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
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
My Last Message (a short talk on love) – by Dave Andrews
As a result of the death of dear friends, I have been reflecting on the fact I’m closer to the end of my life than to the beginning. This has led me to wonder, if this is the last message I have to give, what would I want to say? The longer I live, the… Continue reading My Last Message (a short talk on love) – by Dave Andrews
‘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
Is the UK really polarised on immigration? – by Jonathan Thomas
My work on immigration policy for a think tank argues for a more open approach to immigration in the UK, but also one rooted in majority public consent and acceptance. The EU Referendum reminded us of the real and important differences in people’s experiences of and worldview around immigration. Those differences are quite natural and… Continue reading Is the UK really polarised on immigration? – by Jonathan Thomas
Henri Nouwen on leadership – by Ed Walker
‘Leadership requires deep spiritual formation involving the whole person – body, mind and heart.’ In the Name of Jesus: reflections on Chistian Leadership is a great little book. As with all Henri Nouwen's writing – it is best read slowly. You need to allow its wisdom to sink deep. Many of us have read leadership… Continue reading Henri Nouwen on leadership – by Ed Walker
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
Grace + Truth 