This is a longer article written to provoke discussion about the key challenges and future direction for Christian social action in the UK. A PDF version can be downloaded at the bottom of the article. Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for ancient paths, ask where the good way… Continue reading Justice, Empowerment & Faith: the future direction for Christian social action
The need for grace and truth: the complexity of compassion #1
Photo by Tina Nord on Pexels.com When I was in my twenties, I lived in Kings Cross in London and was a member of a local church. There, I got to know a man who was a former crack addict. We'll call him Ian. He was doing his best to put his life back together… Continue reading The need for grace and truth: the complexity of compassion #1
‘Jesus’ blood never failed me yet’
Photo by Lennart Wittstock on Pexels.com In 1971 a film was made about people sleeping rough in the Waterloo and Elephant and Castle area in London. One piece of footage not used in the film was of an unknown homeless man singing these words: Jesus’ blood never failed me yet Never failed me yet Jesus'… Continue reading ‘Jesus’ blood never failed me yet’
‘A massive dose of truth’
Photo by MART on Pexels.com How would you respond if one of your children became seriously addicted to drugs and started stealing off you and their siblings to maintain their habit? I have often written on G+T about the importance of boundaries when supporting people affected by addictions. I have referred to this in the… Continue reading ‘A massive dose of truth’
Clueless wanderers or confident explorers?
Photo by cheptu00e9 cormani on Pexels.com I have had an encouraging response to my article Justice, Empowerment and Faith: the future direction for Christian social action. Christianity Magazine re-published it and I have had emails and messages from agencies around the world. And last month, a diverse group of 30 senior leaders of Christian social… Continue reading Clueless wanderers or confident explorers?
‘Let there be Light’: Matt & Beth Redman on Mike Pilavachi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVZkgdt32u8 Matt and Beth Redman worked closely with Mike Pilavachi as the Soul Survivor church and festival grew in size and influence. This week they released a thirty minute film to share their experiences of his abusive behaviour. They speak candidly about the psychological impact of Pilavachi's tendency to bring people into his fold and… Continue reading ‘Let there be Light’: Matt & Beth Redman on Mike Pilavachi
‘What is truth?’ Pilate’s enduring question
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. As Roman Governor of Judea Pilate had to manage a region simmering with religious extremism and… Continue reading ‘What is truth?’ Pilate’s enduring question
Why life is not just about being happy – by Laura Cuthill
A few weeks ago I saw this quote from Audrey Hepburn posted on social media: ‘The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - it's all that matters’. I see lots of quotes posted on social media and usually I just scroll past. But this quote jumped out at me.… Continue reading Why life is not just about being happy – by Laura Cuthill
The problem of proselytism; the urgency of evangelism
I want to reflect on three scenarios I have experienced this week: Scenario 1: Last Sunday I gave the talk at my church on the passage in John's gospel when Jesus is tried by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. I focused on Pilate’s question ‘What is truth?’ (Watch the sermon here). After the service, I… Continue reading The problem of proselytism; the urgency of evangelism
The sins of social action
On a cold night in late November, I was running our church’s drop-in evening meal called The Vine. Each week, around 30 people come along for company, a quiz and a good hot meal. It’s a modest but positive contribution to our community’s well-being. Our guests have a wide range of needs, but what most struck me… Continue reading The sins of social action
Following Jesus; seeking justice
This week saw the London launch of a new book from the Red Letter Christians UK. Each chapter is a story of how following Jesus has led people into activism for justice. My story recalls the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Below I share two excerpts which connect my role as a volunteer… Continue reading Following Jesus; seeking justice
Reconciliation & resettlement: my Tunbridge Wells winter #3
Previous instalment: The sound of breaking glass: my Tunbridge Wells winter #2 The shelter’s first night had seen one of our residents arrested for assault, criminal damage and threatening behaviour. The next morning, I woke up early in my YMCA room and spent some time praying for courage for whatever the day would bring. On… Continue reading Reconciliation & resettlement: my Tunbridge Wells winter #3
Grace + Truth 