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
The sound of breaking glass: my Tunbridge Wells winter #2
Previous installment: Wealth, fear and nimbyism: my Tunbridge Wells winter #1 The rear view of the shelter venue, Tunbridge Wells, 1996 As I wrote in the last post, my first few weeks as Manager of Tunbridge Wells' first ever winter shelter was dominated by dealing with disgruntled neighbours. But with the permission to open,… Continue reading The sound of breaking glass: my Tunbridge Wells winter #2
Wealth, fear & nimbyism: my Tunbridge Wells winter #1
In the mid-1990s I worked in a large hostel in Hackney, East London for 140 homeless men and women. But the organisation I worked for had an opportunity for someone to be seconded for 5 months to a Housing Association in Kent who needed a manager to establish a new winter shelter for rough sleepers.… Continue reading Wealth, fear & nimbyism: my Tunbridge Wells winter #1
The superficiality of success
Andre Agassi’s autobiography Open is a brutally honest book about what was going on in Agassi’s mind as he became a globally famous tennis player. As he continually repeats throughout the book, despite the wealth and fame it gave him, Agassi hated playing tennis. It is the best sports biography I have ever read Agassi… Continue reading The superficiality of success
Grace + Truth 