Author: faithrootsdw

If we claim to love God’s Word then we need to handle it correctly

Banner of Truth have republished an article recently calling for churches to preserve with holding evening services -or in many cases to recover them.  I’m not sure who the target is of such articles? Is the aim to lay a heavy burden on pastors for not persevering with opening up buildings knowing that few if… Continue reading If we claim to love God’s Word then we need to handle it correctly

The myth of inner calling

London Seminary have posted an article talking about the importance of having an inner calling to Christian ministry.  There are a few minor concerns I have with the argument.  First, LS state that the only qualification that is required prior to study with them is a “calling to Christian ministry.”  Now, unless they specifically mean… Continue reading The myth of inner calling

Safe in the shadow: Timothy Dudley Smith (1926-2024).

I’m grateful for the life and ministry of Timothy Dudley Smith who has died, aged 97. https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/…/timothy-dudley-smith… Whilst people talk about the likes of Graham Kendrick and Chris Bowater as the fathers of contemporary worship,, we might consider Dudley Smith as the grandfather of it. Like many, I grew up singing his hymns and am… Continue reading Safe in the shadow: Timothy Dudley Smith (1926-2024).

PS: Two postscripts on the Keswick/Brephos hoo-ha

Open letters Of the writing of “open letters” there seems to be no end!  So, a few people have taken it upon themselves to write a public letter, claiming to be writing in a spirit of “all one in Christ Jesus” before joining in the insinuations that the Convention have aligned with the world against… Continue reading PS: Two postscripts on the Keswick/Brephos hoo-ha

More thoughts on why you might have already planted more times than you realise

The other day, I suggested that it may be that you have already planted, more than once at he same church. I thought it might be helpful to say more about this which might in fact turn this challenge into an obstacle. The other day, I noticed that IX Marks had published an article about… Continue reading More thoughts on why you might have already planted more times than you realise

Brephos, Keswick …and when things may not be quite what they seem

News of a little spat concerning the Keswick Convention has been circulating in the Christian media.  It concerns a small, anti-abortion organisation called Brephos who organised what they refer to as a “public education” event to coincide with this year’s convention in Keswick town centre. It seems like their event caused a bit of upset… Continue reading Brephos, Keswick …and when things may not be quite what they seem

Talking up the threat (more reflections on responding to the riots)

I’m writing on Thursday morning. Last night there was a lot of nervousness about potential further riots and disturbances around the country.  I’m encouraged that the night seems to have passed off fairly peacefully.  I’m not sure though that I share the optimism of the media or Christian leaders that a far right mob was… Continue reading Talking up the threat (more reflections on responding to the riots)

You may have already done more church plants than you think

The church where we currently serve started as an additional site for a city wide, larger church. Then, in 2019, the sites were launched out as autonomous churches with their own elders.  Of the three smaller churches, one struggled for various reasons through the pandemic season and sadly had to close, one saw a lot… Continue reading You may have already done more church plants than you think

Sold

Joseph continues to work for his father.  However, there is no doubt that the combination of the bad reports he was passing back to his dad, the favour shown by Jacob and the dreams made for an uneasy working relationship between the brothers. Read Genesis 37:12-36 Jacob sends Joseph to check in on his brothers… Continue reading Sold