I generally appear (I think) to have things together. But even though I know that’s not really true I’ve been completely taken aback this week at the power of certain memories. It comes about because our eldest, Matt, was off to New Zealand as part of a gap year; spending time exploring and learning whilst... Continue Reading →
Living Well: preaching on Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
Last term I did a preaching series based on Peter Scazzero’s book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. I read the book whilst on sabbatical and found it personally useful; it gave framework for thinking about and processing some stuff in my own life. I also thought it might give some folk in the church a similar framework... Continue Reading →
New Year resolve
Happy New year everyone As we roll up the decorations and trim back the calorie consumption it is the moment to think about plans for the year ahead. If the last few years have taught me anything it is that life doesn’t often go to plan. Nevertheless, those who aim for nothing usually get it... Continue Reading →
Preparing Christmas Services
It’s that time of year when preparing Christmas services comes to an end. Or, if you’re not into planning, starts with increasing levels of panic as the deadlines loom. Finding fresh ways of working familiar themes is always a challenge but also needs care as, for most UK churches, Christmas is a season where many... Continue Reading →
BUGB recuiting ministries team leader
The Baptist Union (Baptists Together) is looking to recruit a new team leader for the Ministries team based in Didcot. Someone who will be one of the new specialist team leaders involved in leading the Union. Details of the post are here Noteworthy in the details is that the person is likely to be someone... Continue Reading →
Nauta training week
I’ve just returned from my latest trip to Peru: teaching at the BMS supported training centre in Nauta. As usual it was a great time. The main aim of the first week was teaching at one of the regular training weeks. The idea is that the centre provides basic training for pastors and church leaders... Continue Reading →
Calais, Chaos and the challenge of migration
The news story of the summer is undoubtedly the disruption of the Dover Calais crossing and the reporting of migrants seeking to get into the UK illegally. As a news junkie I’m often a bit cynical about news management but the reporting of this story has been lazy in the extreme. Travel chaos is the... Continue Reading →
Sabbatical reflections
As I return to my role in Poynton after a six week sabbatical I do so with an interesting mix of feelings. I’ve blogged about my trip to New Zealand before so readers already know that I had a fantastic time, enjoying learning about church life there and having the chance to visit lake Tekapo... Continue Reading →
Flying long haul
OK, so I'm a bit of an aviation geek, and I like flying. And having flown to the other side of the world and back I thought I’d share a few thoughts on the journey and flying in general. General From my previous long haul flying experience I've learned: 1. Aircraft are dry; so drink... Continue Reading →
Lessons from UK / NZ baptist life
As I’ve pondered my trip to NZ there are a number of things about Baptist life in our two countries that we might learn from each other. So as a final post on NZ let me draw some threads together. Ministry led or congregational There is much in the healthy church / ministry led model... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 