Author: faithrootsdw

On hospital visiting as a pastor

This is prompted by a twitter discussion recently about whether non-conformist pastors opt to wear a clerical dog-collar when visiting the sick. Dog-collars tend to be part of the traditional uniform of the clergy, particularly though not exclusively among Anglicans.  A lot of us would tend to frown upon then  seeing them as emphasising a… Continue reading On hospital visiting as a pastor

The God who speaks and sees Genesis 1v1-25

The Bible begins with the big picture story of God’s creating work Read Genesis 1:1-25 Notice three things about God here.  There are a few dominant phrases that echo through the passage. First, there is the repetition “God said” each  time that God speaks “let there…”, it comes to pass, so that another repeated phrase… Continue reading The God who speaks and sees Genesis 1v1-25

The difference between debate and conspiracy theory

I wanted to come back to one of the specific issues in my article about a possible “perplexing silence.”  One of the things I frequently hear these days is that Christians are susceptible to conspiracy theories.  On the other side of the coin I hear Christians complain  that the accusation of “conspiracy theories” silences debate… Continue reading The difference between debate and conspiracy theory

First things

The first thing we need to know about everything is “God.”  Read Genesis 1:1 The first book of the Bible tells us with its first words that “In the beginning, God created.”  This introduces us to two important truths about God. First, the God who was there at the beginning is eternal.  God predates the… Continue reading First things

Notes on Song of Songs

Genre Wisdom Literature and Poetry.  Wisdom literature is a specific genre within Scripture.  My definition is that “Wisdom Literature enables us to discover God’s wisdom for life by reflecting through poetry on God’s Law (Torah) and the redemptive history of God’s people.” For Christians we must first of all see this applied to and through… Continue reading Notes on Song of Songs

Renewing the Covenant

I grew up in a church which had a Wesleyan tradition.  The church had been originally planted as a Methodist mission hall reaching a deprived, inner-city part of Bradford.  Eventually, The Mission parted company with The Methodist Church as the denomination pursued liberal theology.  However, significant elements of its Methodist roots were still in place.… Continue reading Renewing the Covenant

What’s coming up on the Faithroots Podcast?

One of the primary aims of Faithroots – right from the beginning was to help make theological education accessible.  There are two reasons for this.  First, I’ve a specific concern to help encourage and equip people into urban ministry through church planting and revitalisation.  To help with this, I want to see potential pastors equipped… Continue reading What’s coming up on the Faithroots Podcast?

The hard work of the pastor

I think we can fall into one of three traps if we are involved in church pastoral ministry.  At the one end of the spectrum are those who see pastors as basically chaplains, nice, homely sorts who are primarily employed to go round and visit the elderly church members and drink copious cups of tea.… Continue reading The hard work of the pastor

How does a Christian doctrine of suffering affect counselling of the bereaved?

In June 2005, my Great Aunt was mugged and knocked unconscious.  She died in hospital two days later.  As a family we went through the full range of emotions; shock and sadness at the tragic loss, anger at those who did it, guilt at our failure to visit “Auntie” more often.  Whilst each bereavement is… Continue reading How does a Christian doctrine of suffering affect counselling of the bereaved?