Discover When Jesus Met Hippies, in Sheringham

Come to Lighthouse Community church in Sheringham on 16 March and hear Andrew Whitman explain how Jesus impacted the lives of many young people during the hippy era of the 1960’s and ‘70’s. Tony Rothe reports.

Andrew was born into a farming family in North London in 1953. From a non-Christian home, he was a middle-of-the-road hippy, but met Jesus in late 1973 at a Christian rock-musical called “Lonesome Stone”. Vocationally, Andrew has been introducing people to Jesus ever since, initially in university student ministry, but more recently through local churches he has served. 

He achieved two degrees in Theology and gained 18 years’ experience in Bible College teaching. Above all, given his spiritual DNA, he has a heartfelt passion for heaven-sent revival in our day.
 
Twelve years ago, he began researching his spiritual roots in the Jesus People Movement, surprised to discover he had been converted through a genuine revival. After taking a year out to write, “When Jesus Met Hippies” was published in November 2023, sold out, and was reprinted after just six months.
 
The book explains the impact of the Jesus People Movement in the UK. When Jesus Met Hippies explores how this counter-cultural movement of Christians found its own expression in the UK, reshaping the lives of individuals along with the life and mission of new and existing churches across the nation.  How did this new breed of Christians radically live out their faith and evangelise the youth of the UK in the 1960s and ‘70s? And how might it inspire fresh revival in the different yet equally chaotic era we live in today?

Andrew will be explaining his work and book at two special events at Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham on Sunday 16 March. He will preach at the morning service, which starts at 10.15am, and will give his “When Jesus Met Hippies” presentation at 5pm. Both are free to attend, and all are welcome
 
Andrew has been happily married to Northern Irish Rosie for 44 years, and they have two adult sons and daughters-in-law, with 7 energetic grandchildren to keep them on their toes. He is “retired” in name only (not really believing in it!), and still preaches regularly, mentors younger leaders, helps people hear God, and introduces people to Jesus locally through Hope Groups. Hobby-wise he enjoys supporting Arsenal, daily power-walking, completing big sudokus, hearing prog-rock band Yes, doing circular Dorset walks with Rosie and, not least, family get-togethers. 
 
Mike Peach, from Lansdowne Baptist Church in Bournemouth, said “Andrew gave a thoroughly informative, fascinating and professional presentation to fifty seniors in our Encore! group. The darker side of the hippy era wasn’t glossed over, but it was exciting to hear how God changed the course of hundreds of people’s lives. Engaging in promiscuous ‘free love’ ironically resulted in many encountering the Jesus who freely offers his pure and perfect love. There was so much positive feedback from those who came along!”
 
When Jesus Met Hippies is now available globally, in paperback format, plus a Kindle version, with an audio book due for release in March 2025. Andrew is now touring the UK with his book and colourful Jesus People presentation.
 
The image above is courtesy of Andrew Whitman.
 

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