Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com In The Church Times this week, Angela Tilby wrote a refreshingly honest article titled Emptied-out belief leads to empty pews: “At my end of the C of E, everyone remains very polite, tolerant, and a bit disconnected. It is just slightly embarrassing to speak directly about God.” And she pin-points… Continue reading Full Fat Faith
Author: Jon Kuhrt
Jon Kuhrt has worked with people affected by homelessness for over 30 years. He is a former government adviser on how faith groups address rough sleeping and is now CEO of Hope into Action. He lives with his wife in Streatham, south London and they have 3 children. He likes football....but loves cricket.
The key to preventing leadership scandals
There is no shortage of articles, blogs and podcasts to dissect, analyse and rake over the entrails of Christian leadership scandals. The podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill was a compelling account of Mark Driscoll's rise to fame and influence, and how his narcissism and arrogance led to a dramatic fall. It challenged… Continue reading The key to preventing leadership scandals
‘Do not impose today’s worry upon tomorrow’
Odette Prévost was a French nun who had joined the Little Sisters of the Sacred Heart at age 21, in 1953. She spent her lifetime working in Morocco and Algeria, living and serving among acutely poor communities. She studied Arabic and helped educate women and provided free tutoring for children to help them with their school work.… Continue reading ‘Do not impose today’s worry upon tomorrow’
The best hour of my summer
I have been richly blessed through holidays this summer. Visiting Malta was a beautiful experience. And going as a family for our 13th year to the Lee Abbey Youth Camp was as rewarding and spiritually refreshing as ever. One significant event was my parents celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. 60 years ago, on 31st August… Continue reading The best hour of my summer
Comfortable beliefs or a shipwrecked faith?
St Paul's Islands, Malta This summer I went on holiday with the Apostle Paul. Well, sort of. I went to the Mediterranean island of Malta where Paul in AD59, under arrest, was shipwrecked on his way to a trial before Caesar in Rome. The traumatic voyage is recorded in dramatic detail by Luke in Acts… Continue reading Comfortable beliefs or a shipwrecked faith?
Looking for life? Find a place to serve
Photo by Matheus Bertelli on Pexels.com I shared this quote from Michael Carl on social media this week: As church attendance numbers fade across the nation and online services become very convenient it’s important to remember why church attendance for you and your family matters so much. You can’t serve from your sofa. You can’t… Continue reading Looking for life? Find a place to serve
Dear Greta Gerwig: how your Netflix Narnia can be a roaring success
Dear Greta, Congratulations on being appointed Screenwriter & Director for Netflix's The Chronicles of Narnia. I really enjoyed your films Ladybird and Little Women and I am seeing Barbie this week. It's great to see a writer/director of your standing getting this crucial job. I know you feel daunted to take on this job and I… Continue reading Dear Greta Gerwig: how your Netflix Narnia can be a roaring success
Begging: the question…
Recently I was in Birmingham New Street station when a man approached me, saying he was homeless and asking for money for food. We were right next to a Greggs so I suggested I buy him some. As there was a queue, we got talking and he said: ‘I’m not really homeless you know,… Continue reading Begging: the question…
Public leadership, private insecurity
One of the common assumptions people make is that those in positions of leadership or responsibility are confident and secure. Actually, feelings of insecurity are rampant among those who lead. What is externally projected and seen is not the same as how people feel inside. Performative This is especially relevant in church and charity leadership.… Continue reading Public leadership, private insecurity
Grief, anger & being convinced by the love of God
This is a sermon I gave this week at Bristol Cathedral in a service to remember people who have died affected by homelessness. Reading: Romans 8:35-39 - read by Leo, Hope into Action tenant "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or… Continue reading Grief, anger & being convinced by the love of God
Grace + Truth 