In 2004 I became one of the owners of a Christian bookshop. I believed that there was a place for a business that made Christian books, resources, music and most importantly the Bible readily available on the High Street. The selection of Bibles in your average Waterstones or WH Smith is, after all, not too great.
I believed that this shop could have a different ‘spirit’ to it, run (as best we could) with Christian values, that could offer employment and most importantly be a place that was a witness to non-believers and an encouragement to the family of God.
In this I think we have in some measure succeeded. Recently a woman gave her life to Christ right there in the shop, others have been prayed for, found encouragement and a listening ear. The coffee shop is beginning to provide a venue for fellowship and friendship. Not to mention those who have found the Word of God, resources to build faith, strengthen marriages, give generously, be creative, and live wholeheartedly for God. The stories continue to grow.
I hoped it would succeed and provide me with the opportunity to be generous with the proceeds and on this front we have failed. It’s a tough word failed, but when it comes to making money this bookshop has done the opposite. It’s been frustrating, confusing and painful. I was sure, I am sure that it was the Lord who led me to take on this old business and give it new life. In my head I know the life of even one soul who has found Christ is worth more than tens of thousands, my heart and bank balance struggle to agree.
There are a number of frustrations. I get cross with Christians who tick us off for selling say a Joyce Meyer book or The Shack because they think its theology is dodgy and then go and buy stuff from Amazon which sells any old godless crap. I get frustrated by the lack of reading and hunger to learn about our faith (it’s just such a wasted opportunity). I’m bothered by a belief that penny pinching somehow equals good stewardship, and upset that some churches think they have a divine right to a discount.
Anyway my time as the owner of a Christian bookshop is soon to come to an end but not I hope for the bookshop. I’m hoping that the Christians of Shrewsbury (and further afield) will see the vision I have, see the reasons why there should be illumination, light on the high street, why it’s important to help someone in person find a copy of the Bible they can read or give and will buy shares in a new charitable trust in order that not just the bookshop but the mission of the business can carry on. This video explains the campaign more
Help keep the light shining from Illuminate Trust on Vimeo.
If you want more information you can find out more by emailing trust@illuminatebooks.co.uk.
HT: To Andy & Gareth for plugs on their blogs
Tweets that mention The Simple Pastor » A vision for the High Street » Simplicity & Generosity -- Topsy.com said...
1[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Phil Groom and UKCBD News Reviews, Phil Groom. Phil Groom said: Phil Whittall (@simplepastor) reflects on his experience as owner of Illuminate, Shrewsbury: http://bit.ly/vision4illuminate [...]
06/18/10 6:50 PM | Comment Link
Phil Groom said...
2With you all the way, Phil: hoping and praying.
06/18/10 8:57 PM | Comment Link
Bishop of Shrewsbury Joins Call to Save Illuminate Christian Bookshop « UKCBD: The Christian Bookshops Blog said...
3[...] Phil Whittall: A vision for the High Street [...]
06/18/10 9:04 PM | Comment Link
Simplepastor said...
4Thanks Phil – will keep you updated
06/18/10 10:02 PM | Comment Link
The Light Shines on in Shrewsbury: Illuminate Christian Bookshop now under new ownership « The Christian Bookshops Blog: An Independent Voice in the UK Christian Book Trade said...
5[...] co-owner of Illuminate. There have been many good things except our finances. You can read about the vision here. Fortunately there are over 300 committed Christians in the town who want to keep it open and [...]
08/7/10 5:13 PM | Comment Link