Early this month, from October 5 to 7, Covenant College hosted Dr. Jerram Barrs for the annual Francis Schaeffer Conference. Dr. Barrs gave three talks at Covenant, two chapel talks and one special chapel. They focused on the theme of what “true spirituality” consists of, and were titled “Human Glory: Our Response as Fellow Image Bearers,” “Human Sin and Alienation: Our Response as Fellow Sinners,” and “The Love of Our Bridegroom for His Bride and Our Response.” Dr Barrs was born in Manchester in the United Kingdom, and he is the founder and resident scholar of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute at Covenant Theological Seminary. He currently resides there as the professor of Christian studies and contemporary culture. He spent many years at L’Abri in Switzerland with Francis Schaeffer and then served on staff at L’Abri Fellowship England for 18 years.
In his talks, Dr. Barrs emphasized the importance of compassion and gentleness in the Christian walk, something he learned directly from the Schaeffers. When he worked at L’Abri as a young man, Dr. Barrs served as Edith Schaeffer’s cook and was able to experience the character of the Schaeffers firsthand. During his chapel talks, Dr. Barrs told many stories of the character of the Schaeffers. He talked of how they welcomed the outcasts of society into L’Abri, no questions asked. He used these stories to illustrate one of the main points that he made, the emphasis he had on “a command of grace, gentleness and respect,” as he spoke in his second talk, “Human Sin and Alienation.”
In discussion settings, Dr. Barrs’ love for his wife and the Schaeffers became very apparent, as well as his love for gardening and creation care. Sipping on a mug of PG Tips in the upper level of the library, Dr. Barrs answered questions from a group of students. When asked about the garden he cared for, Dr. Barrs reminded students of the importance of caring for the creation as a reflection of God’s character. Another story that stuck out to students was the whirlwind romance that he had with his wife. He met his wife in the summer when they were both employed at L’Abri. They were engaged and already married by Christmas. The two of them had their first date on their honeymoon.
Perhaps the most impactful example that Dr. Barrs gave was his firsthand experience on how the Schaeffers showed compassion to everyone who set foot into L’Abri, no matter their circumstance. When he first came to L’Abri, he was a very young Christian, recently converted, who did not know how to live as a Christian. The Schaeffers showed him extraordinary kindness and hospitality, giving him not only a place to stay, but a purpose and an influx of wisdom without it being forced on him, which impacted Dr. Barrs for the rest of his life. He charged students to show the same kindness and grace to all people they come across in life, saying: “[there is] no room to condemn others; no room to hate others.”