Further reflections on Trussonomics

I’ve been reflecting a little more on the debate around the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s statement last Friday and what is now becoming referred to as “Trussonomics.”  You will remember that my assessment was that it was economically illiterate and politically stupid. Perhaps you thought that harsh. Perhaps not given the even stronger assertions from… Continue reading Further reflections on Trussonomics

“In this day and age?”

I’m increasingly seeing comments along the lines of “We shouldn’t be seeing or y … in this day and age.” Or “It is disgusting that in one of the richest G7 countries that we should be seeing x.” These statements at the moment relate specifically to the pressures that people are starting to face in… Continue reading “In this day and age?”

Would you baptise someone who didn’t want to become a member of your church

The following scenario was recently put forward: Someone becomes a Christian. They come to your church and they ask to be baptised. However, they make it clear that they do not want to formally become a church member. They simply want to attend for a bit. I appreciate that not every church will have something… Continue reading Would you baptise someone who didn’t want to become a member of your church

Surviving University as a Christian

It’s that time of year when lots of students head off to University and a big concern for Christian students is whether or not they’ll survive with their faith intact.  I’ve seen a few suggestions about how to make sure you get through University and these tend to include things like joining the Christian Union,… Continue reading Surviving University as a Christian

Why were there leftovers at the feeding of the 5000?

We know the answer don’t we? It’s obvious.  Ny providing an abundance, Jesus was demonstrating his ability to provide all that his people needed. The Twelve baskets meant that each disciple had something to take away. More than that, they symbolised the 12 tribes, so that we saw Christ’s abundant provision for his people. However,… Continue reading Why were there leftovers at the feeding of the 5000?

Diversity Quotas for books? Should every edited book have at least one female contributer?

A few years back, the BBC decided that they should insist on having at least one female on every panel show.  It was a well intentioned effort to correct an imbalance and specifically in the context of comedy to give more women comedians the opportunity to showcase their talents. The other day, I saw this… Continue reading Diversity Quotas for books? Should every edited book have at least one female contributer?

Safer Churches e-book

Here in one place are the studies and discussion questions helping us to think through what it means to plant safer churches Planting Safer Churches I would encourage Church leadership teams to work through these over a series of sessions. I am also currently preparing a series of YouTube videos to accompany the discussions