How not to do evangelism at the coronation

We are getting close to the coronation of King Charles III and there’s some discussion going on about whether or not, and how, this might create evangelistic opportunities.  Some churches are planning events and some people have been producing resources to use. Whatever your views on monarchy or republicanism and whatever your views on whether… Continue reading How not to do evangelism at the coronation

Reflections on Commonwealth Games outreach

Just a couple of months back and it felt like the Commonwealth Games were going to go by pretty much unnoticed by Christians/churches. A few years back when the news first emerged that the games were switching from Durban to Birmingham, we had been asking the question “are there opportunities for churches to witness?” but… Continue reading Reflections on Commonwealth Games outreach

Why we are doing evangelism for the Commonwealth Games

Today marks the start of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.  The Commonwealth is an association of countries whose primary relationship is historical through the British Empire and the Queen.  When countries gained their independence the empire evolved into this voluntary association and in that respect provides evidence of how positive relationships are possible despite that… Continue reading Why we are doing evangelism for the Commonwealth Games

Evangelism and the local church (3) Events

In this third article I wanted to say something about running special events as a church. How does this fit with an approach where we make evangelism about our day to day lives in a local community?  I don’t think it is a good thing if the sum total of a church’s evangelism is running… Continue reading Evangelism and the local church (3) Events

Evangelism and the local church (1) Keep it simple

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I’m sometimes asked about my approach to evangelism. I’ve particularly been asked this question a lot recently as we’ve been in conversations with churches about future ministry and I remember it coming up when I was interviewed at Bearwood.  My answer to the question is: “We live in an area and get to  know people… Continue reading Evangelism and the local church (1) Keep it simple

Do we need evangelism training?

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Steve Kneale writes here: “Evangelism is often over-complicated. It pays to ask, what do we actually need to go about the business of the gospel?” He argues that all we need to do is to know the Gospel ourselves, to have received the Holy Spirit and to be ready to speak the good news. On… Continue reading Do we need evangelism training?

What should we do about online church after the pandemic ends?

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If the government roadmap goes according to plan in England, churches will be able to fully reopen again from the 21st of June. During the pandemic, most of us have been providing online content for the many people who have been unable to attend our services in person. During that time, we have learnt that… Continue reading What should we do about online church after the pandemic ends?

Fruit from the harvest … fruit for the harvest

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The other day, I sat and read one of those “history of our church” books that local churches produce to celebrate centenaries and 150th anniversaries. There was a beautiful little story in it. The church were looking to do a bit of building work and began to raise the funds. A large legacy of £58k… Continue reading Fruit from the harvest … fruit for the harvest

“Who are these people?” … “These are our neighbours”

It was meant to be the year of street parties and festival.  We were celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee year. However as is often the case, plans were disrupted by a summer wash out as the heavens opened.  Some events were scaled back others cancelled. But we persisted in our organisation of a “Chapel Street Party”… Continue reading “Who are these people?” … “These are our neighbours”