An Interview with John Dyer

Who are you and how did you come to faith?

I’m a Baptist minister and served as a missionary in Brazil from 1978-2012. I grew up in south-east London and trained for the Christian ministry at Spurgeon’s College. Before going to Brazil, I served in churches in Ipswich and Birmingham. I am married to Maria, and we have a son, João Marcos, who was born in Brazil. He and his wife, Lora, have given us the joy of two grandchildren, Aurora and Luís João.

I came to faith as a ten-year-old as the result of the biblical ‘cloud of witnesses’ (Hebrews 12). The testimony of many in my home church made a big impression on me, but it was during a Sunday sermon that I realized that Jesus had died on the cross for me and from that moment I began following him; something which I’ve now done through all the ups and downs of life for 65 years.

What is the Timothy Project?

The Timothy Project is an online leadership training resource for the churches. It provides study/teaching material in the form of modules with an emphasis on the practice of ministry. All our modules begin with the words ‘How to…’ and include spiritual growth, preaching, church planting, mission, and caring for the environment.

Initially, our target audience was the riverside communities of the Amazon region of Brazil, but when the project went live it drew interest from around the world. The material we provide is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese and its interactive approach encourages students to relate its content to their own situations wherever the live and work. The Timothy Project has now been running for 11 years and from the testimonials we have received is greatly appreciated by users in major cities and the remotest places one could imagine; such is the reach of the internet today.

Why has the Timothy Project adapted ‘There is Hope’?

I was approached by Paul Beasley-Murray with a view to publicizing his book through the Timothy Project.  I could see its potential as the basis of a new manual and suggested this as the best way of making his book known to our users. Drawing on his own personal experience Paul is very clear that the sermons in his book will need to be adapted to specific needs and contexts, but the general content is rich in material from Scripture and Paul’s exposition of the appropriate texts is both detailed and illuminating. The Timothy Project manual has been given the title ‘How to Comfort the Bereaved’ and I believe this manual will assist not only at funeral services, but also in counselling before and after the service. Paul’s wise and compassionate approach to coping with the loss of loved ones will prove to be an invaluable tool when dealing with the universal experience of death and bereavement.

What can IVP readers be praying for you and the Timothy Project?

It would be a great privilege to have IVP readers praying for the Timothy Project. Firstly, we would ask your prayers for discernment. We have myriad churches of different denominations or no denomination applying to register for the Timothy Project material. The great majority are structured churches with a good track record. Registrations are not automatic, so we occasionally need to take difficult decisions whether to allow our material to be accessed.  Secondly, we ask you to pray that the project would become known to churches and their leaders as they search for material to train new potential leaders. Thirdly, for us as an organization as we adapt to new challenges with relevant material that will help build and encourage the church today and tomorrow.

You can find out more about the Timothy Project at their website. You can purchase your own copy of 'There is Hope! Preaching at Funerals' in paperback or ebook now.