling people to grasp scripture and believe these promises are for them.  We can safely echo the words from heaven, 'well done, good and faithful servant.'

Closing Prayer

We thank you Jesus for this wonderful man you created and sent to us.  We thank you for his obedience and risk taking that has influenced so many and we thank you for the example of the life of your servant David who glorified you and partnered with you in the growth of your glorious kingdom.  Help us to pick up the baton and run our race faithfully in our day, with a fresh Vision, taking risks and saturated in your word.  AMEN

We pray for Mary and the family at this time that the Lord Jesus would comfort them in their loss, surround them with his holy presence and flood them with his peace which passes understanding. 

In Jesus name, Amen. 

Revd Tim Horlock

Vicar of St Andrew’s Church, Chorleywood