Category: evangelism and mission

Reflections on Commonwealth Games outreach

Just a couple of months back and it felt like the Commonwealth Games were going to go by pretty much unnoticed by Christians/churches. A few years back when the news first emerged that the games were switching from Durban to Birmingham, we had been asking the question “are there opportunities for churches to witness?” but… Continue reading Reflections on Commonwealth Games outreach

Why we are doing evangelism for the Commonwealth Games

Today marks the start of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.  The Commonwealth is an association of countries whose primary relationship is historical through the British Empire and the Queen.  When countries gained their independence the empire evolved into this voluntary association and in that respect provides evidence of how positive relationships are possible despite that… Continue reading Why we are doing evangelism for the Commonwealth Games

On not being weirder than you have to be

One of the perennial discussions amongst Christians is around weirdness.  Christians are seen as weird.  We don’t fit in with the culture around us.  We are often mocked for our peculiarities.  Is there anything we can do about that? I would suggest that there are basically three camps in responding,  Weird it out This approach… Continue reading On not being weirder than you have to be

A vision for urban West Midlands Church planting

My current focus is on encouraging church planting into the Urban West Midlands. My desire is not to see one church growing big but to see a city that is full of churches bringing Gospel light to needy neighbourhoods. My specific concern is for those areas that are often less reached with the Gospel.  This… Continue reading A vision for urban West Midlands Church planting

Pray for the Commonwealth Games

As I mentioned in an earlier article, the Commonwealth Games are approaching fast. I would like to encourage you to pray for outreach during the Games in late July/early August. Here are some photos from around the main venue, Alexander Stadium to whet your appetite. Please pray for local churches including Church Central, Perry Beeches… Continue reading Pray for the Commonwealth Games

A tale of two countries – A Jubilee celebration for all?

Apparently, something big has been happening in Britain over the past few days.  Read certain papers (The Telegraph, the tabloids) or watch the BBC and you’ll pick up on it.  The UK are celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with street parties and pageants, festooning their houses and neighbourhoods with bunting and Union Jack flags.  Those… Continue reading A tale of two countries – A Jubilee celebration for all?

An intentional detour of grace

In John 4:3-6 we read: 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was… Continue reading An intentional detour of grace

What if the nuclear missiles were to hit in 20 minutes?

Someone asked this question on Twitter the other day. Fortunately, before everyone panicked, it became clear that the question was intended as hypothetical. But what would you do if the warning message went out that you had twenty minutes before the missiles began to hit? In that context, if you live in an urban area… Continue reading What if the nuclear missiles were to hit in 20 minutes?