Steve McGowan’s Testimony

I have been an Elder at Living Hope Christian Church since 2004. Prior to that I served as a Deacon since the church’s inception in January 1999. In many ways my testimony is unremarkable. My acceptance of Jesus Christ and the work He completed on the Cross was not the result of some dramatic or sensational event, but rather the result of an accumulation of evidence, which made it the only thing to do for me.

I was raised in the Episcopal Church largely because my parents attended that church at the time. Although I was aware of God in a general sense, I really had no idea of the extent of His love and plan. I say this even though I was an Altar boy, involved in the choir and Sunday School at the church. My family was close to the Minister who ended up leaving to become a Chaplin in the Navy.

Shortly after he left, my father, who was the Treasurer of the church, had a falling out with the new person and we moved on to another church. Generally speaking, this is what happens when we trust in man and do not seek to grow spiritually and do things the way God would.

This began a long period away from God for me, which lasted until my wife and I began to attend a Catholic Church in Providence. I must say that my wife was much more faithful to God at this point and often subtly suggested I should attend with her. I was impressed by the priest and as a result, I began to get a picture of who God really is and how much He loved me.

We began to see what we perceived to be inconsistencies in what the Bible teaches and Catholic doctrine. These questions led us to New Hope Christian Church in Swansea, MA for more solid Biblical teaching.

I was saved in the fall of 1988 as I watched the film “Jesus of Nazareth,” which I had watched several times. This particular time, however, it was clear to me as I watched that God was drawing me to Him and that I needed to accept Jesus for who He was and is. I remember being more resolute and determined to know the Author of my salvation better, rather than experiencing “fireworks” or any overwhelming feelings. I reasoned at this point that if I have accepted Jesus as God and God as the Provider of my salvation that I needed to know Him better and to serve Him.

The process alluded to above God calls Sanctification, becoming like Him. It continues on today as I still experience the ups and downs of this life, but God has proven Himself to be faithful beyond measure over the years.

God is a loving, faithful, ever present, all knowing God, who works all things for good for those who love Him. If we would be honest with ourselves and look and listen for Him, He will reveal Himself to us in His creation, His Word and our circumstances. Watch for Him. Listen for Him. He loves you and wants to give you His Peace.