The Bishop of London was the main speaker at the Focus Monday evening celebration, which began with a choir and full orchestra led by Classical Music Director Mark Underwood leading a time of worship.

Shane Taylor, once one of the most dangerous men in Britain’s prisons, was interviewed by Nicky Gumbel about his extraordinary journey of faith. You can read more about his story here.

Nicky invited all ordinands attending St Mellitus theological college to join him on the stage, as well as prospective ordinands and all those who were sent for ordination from HTB in the past. The new Bishop of Durham Justin Welby, who went forward for ordination from HTB in 1992, was among those in the latter group. He was interviewed by Nicky Gumbel about his life.

Jeremy and Milly Jennings and their family were asked to come to the stage, where  the Bishop of London presented Jeremy with the St Mellitus medal, citing his ‘extraordinary contribution to the Christian life of London’. Nicky paid tribute to Jeremy’s unique combination of prophetic, prayer and financial gifts, which he likened to those of Joseph in the Old Testament.

The Bishop of London then revealed his traditionally flamboyant Focus shirt and was interviewed by Nicky Gumbel. He spoke about his vision for London, his admiration for HTB’s church planting strategy, and his experience hosting the 130 archbishops and bishops who attended Alpha International Week last month.
He spoke of his enjoyment at coming to Focus. He said, ‘I come here not out of a gloomy sense of duty, but because it is a treat.’