A Norfolk Boy with a Gift of Storytelling
Some people leave a mark through great achievements. Others leave a mark through the lives they touch. Barrie Lawrence has done both.
Born and raised in Norfolk, Barrie’s journey has been one of adventure, discovery, faith and service. Whether as a dental surgeon, bookseller, author, speaker, husband, father, grandfather or Christian leader. Barrie has consistently demonstrated a passion for people and an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
As a young man studying dentistry in London, Barrie described himself as an atheist. Yet a simple conversation with another student who confidently stated, “Jesus changed my life,” challenged everything he believed.
What began as curiosity became a serious search for truth, leading to a life-changing encounter with Christ that would shape the rest of his life. Barrie has often shared that this discovery was not merely a change of belief, but the beginning of a living relationship with God that continues everyday.
Dentistry, Books and Thousands of Conversations
After qualifying as a dental surgeon in 1968, Barrie returned to Norfolk where he built a thriving dental practice. Alongside dentistry, he spent many years running a Christian bookshop, creating opportunities to encourage people in their faith and engage in countless conversations about life and God.
Barrie jokes that he was “a man who sold holy books and filled holey teeth”! A phrase that perfectly captures the humour that has become one of his trademarks.
What began as speaking engagements at local community groups eventually led to a successful writing career.
Barrie’s books combine humour, honesty and practical faith. Drawing from his experiences as a dentist, he has entertained readers with unforgettable stories from the surgery. While his Christian books encourage believers to experience a deeper walk with God. His works have reached readers well beyond the UK and continue to inspire people across generations.
THERE MUST BE MORE
One of Barrie’s best-known messages is reflected in the title of one of his books: There Must Be More To Life Than This!
For decades, he has encouraged Christians to move beyond simply believing about God to experiencing a vibrant relationship with Him. Through personal testimony, answered prayer, healing and practical discipleship, Barrie’s message has consistently pointed people towards a God who is active, personal and involved in everyday life.
Barrie has faithfully served within Full Gospel Businessmen for many years, including leadership roles at both regional and national levels. His heart for evangelism, encouragement and equipping believers has impacted chapters throughout the UK and beyond.
His ability to communicate profound spiritual truths with warmth, humour and authenticity has made him a popular speaker at conferences, dinners and outreach events.
A LIFE OF FAITH AND JOY
Anyone who knows Barrie will recognise his enthusiasm for life, his love for people and his ability to find humour in almost any situation.
Yet beneath the laughter lies something even deeper. A genuine passion for Jesus Christ and a desire to see others discover the hope, purpose and adventure that can only be found in Him.
Barrie’s story reminds us that God delights in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Through dentistry, bookselling, writing, speaking and countless personal conversations, he has spent a lifetime pointing people towards Christ.
