Invisible Divides – Book Review

News
Invisible Divides is one of the most helpful, practical and down-to-earth books I have read for many years, and two of my friends who lead churches among deprived communities in my city agree. They are devouring it and applying it in their ministries. I have the privilege of knowing both Natalie and Paul, and greatly appreciate the way in which they address the sensitive topic of class in the church. ‘Working class’ is often considered an unacceptable term, but the authors address and use it unashamedly as they explain, from their own experience, the huge cross-cultural barriers there are for someone from the ‘working class’ joining a ‘middle class’ church. They deal honestly, with a disarming degree of self-mockery, with some of the ways in which being introduced into a…
Read More

I am interviewed by Gavin Smith of The Church Office

News
Recently I was interviewed by Gavin Smith of The Church Office, an excellent resource for all church administrators, reviewing my history working with Terry Virgo and the Newfrontiers family of churches. We cover many different aspects of how administration can help optimise the impact of a church in fulfilling its vision, and can release church leaders and others into their God-given calling. Click on picture>
Read More

Are you prepared for death?

Equipping
One thing in life is certain: we shall all die. Are you prepared? Are you prepared spiritually? Are you prepared practically? Every year, during the Christmas and New Year break I take the opportunity to review my affairs to be sure that, for my family, should anything happen to me they will find it as easy as possible to sort out the practicalities. But this year was different. I had been reading All about Heaven, as recommended in my last blog, and so I took more time to be thorough. It may help you to have a check list of things that would be good to do now before you are in a crisis, which I hope will never happen. Heaven Spiritually, what is your view of heaven? Sitting on…
Read More

Christmas – a season of giving

Uncategorized
God gave us his Son! What greater gift could there be? Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! (2 Cor 9:15) A suggested book for you to give  All About Heaven was written by David Oliver to answer his own questions following his son's death. Where did my son go? What is he doing? Although a church leader David realised he could not readily answer these questions nor find books or sermons that gave the understanding he sought. This book is the result of his own searches. David asks good questions and presents Biblically based answers as well as drawing on stories of those who have had Near Death Experiences. I have found this very accessible and helpful. You may like to give it as a present - or…
Read More

Book Recommendation – Abused, Addicted, Free

News
Trudy and I have the privilege of serving on the same trustee board of a local charity. She is thoroughly authentic and a beautiful, dynamic Christian who sees the power of God at work in her own life and in the lives of those she is reaching, particularly those whom society would tend to put on the scrap heap. But this has not always been the case. In Abused, Addicted, Free Trudy tells her own story in stark detail – her abuse from early childhood, her many years of drug dependency and all that that entailed, especially some of the ways in which she obtained money, and much much more. This is not an easy read – it is well written, even a page turner, but it does contain some…
Read More

Understanding Islam Course ’22

Uncategorized
With increasing numbers of people who are Muslim living in our towns and cities, this course is very timely. It is designed to enable people to be equipped to build bridges, develop meaningful relationships and introduce faith-related dialogue with their Muslim neighbours. There will be a range of topics under discussion including: History of Islam Doctrine and Muslim beliefs Current trends in Muslim Society Shame and honour culture Outreach to the Muslim community – story telling, contextualising the message of the gospel, responding to common questions Welcoming believers from Muslim backgrounds into the church It is being run by the Unreached Network and is scheduled to start in January 2022. The details of the course can be found via this link: Understanding Islam Course '22 - Unreached Network Book now!
Read More