History of BTM

By: K. B. Napier

The Beginnings

In 1985 a number of us met at the home of my brother-in-law, James Waddell.  The group consisted of two Africans, myself, my brother David, and James, all post-graduates at the University of Wales.  The purpose was to discuss a ministry I believed had been given to me by God.

At that meeting, I related how the vision began as a stirring-up of my conscience, as a member of a Calvinistic church in Swansea, ten years before. I began to question what was called the 'church', because what I saw and what I myself was taking part in, did not match what scripture said.  As I told my pastor at that time, I "felt as though I were a bear, tied to a post and taunted. I wanted to break loose, but I was kept tied."  I knew I had to do something, but could not define it.  I even knew that I was called of God to do whatever it was.  Then, the fog began to lift and I could see the path before me.

It took ten years to come to fruition! In that time many things occurred and I was give many thoughts, as if God had to first build up a bank of experience from which to work. But although the obvious prompting began then, I had been prodded into life long before - indeed, it began a very short while after I was saved in the mid 1960's.  Within weeks of being saved, I was asked to speak at meetings.  Mainly, this was because I was viewed as a kind of oddity - a long-haired rock singer who did paintings, and who had previously been a spiritual rebel (I had to be - I was unsaved!).  I was one of those 'prizes' many churches like to boast of having, because I was once weird (once?).  A kind of sensationalism.

But something deep inside told me all was not well within the churches.  I uttered my reservations to those closest to me, but they shrugged it off. A few just smiled, because they thought I was too 'new'. I had just turned (well, almost - the process continued for a few more years) from being a rebel, so what did I know about it?  From the start, I preached and sang Gospel songs, alongside my mother. But I knew things needed doing, even if I did not know how.

I remember at one point approaching a deacon. He frowned as I told him I felt the churches were being too introspective and that this could lead to big trouble in the future. Although the 'vision' inside me was vague, it was still there, nagging at my spirit. We must know our enemies, I said. It would  involve individual Christians in learning about false movements and false teachings. Then, when they arose within the church, they could be immediately dealt with.  No, no, said the deacon - all we  require is God's word!  Just preach that and all will be well. What a limited understanding of our Christian duty...and how profoundly such a belief has been shattered in recent years!

From that time on I said very little, because I was brought up never to question those in office.  But, many years on, the churches are being ravaged by the very things I then vaguely knew had to be dealt with.  The deacon I approached is now loyal to a liberal and charismatic pastor, and the church he rules with his flawed understanding has been ruined. I was just a long-haired rebel, and he knew better.

God Took Over

My Christian road was tough and I made many stupid mistakes.  But things began to change, just before the end of my ten-year Christian 'apprenticeship' leading to the formation of the Christian Research Institute in 1985. In fact, the change goes back to 1973. I had been working as a successful artist and was able to sell everything I completed, with paintings hanging in galleries, private collections and published in art-print catalogues. In fact, I had people coming to me with commissions, and I never had to search for work.

But then something happened. Work withered away and I was prevented, inwardly, from looking for new work.  Instead I became unemployed for a short while and told God I was being selfish - I would not do anything unless He wanted me to do it. He had to take over my life and show me what He wanted me to do, no matter what it was. I did not realise at that time what such a commitment would mean!

Human Failure Observed

That is how I ended up in a psychiatric hospital as a nurse. From that time on I sensed that my life was mapped out by God. It always was, but in my sin I ignored it. My work in psychiatry was based on a love-hate relationship, but I stayed because I knew it was where God wanted me. Whilst there I was thrown into the deep end of relationships - especially false ones - as I observed and worked with patients whose lives had all been devastated by their own sins.  At the same time, as the only Christian in the entire hospital for a long time, I was forced either to witness or to shut up and conceal my faith. (Christian faith was seen as a crutch, a sign of neurosis!). 

Every day I had to run the gauntlet of sneers and scorn in a very public way. Usually in the staff canteen when it was completely full of nurses, clerks, seniors and doctors! Every day unbelievers shouted out taunts and questions about my faith across the crowded canteen.  So I had to make a stand daily, no holds barred.  It taught me a great deal about how to respond to people. It also gave me an insight into the insipid theory that we must always be 'loving' to others - meaning we must shut up, treat them with kid gloves, and let them walk all over us. It did not work that way - such an approach is like a red flag to a bull! It makes Christians out to be weak and useless.  But Christians think it makes them appear to be more humble and holy!

I came across demon possession in that place, and had no option but to deal with it, particularly when it meant preserving my own life. On a number of occasions I almost lost my life in violent incidents. It was not unusual for God to lead me into a packed room, where I was able to witness fully (if reluctantly), knowing that the response was likely to be vicious.

