How The Campaign Was Born

When the atheists brought their advertisement campaign to the English transport system in January 2009, proclaiming, “There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life,” some Christian groups (notably the Trinitarian Bible Society) immediately responded by sponsoring buses that carried the words of Psalm 14:1 throughout London: “The fool hath said in his heart, ‘There is no God’.”

As the chairman of the Government and Morals Committee, I suggested to the General Presbytery in February that if this ‘Atheist Bus Campaign’ was brought to the transport system in Northern Ireland, a response would be appropriate.



(I have preached a message on the subject of the Atheist Bus Ads - as the sermon link above demonstrates).

However, over the course of February, 'scouting missions' failed to detect the appearance of any Atheist Bus Campaign on the Ulster horizon. They had transferred their resources to Spain, Italy, Canada, United States - but did not seem to have plans to spread their blasphemies in our part of the world.

This fact facilitated a thought that had already been forming in my mind: “Why should we embark on a purely reactionary campaign, allow the atheists to dictate our agenda, and end up sending out a negative message?” Surely it would be much better if we could give a positive presentation of the gospel?

“Ignore the atheists - and preach the cross! Let’s channel our energies into a solid gospel campaign that will be Christ-centred and Christ-exalting.”

Such a campaign would focus our energies, remind ourselves of our chief purpose in the world, and show to the country what we are about.

This idea was unanimously adopted by Presbytery when presented in March 2009. Therefore this campaign was born.

Our overall aim is to present the Gospel to as many people as possible, using every facility of the media, and to enthuse our congregations with an evangelistic zeal.

“Excite and unite” is our unofficial theme – to stir up the hearts of God's people so that they bring their energies to bear on this Gospel Advertising Campaign.

It is helpful to remember that we are in the commemorative 150th anniversary year of the 1859 Revival. This Campaign can be our attempt to, “Do something more for God” – to borrow the words of one of the preachers who played a prominent role in that awesome work of God, Rev S. J. Moore of Connor Presbyterian Church.