Author: faithrootsdw

Recycling and making it hard for people to do what we expect of them

Apparently, Birmingham has the dubious honour of being ranked at the bottom of the recycling table with only 22.5% of waste being recycled.  Having lived here for a month, I’m not surprised.  Our recycling centre (what we used to call the Tip) is closed currently and our recycling is collected fortnightly.  At least we know… Continue reading Recycling and making it hard for people to do what we expect of them

The cost of living crisis -the growing storm and what it means for supporting planters and revitalisers

I’ve written a little bit recently about The Cost of Living Crisis.  I must admit that evangelical engagement with the topic seems a bit understated still.  This is reflected in the fact that very few of us do seem to be talking about it. When we do talk about it, it gets nowhere the same… Continue reading The cost of living crisis -the growing storm and what it means for supporting planters and revitalisers

Ministry Nuts and Bolts – managing the church finances

Yesterday I shared some thoughts on the need for leaders to be trained and equipped beyond their responsibilities to offer pastoral care, preach or teach and do the work of the evangelist. Today I want to share some thoughts on the specific issue that Steve Kneale’s original blogpost raised, the question of church finances. If… Continue reading Ministry Nuts and Bolts – managing the church finances

Ministry nuts and bolts – how do we learn about wider leadership responsibilities?

Steve Kneale recently posted a blog article about one of the things that they don’t teach you at Theological College.  The specific thing he is dealing with is church finances but there is a wider point I think which is that for church leaders, especially those in paid roles, there are wider leadership responsibilities than… Continue reading Ministry nuts and bolts – how do we learn about wider leadership responsibilities?

Commonwealth Games outreach (prayer update)

Just a quick update on plans for outreach during the Commonwealth Games.  The Commonwealth Games arrive in Birmingham this week with the Queen’s Baton (kind of the alternative to the Olympic Torch) arriving on Sunday and the official opening ceremony on Friday evening.  The Games will conclude on the 8th August with a closing ceremony… Continue reading Commonwealth Games outreach (prayer update)

Is it time for the State to get out of marriage?

The Government have recently reported on proposals to further liberalise the rules about marriage in terms of where, when and by whom you can be married. The National Secular Society have come out broadly in support of the proposals.  Actually there’s much to like about them (with some quibbles) although we’d have a very different… Continue reading Is it time for the State to get out of marriage?

Who am I? I’m raised up with Christ (Psalm 8)

The musical Les Miserable starts with a big number focusing on the lead character’s status as a prisoner. He is simply known as a number 24601.  This builds into the question “Who am I?” which will be later answered not just with his prison number but with his name “Who am I? I’m Jean Valjean.” … Continue reading Who am I? I’m raised up with Christ (Psalm 8)

Why I don’t like using quotes in sermons

I recently saw this little quote on Twitter. I think the general sentiment is true for preachers in that a bigger point is being made.  We need to ensure that the voices heard and examples used in church are not limited to narrow group of people within the church.  Do we use illustrations about women? … Continue reading Why I don’t like using quotes in sermons

Invisible Divides (Book Review)

One of my personal concerns and a significant reason for why Faithroots exist is the desire to see the church and the Gospel reaching into communities and to people where we simply haven’t been very good at reaching.  Here in the West Midlands we’ve seen a lot of church planting and some wonderful stories of… Continue reading Invisible Divides (Book Review)