Fellowship is one of the most overused and misused words in Christian conversation. We talk about “sharing fellowship” to refer to having a cup of tea and chat after the church service. Fellowship should be way more than that. We also talk about friendship and fellowship between Christians from different churches and denominations as well… Continue reading Friendship is not the same as fellowship
Tag: fellowship
Pursue plurality and interdependence
I’m a firm believer in the importance of plural leadership. This should include a plurality of elders and a wider leadership team of godly men and women. The evidence for the need for plural elders is seen in Acts 20:17 where Paul meets with the elders (plural) of the Ephesian church. Then in Titus 1:5,… Continue reading Pursue plurality and interdependence
What about post COVID newcomers?
One of the major concerns for Church leaders recently has been what we do about those people who don’t seem to be returning to in person church? Within that number are those who are still very anxious about coming to church services but still very much believe in the L ord. Some will be able… Continue reading What about post COVID newcomers?
Creating Space and Time
If the pandemic has taught us anything it is that we are busy people compressed into densely populated cities. Often our church gatherings have replicated that. We’ve squeezed people into our buildings, crammed a lot of content: songs, notices, mini-sermons, main sermons into them, rushed them through to back halls for cheap coffee and cheaper… Continue reading Creating Space and Time
Centred or boundaries?
When we first moved to Bearwood, I had the opportunity to link up with other pastors for fellowship but there were a couple of groups operating, so which one was I meant to choose? There was a Black Country Group and a Birmingham group. Initially it seemed to make snse to join with the Black… Continue reading Centred or boundaries?
Family or politics?
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35) I’ve been called a few names in the past year. I’ve bene told that… Continue reading Family or politics?
It’s time we got over our tribalism
I grew up with my family attending an independent Methodist mission hall, elsewhere my Grandma was a fully accredited Methodist preacher. Her husband had grown up in the Brethren movement in Belfast. Apparently Great Grandma had herself been a Methodist but had joined the Gospel Hall her husband belonged to when they got married. Dad… Continue reading It’s time we got over our tribalism
Recreating the home group and restoring the prayer meeting
Discussing with a few people the demise of the prayer meeting the other day, I was struck by a thought. The problem is with our home groups. One of the main reasons that you won’t seem many people at traditional prayer meetings is that they have been replaced by Home Groups. The problem is that… Continue reading Recreating the home group and restoring the prayer meeting
Faithroots 