Recently there has been some debate in church here about what lessons, if any, can be learnt from 'fresh expressions'. But first we need to grapple with some prior questions: how we read the Bible, how we understand culture, what the essence of church is and what it means to faithfully follow Jesus. Hermeneutics:... Continue Reading →
Images in preaching
As someone who routinely uses images as a backdrop to my preaching I was pleased to come across this site. The site isn't simply a collection of pictures but designed to use images as a means of spiritual reflection. Like other sites it will only be as good as the contributions made to it but... Continue Reading →
Christian music trends
An interesting conversation with someone involved in the Christian music scene in the UK got me thinking. Changing patterns of CD and download sales affect commercial viability making it harder for anyone not producing the ubiquitous worship album to survive and necessitating new creative solutions. Which makes me wonder:Are the days of Christian bands which... Continue Reading →
The struggle for insight against the powers of twaddle
I regularly have conversations with folk who are keen to promote ideas connected to ‘spiritual warfare’. While I hope I am gracious I am also sceptical about much of what’s proposed. It’s not that I don’t accept there are things which can’t be fitted into tight doctrinal systems, nor that I deny God is at... Continue Reading →
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 