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For those getting your A Level results today … this isn’t the one day that defines everything

It’s A Level results day.  These days, most A Level students will have already checked in online to confirm they’ve got into their Uni of choice, probably received an e-mail from their school with the results and unless they are wanted for the “jumping in the air” photoshoot probably gone back to bed.  We are… Continue reading For those getting your A Level results today … this isn’t the one day that defines everything

What if Putin’s Strategy is to impoverish the West?

A lot of our responses to the War in Ukraine and the related impact on the Cost of Living crisis is driven by two related assumptions. That the crisis will be short That Vladimir Putin is a madman who has miscalculated and gone for broke on a fool hardy invasion of Ukraine. But what if… Continue reading What if Putin’s Strategy is to impoverish the West?

When you have a dead Christ …

In his recent critique of contemporary conservative evangelicalism, Glen Scrivener talked about the danger that we end up getting as far as the crucifixion in our application of the Gospel. The result is that we have a dead Christ. This is quite the challenge because many of us have long considered this a criticism of… Continue reading When you have a dead Christ …

Healing The Divides (Book Review)

This is the second book I’ve read and reviewed this summer talking about a divide affecting the church. The first focused on class divides and this one is about race. Jason Roach and Jessamin Birdsall write against the back drop of the recent #BlackLivesMatter movement and the response to George Floyd’s murder. Jason writes as… Continue reading Healing The Divides (Book Review)

Beth Moore, Grapes, Crushes and how we talk about Jesus

In the absence of a major church reforming debate or political crisis, there are still things popping up on our social media timelines ready to provoke a lot of heat, controversy and offense.  This weekend, it was Beth Moore’s turn.  For context, Beth is a US Christian and author with a large women’s teaching ministry.… Continue reading Beth Moore, Grapes, Crushes and how we talk about Jesus

Ministry Nuts and Bolts: What does the pastor need to know about employment and HR?

A pastor is first of all likely to be an employee if they are paid by the church. Traditionally, this was not always considered the case, rather they were defined as office holders and considered to work directly for God.  However, many will have an explicit employment contract now and the courts, tribunals and Inland… Continue reading Ministry Nuts and Bolts: What does the pastor need to know about employment and HR?

How can you pray for fruit from the Commonwealth Games outreach?

Thank you to all of you who have been praying for evangelistic outreach during the Commonwealth Games.  Please don’t stop praying.  Here are some ways in which you can be praying after the event has finished. For all who received Gospels and New Testaments.  The main form of outreach was by conversation and by offering… Continue reading How can you pray for fruit from the Commonwealth Games outreach?

Hope for the City: Urban Subversive Fulfillment

Well, I’ve finally got round to completing the first draft of “Hope for the city.” This was a little project I kicked off whilst on sabbatical back in 2018. I wanted to think a little more deeply about how we approach mission to our urban contexts. Back at Oak Hill when I was studying there,… Continue reading Hope for the City: Urban Subversive Fulfillment

Complementarianism  – provision, protection and life before The Fall

I’ve argued that headship is not meant to be about power and hierarchy but rather, authority is about being authorised to do what we are responsible for.  In the case of husbands and fathers (as well as elders -spiritually in the church) this is about provision and protection.  I take this from Genesis 2:18 15 The Lord God… Continue reading Complementarianism  – provision, protection and life before The Fall