I intended by earlier post about books to be followed by one which listed five books that every Baptist Minister should read. But I can’t decide what should be on the list not least because no book is so important that every minister should read it. There is a certain baseline of knowledge that... Continue Reading →
Society is changing
It is an interesting comment on the changes in society that Ed Balls (the government minister with responsibility for schools) chooses to criticise the Conservative Party's plans to give tax breaks for married couples as "unfair" and amounting to "social engineering".Whatever one thinks about the Conservative Party's plans it is a fascinating snapshot into our... Continue Reading →
Books which influence me
Challenged to name some books that have influenced me I’ve pondered a few book lists over the last couple of days. So here is a list of books, that don’t require a degree in theology to understand, which influence how I do ministry. Stanley Hauerwas Resident Aliens. Hauerwas’ approach to ethics and the task... Continue Reading →
Christmas greetings
"Our Lord Jesus Christ,the word of God, of his boundless love, became what we are that he might make us what he himself is." Irenaeus Happy Christmas to all
IBS STL update
I know many of you have been following this on other blogs but the situation now seems to be as follows: Authentic Music based in Milton Keynes has been bought by Kingsway Communications operating from Eastbourne. Authentic Book Publishing and 8 Wesley Owen Stores (Bath Birmingham, Bristol, Bromley, Coleraine, Derby, Glasgow and York ) have... Continue Reading →
PBC Christmas message
For those who are interested my Christmas message is now on the church website here (click on the link on RHS).
Interactive church?
I’ve been thinking recently about the ‘interactive’ option that we sometimes have as part of our morning services; an option where people get opportunity to discuss a topic over coffee & croissant whilst the rest of the church prays, sings and listens to my preaching. The feedback is very positive (which may simply be a... Continue Reading →
An Epic Advent
It is my turn to blog at the advent blog hopeful imagination today. My post is below but you can follow the rest here. Being a minister at this time of year is an odd experience. Preparing services that fit the advent season whilst making plans for the period from Christmas to Easter. Yesterday I... Continue Reading →
What makes an evangelical?
It is a sign of desperation to blog about other people's blogs but this by Steve Holmes is worth it! I'm sure Steve's suggestion of a contoured approach to defining evangelicalism might helpfully re-frame the debate. I need some time (which I don't have this week) to think about:Despite Steve's approach isn't the nature of... Continue Reading →
Advent: living patiently in a world of impatience
I sometimes use video clips in preaching; searching for something suitable for advent I came across this by Stanley Hauerwas here. I'm not sure if I could use it, though the idea of sharing Hauerwas with the congregation is attractive.
Distinct Reflections 