Posts

Building myths

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This article is a guest article from Bob Sharples.  Following on from my article recently about the myths around assuming that getting a building is a solution to your long term problems, Bob highlights to further myths that churches can believe about owning their buildings. This is not a case for or against owning your… Continue reading Building myths

It couldn’t be me

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I’ve written and spoken quite a bit about the need for people to come and help get churches planted on our estates and in our inner cities. I’ve also talked about the possibility of people starting to do this whilst benefitting from training for Gospel ministry. One thing I’m mindful of is that a lot… Continue reading It couldn’t be me

The Gleaning Project -an idea to help tackle the Cost of Living Crisis

This week, as predicted, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in effect a windfall tax. He didn’t use the actual term but I suspect his efforts to get a different term used will be as successful as Margaret Thatcher’s attempts to get people talking about The Community Charge instead of The Poll Tax. I’ve written… Continue reading The Gleaning Project -an idea to help tackle the Cost of Living Crisis

Can I make sure that I don’t commit the unforgivable sin?

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I recently wrote about the question “Have I committed the unforgivable sin.”   We’ve been working through Mark’s Gospel at our church and I preached on chapter 3 where the topic comes up when Jesus talks about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.  In that section, Jesus says: 28 “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be… Continue reading Can I make sure that I don’t commit the unforgivable sin?

A stupid and sickening response to the latest horrific shooting incident

This week brought the sad and horrific news of another terrible shooting at a High School in Texas with 19 children among those murdered. In the United States, there remains a strong pro-gun lobby and that includes many evangelical Christians.  This is seen by them as a freedom issue.  They rely on the second amendment… Continue reading A stupid and sickening response to the latest horrific shooting incident

My Prime Minister went to a party and all I got was this lousy windfall tax

You may have seen this headline on Wednesday morning. Now, there may be good reasons and bad reasons for introducing new taxes but surely doing so when it officially goes against your political instincts and possibly your economic judgement isn’t good at all. Cards on the table, my personal instincts are towards keeping the tax… Continue reading My Prime Minister went to a party and all I got was this lousy windfall tax

Have I committed the unforgivable sin? (Mark 3:20-30)

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It’s a question that someone may well have asked you at some point.  Perhaps you’ve even asked it yourself. The possibility that I could commit a sin which puts me permanently and irreparably beyond God’s love and forgiveness is terrifying. To understand what Jesus means when he describes a sin which is unforgivable, we need… Continue reading Have I committed the unforgivable sin? (Mark 3:20-30)

The Motley Crew (Mark 3:13-19)

Mark now summarises the gathering together of Jesus’ twelve disciples.  He’s already begun to tell us about some of them. Back in 1:16-20, we have seen him call and commission the fishermen, Sim and Andrew, James and John.  They are told: “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17 Jesus’ call… Continue reading The Motley Crew (Mark 3:13-19)

Protecting leaders from exhaustion

I recently saw the question asked “what can churches and pastors do to protect against burnout?”  As you know, I prefer not to use the term burnout as it is often used as a cover for all kinds of things including depression and anxiety. However, presuming that we are describing here mental and physical exhaustion… Continue reading Protecting leaders from exhaustion