Rev. Derek J. Prime Thanksgiving

[@SCOTTISHSOULFOOD1]

Derek Prime was my first homiletics teacher when I attended the Bible Training Institute in Glasgow in the late 80s. I cannot imagine being given a better foundation for a preaching ministry than he did. He showed us how he prepared sermons, he assessed our sermons on content and delivery. His feedback was gold. I think as young people we probably rolled our eyes a bit when he gave us advice on ties, how many buttons to button on our jacket, and the importance of polishing our shoes, but we knew his intention was to teach us that nothing should distract from the message by drawing attention to the messenger. He also took time to personally encourage us. I met him waiting for the Underground one day and he said "I think you will make a good preacher, remember to always point people to Jesus." That remark meant so much to me and gave me the confidence I needed as a very inexperienced expositor.

[@peterphipps2346]

Derek Prime stayed in our home for a weekend in the late 80's. He was a very humble man. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble,

[@simon_xp]

What a blessing to find this posting. Derek Prime was my first pastor at Lansdowne Evangelical Church when I was only 4 years old in the early 60s. Timothy and Esther were in the same sunday school as I was, in the Fuller Gooch Hall. Very precious memories, and eternal gratitude for Derek's faithful service of our Lord and Saviour.

[@iancoulsonbellmentoring6967]

I was so blessed by Derek’s preaching and wise counsel, first as a student in Edinburgh and later as a Baptist Minister

[@peterdickson9101]

In an era when Biblical preaching was much less common in Edinburgh than it is now; my school housemaster used to take a group of us to evening services - either to hear Derek Prime at Charlotte Chapel or James Philip at Holyrood Abbey. They were both Christian leaders of huge substance and stature and I can remember learning from him (as an 11 year old) and appreciating the depth but also the clarity of his preaching. Like many, I thank God for him.

[@julieross3167]

Thanks so much for this opportunity to share in a service to remember your dad. He was my first pastor when I became a Christian in 1972 and I’d take notes of every sermon he preached. He baptised me. I remember those flannel graph stories from Pilgrims Progress too! One of the things that particularly struck me tho is not one of these more obvious things... it was hearing how much he cared for those who were ‘shut in’...the elderly of the church who were living alone and could not get out to church. This individual care stood out to me ..he was one who was a leader, yet led by being a true servant of others.

[@drnoeltredinnick5983]

To the human family and the Charlotte Chapel family of Derek Prime, RIP. Very important and special thanks to Almighty God for the long, Godly and Biblical life and ministry of Rev Derek Prime from Langham Place, London W1. This message, in particular here, comes from the hearts of so many of the members and management of the All Souls Orchestra. From 1985 as this London-based Orchestra of Christian musicians gained a call from God to extend its ministry far and wide, immediately then we received the warmest and firmest of invitations from Derek Prime and the Elders of Charlotte Chapel to inaugurate a connection with them and base ourselves at your lovely Chapel during the weeks of the Edinburgh Festival. The resulting "Prom Praise" concerts that began to regularly filter into the City's major music venues, on almost an annual basis, were a direct result of Derek's passionate call and facilitating. These Christian and evangelistic gala events emanated out of Charlotte Chapel and also from (our other host for a time) St Paul's and St George's. Prom Praise continued to be mounted, always with Derek's initiative and involvement, for two decades or so. Memories of these rich Spirit-filled concerts enjoying the success they did as true and effective outreach opportunities, I'm certain, are largely due to the fervent prayers, rich blessings, and generous attention extended to Prom Praise by Derek Prime as our No.1 fan! He ensured that Charlotte Chapel always became the spiritual home of the All Souls Orchestra family whenever we were resident in Edinburgh. Derek's own deep convictions about the power of music's ministry to change lives were bourne out of his own passion to use the raw power of genuine praise, prayer, and worship of Jesus Christ to most effectively act as a key, evangelistic, ingredient that readily works in practice, as it draws people towards accepting the Gospel. Derek knew himself how music could so woo the wayward heart. Over the many years that we came to Edinburgh, his own never-failingly warm welcome, personal attention and supervision, were always translated into action and support. The initiatives he undertook in acting as our chief facilitator, sage, and Spiritual overseer, on behalf of the ASO, and the warm life-changing relationships that resulted, are a cause of much thankfulness to God and of very fond memories indeed from us now that we so wish to share with you now. The fatherly and ever-welcoming Derek Prime had a vision that was, under Christ's banner, matched by his skills as a communicator, a Bible expounder, and a generous host. Derek put his Christian faith completely into action. And the memories we hold of him and his influence, and the love he showed us all, will long be treasured by the players of the All Souls Orchestra. Over those years, we so enjoyed the ''Charlotte'' hospitality that he constantly extended to us. We have deep appreciation and affection for this, the loveliest of men - and this doesn't leave us one bit! We praise God for him and his life, that was forever welcoming, helping, and encouraging the stranger! "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you...sing your songs of thankfulness". Col 3: 16. Dr Noël Tredinnick - Conductor 1972-2019

[@Emk315]

I thank God for your life, the messengers are leaving us (Ravi, JB Philips, to name a few) we are glad and confident to proclaim that the message goes on.

[@greglarramore]

Many thanks to Pastor Alistair Begg for his recommendation of this thanksgiving memorial. Though I was not previously familiar with Derek Prime, I am very glad and grateful for the introduction now. This thanksgiving presentation is very inspiring, and in it I was definitely provided with yet another model man of the faith who "walked the talk." There was illustration after illustration from the many contributors that caused me to think "I want to be more like that." I look forward to watching the videos on KZbin with Derek Prime, and to reading his books. How blessed we are at this time in history to have servants and lovers of our Lord Jesus like Derek Prime. I am very glad to join in the thanksgiving for his remarkable life.

[@norriefleming8175]

Thank You Father for the Life and Witness of Derek Prime. I never had the blessing of hearing this Man of God speak but watching this programme I learned more about Jesus. I pray Father that You are the God of all comfort to his family and friends.

[@lizmiscampbell1483]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us all. Your dad had a profound effect on my Christian life, whilst I was studying in Edinburgh.

[@milancicel2047]

We, Evangelical Church in Bratislava, keep pastor Derek Prime on our minds & hearts for his warm care for Christians beyond the Iron Curtain (1977)

[@andreaheba380]

I've read On Being a Pastor who Alistair Begg co-authored with Derek Prime and was urged to listen to this thanksgiving. Thank you Lord for Derek's service and gift of ministry.

[@10ofthose]

​We thank the Lord for Dereks life, ministry and evangelistic heart. It has been our privilege to partner with him in a couple of way. We are thankful for him and his family.

[@tomreilly9277]

I can only say of my dear brother Derek what Spurgeon said of John Wesley. He was a man of whom the world was not worthy [Hebrews 11:38]

[@rachelpercival6714]

Excellent comment Tom. I couldn't agree more with these sentiments.

[@solfenne]

Excellent. Praise the Lord.