pastoral-care – Page 30

Watch out false teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3)

He was popular on the preaching team, able to put things forward clearly and simply in an engaging way. Then something began to shift. We noticed a change of emphasis. Then he began to speak with individuals and tell them that he wasn’t so sure. He did not come out directly and say that he… Continue reading Watch out false teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3)

Bullies – a personal story

a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice (Isaiah 42:3) I arrived at primary school aged 4, one of the youngest and therefore smallest in my class, to add to that I came with ginger hair and asthma, by aged 10 I had… Continue reading Bullies – a personal story

A good time to bury bad news?

A New Labour advisor infamously described 911 as “a good day to bury bad news.” It highlighted the impression that Tony Blair’s government were more interested in PR and image than the truth. I thought again about that incident the other day when I read this tweet from Duncan Forbes “Would love to see the… Continue reading A good time to bury bad news?

The absence of mourning?

A few years ago, one of our young mums had sad news, her sister back in her home country had died. Due to her immigration circumstances, she could not return for the funeral. So, we offered the opportunity for a memorial service here. It hopefully eased the pain but clearly was not the same as… Continue reading The absence of mourning?

When friends turn – the enemy within

Friendly Fire: a phrase that puts together two words that should not go together. The phrase came into common parlance during the 1991 Gulf War to liberate Kuwait. Sadly a lot of soldiers were killed by their own side, the result of the challenges of bringing different armed forces together with different cultures and communication… Continue reading When friends turn – the enemy within

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

Avoiding False Assurance

This is the next bit of our mini-series “A last Conversation with Jesus. Read John 13:18-30. Judas is present at the Last Supper but Jesus says that his words do not apply to him. Judas may be tempted to find assurance in his active participation in the Lord’s Supper or his role as treasurer but… Continue reading Avoiding False Assurance

Anxiety in a Time of Coronavirus

For those struggling with anxiety, the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will be a particularly challenging time. Here, we wanted to share some thoughts and advice that we hope you will find helpful. First of all, just as if you were suffering from physical symptoms of illness, we would encourage you to seek appropriate… Continue reading Anxiety in a Time of Coronavirus

What is Love?

This is the first in our new series of vlogs as we reflect on Jesus’ teaching at the Last Supper from John’s Gospel this week. Our first post asks “What is real love, what does it look like and how do I know that God loves me?” Here are the words from Scripture (John 13:1-11)… Continue reading What is Love?