On one occasion I prayed for God to give me opportunity to speak to patients on a particular acute ward where I was working.  Then I began my shift.  When I walked into the community sitting room, I found a communist lecturer speaking, and a question arose about the after life, a few minutes after I walked in.  One of the patients insisted that 'Barry should answer that one. He's a Christian'!  So, I had to walk to the front and deliver an impromptu sermon. (well, I did ask God for the opportunity!).

That kind of thing happened all the time and it was a good training ground. Interestingly, I came across a small number of charismatics, some of them on the staff. They were, to put it bluntly, weak-minded with no backbone, and their theology was non-existent. Whenever help was needed, they disappeared. When violence erupted, they ran away. When a Christian voice was needed, they either shut up or they said the most ridiculous things. And they all exhibited neurotic traits. One, who told me in the strongest of terms that I presented a bad image of Christianity, is now in prison for the second time, for rape. Others I knew have just vanished from the churches.

From that period until 1985, my life was one long upheaval, with countless devastating and remarkable incidents. In particular, there was actual persecution from a number of pastors (who wonder why I am so cynical of their motives today!). The hatred we now are shown began more than ten years ago - the Toronto Blessing merely provided them with an excuse! But, each time, God lifted me up and I was able to carry on. In 1985 I was pressed in my spirit to think about my calling. At last it became clear, and so I presented the vision to Christian post-graduates, some of whom were pastors in their own countries. One of them went home after gaining his doctorate, and put the Christian Research Institute (CRI) 'model' into practice in his own country. It became a thriving ministry.

The Christian Research Institute

At that meeting, everyone listened and thought over the matter. Thus the Christian Research Institute (CRI) came into being. But the vision was somehow restricted, probably because I could not see how God could do anything greater!  That is why we began with what came to be known as the 'CRI PACK'. This contained about 40 pages every quarter, filled with articles based on Biblical research. But trouble hit, very soon. We received a flood of requests from overseas for free packs.  In our foolishness, we sent them to whoever wanted them.  At that time each Pack cost us about £2.50 to produce.

On top of that came packing and postage, and of course our time. The cost of postage to most countries was usually in excess of the cost of producing the pack itself. This quickly led us into financial strife, as we directors paid for most of the expenses out of our own pockets. Our intentions were good, but they were not of God, so the CRI was forced to close down with a debt, which was cleared in total by BTM officers.

Other problems also arose - I found it difficult to work at my ordinary job and to produce such a large publication every quarter. Not only did it contain 40 pages of articles, but it also had a newspaper, complete with graphics, which used paste-up techniques. I floundered, because I simply could not keep up the pace. That is why, today, everything is on computer. That is also why I took over two years to formulate the methods of work and publication. And that is why we now request (but do not demand) donations (not payment) for articles. Ever since, BTM has been just about self-supporting, via the giving of the Lord's people, though BTM officers still pay many expenses themselves.

The CRI revolved around two main activities - publishing the Packs and conducting seminars/conferences. These activities lasted out in some form or other until about 1990, although actual publishing had ceased within about three years. I can only put this down to my own ignorance and refusal to enact the full vision given to me by God.  Now, I put that vision before you, for your consideration.  If the vision is to go ahead at this time, it will only be because it is God's time, and it will be brought about through His people.

Bible Theology Ministries

As many people now know, the CRI changed its name for two main reasons. Firstly, we did not want to be confused with the CRI that had been founded in the USA long before we had started up.  Secondly, the name did not adequately describe the work.  We believe the name we now have describes the work properly.... helps to the Church (ministries) based on the thinking (theology) solely of scripture (the Bible). No party politics. No denominational affiliations to hinder. No particular evangelical alliances. Just scripture.

For over two years, and well into a third year, I personally placed previous CRI articles onto computer. That meant re-writing as well. It was a mammoth task, but the first articles were worth keeping. Some were, however, discarded. I decided that the former idea - to publish doctrinal articles written by other Believers - could not continue (although we could do so in principle in the future). Thus I went back to the original vision and started to put it into practice. In the case of publishing it meant providing a Publications' List. It enables me to produce as many articles as I can prepare, but without the threat posed by a deadline.

Later the editor of the British Beacon asked if I would take over as editor, because he was moving to the USA. At first I was not sure that I ought to do the work, but was later convinced.  So BTM took it on - a move that proved to be the right one, given the response of readers (though I suspect that the original editor may now be dismayed). I always said that we needed a newspaper - but the BB fills the gap partially in its own way. A newspaper might still be a viable possibility in the future.

The Toronto News (renamed 'Charismatica' and now out of print) was introduced to deal specifically with the growing menace of charismaticism, without the need to produce long articles. Little did I know how this newsletter would bring such bitter attacks! As BTM we have held only one seminar to date.

BTM income and readership has increased, but it is still working at only part-capacity and scope.  Its vision is still only partially enacted.  So, let us look at the original vision...

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© April 2000

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