Imagine this: it’s summer 2021. After extensive trials and tests, the COVID-19 vaccine is available. It has been internationally confirmed to be reliable, safe and effective. Here in the UK it is available to you for free. What would you say to someone who is choosing to refuse the vaccine and instead is insisting on… Continue reading Law and Spirit: A COVID Parable
Posts
Who are deacons?
The first turn to Bible passage on deacons tends to be 2 Timothy 3. This is where Paul sets out the qualifications for both elders and deacons. In the first part of the chapter, Paul says that the role of elder/overseer/Bishop is a noble desire. He then sets out the qualifications for the role. Overseers… Continue reading Who are deacons?
Fear and Faith in Matthew 8
The big theme in Matthew 8 is “Faith”. There is a leper who comes to Jesus pleading to be clean and to be healed. A centurion comes and begs for his servant, many come to Jesus looking for healing. Finally, two demon possessed men are set free. However, in and among these stories of faith… Continue reading Fear and Faith in Matthew 8
Please – let’s not repeat the same mistakes
I’m COVID-centric. This means I’m not one of those people who believes lockdown was a waste of time, that the disease is a bit of a conspiracy and that warnings of mass deaths were alarmist. Nor, do I think that we have experienced an absolute disaster or that we need to go back into lockdown… Continue reading Please – let’s not repeat the same mistakes
What are deacons (not)
I’ve just took part in an interesting conversation with other pastors which started out with a question about how we train deacons in the church. This led to further questions about what exactly is a deacon? Fascinatingly there didn’t seem to be a uniform opinion on this. So, I thought it might be worth thinking… Continue reading What are deacons (not)
How did we end up in this testing mess?
The UK appear to be having significant problems getting an effective Test and Trace system up and running. Problems have included Our initial ability to provide mass testing Failure to get an effective tracking/contact system up and running The current problems with test availability leading to queues, delays and potential rationing. To me, this looks… Continue reading How did we end up in this testing mess?
The end of community? – The risk with The Rule of Six
The UK Government has introduced new rules this week in the fight against coronavirus COVID-19. For the foreseeable future, it will be illegal to socialise in groups larger than six or to “mingle” outside of such a group. Several people have observed that this seems to go beyond the concept of social distancing and is… Continue reading The end of community? – The risk with The Rule of Six
Climbing the Career ladder
We’ve been talking about work and rest. One of the things that affects work is the drive to climb the greasy pole to the top of your profession. There is an inbuilt expectation that people must progress higher up into management. In fact, promotion is rewarded and those who are content where they are, are… Continue reading Climbing the Career ladder
Mingling – The Rule of Six and challenges for church
This week, the Government has introduced new rules. It will be illegal to have groups of greater than six gathering for social purposes. Whilst this does not in and of itself limit the numbers that can attend church, it will have some affect on church life. This is because whilst the total number of people… Continue reading Mingling – The Rule of Six and challenges for church
Preparing that delicious (spiritual) meal
In a recent article, I suggested that people sometimes feel like they aren’t fed in church because it is like raw, bloodied meat, substantial but unappetising. Others feel unfed because the meal is all sauce and no meat. So I thought I’d double down on that imagery! I want to suggest to you that whilst… Continue reading Preparing that delicious (spiritual) meal
Faithroots 