It was a great honour for me to be asked to preach the Annual 'Soper Sermon' at Hinde Street Methodist Church which remembers the life and ministry of Lord Donald Soper, who was Superintendent of the West London Mission (WLM) for over 40 years between 1936-1978. I never met Donald Soper but I have worked for… Continue reading ‘Goodwill on Fire’: Remembering Donald Soper
Category: Theology
Sharing the gospel with Errol Flynn, Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart
It has been great to see the reaction to Corin Pilling's beautiful guest post about how his church has connected with a local care home for those with dementia. Its another reminder that some of the most important work that the church does is with those who society finds it easy to forget. Much of this… Continue reading Sharing the gospel with Errol Flynn, Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart
Gifts of Grace and Presence in a King’s Cross Care Home – by Corin Pilling
It all started a couple of years ago, when Dorothy (pictured) made an announcement in church. She’d decided that something had to happen. I, in turn, decided that I was not the person to argue. She might look delightful in this photo, but when Dorothy decides that action is required, you sit up and listen.… Continue reading Gifts of Grace and Presence in a King’s Cross Care Home – by Corin Pilling
The Amos Course: God’s Word to a World of Injustice
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com Are you part of a home group at your church? Looking for some resources to help explore what the Bible says about poverty and injustice? Amos: God’s Word to a World of Injustice I wrote this 6 session course on the book of Amos back in 2011. No biblical… Continue reading The Amos Course: God’s Word to a World of Injustice
Infanticide…and other Christmas themes
This morning, I watched my five year old daughter make her acting debut in her school Nativity Play. It had everything to be expected – excitable shepherds, pretty Angels, proud parents and a clip-clopping Donkey. It was cute, fun and everyone had a good time. It's important to remember though that Nativity Plays, like Children's Bibles,… Continue reading Infanticide…and other Christmas themes
Why the Church of England must say YES 2 Women Bishops – by Stephen Kuhrt
These are exciting times for the Church of England. The appointment of Justin Welby to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury has been met with considerable enthusiasm across the Church. There is a desire to reflect his optimistic vision for the relevance of the church and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Before then, we face… Continue reading Why the Church of England must say YES 2 Women Bishops – by Stephen Kuhrt
What should Mission look like in the 21st Century?
Christians have repeatedly tied themselves in knots about Mission. At various times we've boxed it, felt guilty about it, outsourced it and pretended to do it whilst running in the other direction. Mission as we often think of it came of age in 17th Century, but what should it look like in 2012? To start… Continue reading What should Mission look like in the 21st Century?
Graham Jakeman – Rest In Joy
My church leader, Graham Jakeman, died suddenly earlier in the summer aged 44. His vision, faith and unique leadership helped start and sustain Jubilee Church since it began in September 2003. Stubborn Graham was stubborn. I am used to being able to convince and influence people through my words and arguments, but I don't think… Continue reading Graham Jakeman – Rest In Joy
Speak the truth about staffing problems
This is an expanded version of a previous R&R post Why churches manage people badly which was published in The Church Times last week: Managing people decently is an essential part of Christian work - not a bureaucratic luxury, argues Jon Kuhrt Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com The organisational dysfunction exposed by the Archbishop… Continue reading Speak the truth about staffing problems
Are Christian festivals the new denominations?
I got an email the other day from a good friend who I have not seen for a while asking me about my summer. He is not a Christian but he knows a lot of people who are, and he asked me a question that got me thinking: "So what's your poison: new wine, greenbelt, spring harvest?… Continue reading Are Christian festivals the new denominations?
Grace + Truth 