Tag: Bradford

Why we should be speaking up for Bradford … And similar places

I wrote the other day in defence of my home city following some deeply unpleasant comments about the city and its recognition as City of Culture 2025. Now, obviously, a big part of my motivation was indignation at an attack on my home town. However I hope that I would have reacted similarly if it… Continue reading Why we should be speaking up for Bradford … And similar places

An offensive TV comment proves exactly why Bradford being city of culture matters … But my beloved home city has a better heritage and a bigger need

This YouTube video shows exactly why  there is a need for the “City of Culture” accolade. Whilst such ignorance is platformed by those seeking to be mainstream news outlets, it is important that cities like Bradford (and other northern towns and cities) are given the opportunity to both showcase the positives and seek investment, something… Continue reading An offensive TV comment proves exactly why Bradford being city of culture matters … But my beloved home city has a better heritage and a bigger need

Bradford, city of culture 2025, needs church planting

Yesterday, my home city, Bradford one the contest to be the UK city of culture 2025. The City of Culture designation is given to an area every 4 years and lasts for the year.  The place hosts cultural events and receives significant investment. I’ve written before about Bradford’s bid and about both what the city… Continue reading Bradford, city of culture 2025, needs church planting

Bradford: city of culture, city of need

Update: Bradford was confirmed as UK City of Culture 2025 on the 31st May 2022. I’m resharing this article hoping it will motivate people to pray for Bradford and even consider church planting there in time for 2025. Culture is coming home. We awoke to the news this morning that Bradford has been placed on… Continue reading Bradford: city of culture, city of need

Urban mission is both urgent and longterm

As our time at Bearwood Chapel comes to a close, we wanted to take time to listen to others to find out where the need is and where we can best help in terms of urban Gospel mission. Over the past few weeks I’ve been having lots of conversations, some have been with people I’ve… Continue reading Urban mission is both urgent and longterm

New Horizons update – the vision

Thank you to everyone who have been sharing with us your prayers, thoughts and good wishes as we seek the Lord’s will for our next steps after Bearwood. I wanted to give you a little update on how things seem to be developing in my mind.  Really, this is not about a new direction but… Continue reading New Horizons update – the vision

Urban Church Planting – post COVID

For most of the past year most churches have had their heads down, focused on getting through this virus together without losing too many people and hopefully at the same time picking up new people via online services.  Yet whilst all of that has been happening, the need for new churches and church revitalisation hasn’t… Continue reading Urban Church Planting – post COVID

We won’t beat COVID-19 if we don’t understand the problem

This is a fascinating report from the BBC on Coronavirus on my home city, Bradford.  I had already seen some reports of smaller towns and villages which are included within the metropolitan district complaining that they had been included in measures because the local authority did not want to make distinctions within its boundaries. Meanwhile… Continue reading We won’t beat COVID-19 if we don’t understand the problem

Like a thief in the night – local lockdowns and something of far greater importance

If you live in Greater Manchester or West Yorkshire, new localised lockdown measures were introduced at midnight yesterday. This news was released at 930pm.  There have been a lot of complaints since about the lack of notice. This has been presented as bad communication. My personal view is that the objections have been overplayed and… Continue reading Like a thief in the night – local lockdowns and something of far greater importance