Author: faithrootsdw

Praying in response to an international crisis

In the last few years there have been two horrendous conflicts that have moved the church to prayer, one has been the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the other has been the horrendous atrocity by Hamas on the 7th October followed by Israel’s response into Gaza.  How can we pray well in such situations? First,… Continue reading Praying in response to an international crisis

Slow to anger

My mum used to remind me when I was little that I had two ears and only one mouth. The moral of this, she argued, was that I should spend twice as much time listening as talking. A look at the text (Read James 1:19-21) James says that we must be quick when it comes… Continue reading Slow to anger

James 1:19-27 Listening and doing

This morning’s sermon…. Slowing the game down Sometimes in a frantic football game you need the player with skill, experience, patience just to put their foot on the ball, pause and slow the game down a bit giving everyone time to get their breath and their bearings.  Then they get things moving again with a… Continue reading James 1:19-27 Listening and doing

What exactly do we remember?

Remember, remember the 5th November. Gunpowder, Treason and Plot When I was little, Bonfire night was a big deal.  At school, in the days and weeks leading up to it, there would be quite the build up with lessons about Guy Fawkes and his attempt to blow up parliament.  We’d watch the bonfires going up… Continue reading What exactly do we remember?

Antisemitism Myths

Over the past few weeks there has been a substantial increase in the number of reported incidents of antisemitism in the UK.  One of the big challenges with antisemitism is that it tends to get ignored or treated differently to other forms of racism and this is in part, I believe because of the following… Continue reading Antisemitism Myths

What are the first things you should do when considering a church plant?

The simple answer is get to know the area where you are considering planting.  First of all, get to know the wider area.  A good way to start would be by going and spending a few days in the area.  A good way to get a feel for a city is to get on public… Continue reading What are the first things you should do when considering a church plant?

How can you tell if your church planting is successful?

I think that’s helpful.  Being fruitful as individuals and churches seems good Biblical language.  Keller is right to caution against a shallow understanding of faithfulness.  In fact, the church claiming to be faithful may in fact be unfaithful if it has just dug a hole and buried its talent. So, what will it mean for… Continue reading How can you tell if your church planting is successful?

Church planting – is there a size not to aim for?

I sometimes get asked whether I think there’s an optimum church size to aim for.  My response is usually to the effect that there isn’t an optimum size.  Some people are happy in and with larger church gatherings.  There are benefits to this.  It means that a preacher can open God’s Word with a lot… Continue reading Church planting – is there a size not to aim for?