Stephen Lythe
Morristown Campus Pastor
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Outside of the Church what ambition is as yet unfulfilled?
Ever since my youth, when I used to water ski a lot, I always wanted the chance to water ski behind an aircraft carrier! Don’t ask me why, I just know it will be fast enough, and it could give me a really solid pull on a slalom course!!
Recognizing that New Jersey is the greatest place in the world, what other place in the world do you really enjoy visiting and why?
Being English I would have to say England (although Italy would be a really close second (people, countryside, ambience and food). However, England is very precious to me, because I spent most of my life there, and it is the home of a good cup of tea, Pie & Chips, Walkers Cheese & Onion Crisps, the BBC and of course the Beautiful Game.
You are stuck on a desert island. Besides the Bible, your wife, and your family & friends, what three inanimate objects would you take with you?
Even though the internet won’t work out there, I would still take my MacBook so I can write and create and also that would allow me to listen to music all day long (I would not survive with out music). Obviously item number 2 is a solar power generator to keep the MacBook running! Finally I would take a soccer ball as it can keep me amused for hours.
What is one thing about you (previous jobs / accomplishments) that would surprise the congregation?
I’m English? Seriously, I ran the London Marathon, I have barefoot water skied and I co-authored a scientific research paper that was published (it is a gripping read!), and I was featured on the cover of a technology magazine.
What does it mean to “Love God” to you personally?
I am in awe that I can have a personal relationship with God, and that He really cares about me. It seems preposterous that God would be bothered about me but I am so grateful that He does, and He loves me without question.
Why do you do your current role at Long Hill Chapel?
I felt compelled to do it. If I was honest I was trying to avoid it for a number of years, it seemed to present such a massive change in my life, and I also did not feel worthy. I was right on both counts but I praise God that He has put me here and it is a privilege to support the plant of the satellite church in Morristown.
Why is “Loving Others” so critical?
There is something very special about having the opportunity to “love others”. We are living in a world where people are so busy, yet so lonely and what they crave are genuine relationships. Jesus showed the way in His love for others (including myself); He saw it as a priority.
What does “Serving the World” mean to you?
God has gifted each one of us, and we must use those gifts to build up the Church. In so many ways I feel that we are not realizing our full potential until we start to serve God practically. In addition there is no better place to be than when we are serving God through ministering to the body, it really feels right.
Given that Soccer is the “beautiful game” what is your second favorite sport?
Clearly Soccer (football) is the “beautiful game”, although perhaps not the way I play it. I really enjoy watching (American) Football, but the commercials drive me nuts! My second favorite sport would be whatever I am playing at the time, as I really enjoying playing and competing with others.
