Category: Out of the Freezer

Abuse and The Church: Changing the Culture

Always Reforming I’ve shared a few articles recently reflecting on the less pleasant side of church life.  It should sadden us that the church (locally, nationally and internationally) often seems to fall short of what it should be as a haven of hope and safety. However, at the same time it should not surprise us. … Continue reading Abuse and The Church: Changing the Culture

Abuse and the church: Small talk and social media

“It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” (Matthew 15:11) I find Christian social media quite depressing and downright disturbing at times.  Over time I have witnessed significantly aggressive behaviour, people are belittled, dismissed, insulted.  I’ve also seen Christian leaders jump… Continue reading Abuse and the church: Small talk and social media

Food from around the web ( 3rd April)

There has been much discussion about whether or not we can take communion at this time. You will have already seen my articles on faithroot.com and no doubt also read Garry Williams perspective which I respond to. Here are two more perspectives. Ian Paul writes from an Anglican perspective whilst Andrew Wilson comes from a… Continue reading Food from around the web ( 3rd April)

Abuse and the Church -does plural leadership help protect?

There has been a growing acceptance of the importance of having plural leadership in churches and this can be a big help to encouraging healthy accountable churches. Many churches now emphasise team leadership and Brethren and some Baptist and Presbyterian churches have appointed several elders to lead. However, just appointing a group of leaders does… Continue reading Abuse and the Church -does plural leadership help protect?

A different kind of leader

Isaiah 42:1-4 What makes a good leader? Perhaps we think in terms of charisma, competence, strength, a compelling vision. Think about these people: Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn, Nicol Sturgeon, Robert Mugabe, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin. What makes people look to them as leaders. What about leaders more locally, church, home, school, work. What authority do… Continue reading A different kind of leader

Abuse and bullying in the church

Before Coronavirus struck, I wrote a few articles around the subject of abuse. I don’t want those articles to be lost to distant pre-virus memory. The pain and wait for justice for abuse victims is still there. So, I am going to start adding some of them here. An ugly story close to home If… Continue reading Abuse and bullying in the church