Category: Theology

It’s about more than preaching

Yesterday, I argued that If we wanted churches that are theologically rich and culturally engaged (and I believe we need that), then rich preaching has a big part to play.  However, even if we do the things that I argued for then I still think there’s a lot we need to do. We can’t expect… Continue reading It’s about more than preaching

Why Biblically rich cultural engagement may not be happening in our churches as much as we would like

I’m picking up on a theme from two sources.  First, there is my friend Tim Suffield’s tweet that prompted my little survey the other day. Then there’s a recent book that has been generating a lot of excitement among conservative evangelicals “Biblical Critical Theory” by Christopher Watkins.  The book, according to some of the most… Continue reading Why Biblically rich cultural engagement may not be happening in our churches as much as we would like

How well are we eating?

Not physical food but spiritual food. The question was prompted by these comments from my friend Tim Suffield. They link to an article he wrote, arguing that we need more parachurch institutions not less, especially when it comes to theological education and training. As it happens I disagree with Tim’s particular solution here but I… Continue reading How well are we eating?

Arise and Shine

I’ve now put together all of the teaching and devotional material we’ve been covering in Isaiah in one place. You can read it here. This should be a useful training resource for those of you making use of Faithroots resources for equipping for urban ministry. Part 1 offers an overview to the book, setting it… Continue reading Arise and Shine

The Harrowing of Hell and the filling of silence

Over the last few years, I’ve noticed two particular trends at Easter and I suspect they are linked. The first, that seemed to start earlier was that some Christians began to start making a bigger deal of the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  Comments include that we shouldn’t be in a rush to… Continue reading The Harrowing of Hell and the filling of silence

Does the Father turn his back on the Son?

On the Cross, Jesus cried out these words My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46 It’s a quote from the first line of Psalm 22.  Stuart Townend in his hymn, “How Deep the Father’s Love for us picks up on the quote with the poetic line “…The Father turns his face… Continue reading Does the Father turn his back on the Son?

How do you know? – Training Course

One of the aims of Faithroots is to provide accessible and practical training for Gospel work. You can find out the different options for training with us on our training pages here. I’m currently working on developing and updating our online training materials. The first tranche of materials are available with workbooks and videos. These… Continue reading How do you know? – Training Course

A raw conversation about sex and theology

As the fall out continues from Josh Butler’s book, Beautiful Union, and that car crash TGC article, we are, I think beginning to see some helpful reflection and interaction. Issues around marriage, sex and intimacy are I think of importance to those of us who care about pastoring well and so whilst some of us… Continue reading A raw conversation about sex and theology

Disability, discrimination and New Creation

Yesterday on my twitter timeline, a tweet came up from someone who seemed deeply angry and offended. They took exception to evangelical theology of renewed and restored bodies, especially when suggested that those with disabilities would receive them.  Their anger arose from having a relative with Downs Syndrome. They couldn’t imagine them without Downs Syndrome… Continue reading Disability, discrimination and New Creation