Posts

Just because someone proposes a solution to the cost of living crisis doesn’t mean we have to jump at it

Whilst I’ve complained at times that there has been a slowness to talk about the cost-of-living crises, that doesn’t mean that no-one is talking about it. This week, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown weighed in with his take on the crisis and what needs to be done. He spoke with a characteristic sense of urgency… Continue reading Just because someone proposes a solution to the cost of living crisis doesn’t mean we have to jump at it

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

If Sport is just the beginning then what is the next step?

The slogan around the West Midlands proudly proclaimed that “Sport is just the beginning.” It spoke of a commitment to see a legacy from the Commonwealth Games that have just taken place in the city.  Well, we’ve enjoyed the games and certainly have been impressed by the organisation, the facilities, the tireless work of volunteers. … Continue reading If Sport is just the beginning then what is the next step?

The tragic case of Archie Battersby: Are we helping or hurting?

This weekend, the courts made the decision that Archie Battersby’s life support should be switched off. This was not the ruling that his friends and family wanted to hear.  Our first thoughts and prayers should be with them. It is natural, right and good that a parent will do everything that they can to fight… Continue reading The tragic case of Archie Battersby: Are we helping or hurting?

Complementarianism and Egalitarianism -the practical overlap and the real difference

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There’s been another flurry of conversation about complementarianism on social media recently. I think this has been prompted a little by this article in Premier Christianity. As a side note, I think that the article doesn’t do a bad job of trying to reflect the different views and provide balance. However, I am not convinced… Continue reading Complementarianism and Egalitarianism -the practical overlap and the real difference

ministry nuts and bolts: What does the pastor need to know about the law?

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Guest Post from Richard Pennington I’m grateful to Dave Williams for letting me contribute to his series of articles about ministry nuts and bolts, although this a a very general note as the detail would run to too many pages! I write as a retired solicitor and I dealt in my career of over 30… Continue reading ministry nuts and bolts: What does the pastor need to know about the law?

She finished the race

The Commonwealth Games are known as “The friendly games”. It is probably true already of athletics that you see things at such events that you wouldn’t at something like a football tournament (much as I love football). There is much less tribalism.  Imagine for example  English football fans standing politely for the national anthem of… Continue reading She finished the race

Ministry nuts and bolts: What the pastor needs to know about asylum and immigration

This will vary depending on context but if you are serving in an urban context, then the issue of immigration is likely to play a significant part in your ministry.  What are the kinds of things you need to be aware of and thinking about? First of all, I think it will help you to… Continue reading Ministry nuts and bolts: What the pastor needs to know about asylum and immigration