Questions

I was involved in a snippet of a conversation recently about the kinds of questions people are asking with regards faith.  We often assume that our ‘not-yet-Christian’ or ‘looking-unlikely-ever-to-be-Christian’ friends are asking the profoud spiritual questions that Christians would like them to be asking.  The classic set of these questions are typically summed up by … More Questions

Creativity

Sometimes I wonder if the church has just lost its imagination in so many places.  Its either that, or we get so involved in maintaining the status quo that we lose the ability to be creative and think fresh ideas.  I came across this great graphic this week.  It basically says use your noggin, have … More Creativity

Getting stuck in…

I really want my remaining time in Newcastle upon Tyne to be about creative and active discipleship, both doing it and encouraging it.  The wee vision I announced yesterday which I hope people will engage in will hopefully gain a little momentum at least amongst a few people bold enough to dare. It is important, … More Getting stuck in…

The Big Vision

I’m a passionate follower of Jesus.  I love his church.  I long to see his Kingdom come, his will be done. We live in a world where the church is facing massive challenges as it seeks to engage in the 21st century. We live in a world where around 85% of people will simply not … More The Big Vision

Renewal of the Church?

As I prepare to begin my MA in Mission (Celtic Mission and Spirituality) course in the autumn of this year,  I’m starting to think towards the big D….the dissertation.  Although I haven’t had any formal conversation with the college yet, my current thoughts are to make a study of Celtic New Monasticism…in particular, what role … More Renewal of the Church?

Secret Room

‘Unless there is a still centre in the middle of the storm, unless a person in the midst of all their activities preserves a secret room in their heart, where they can be alone before God, then they will lose all sense of spiritual direction, and be torn to pieces.’ – Kallistos Ware I came … More Secret Room

Disconnection

The biggest barrier to engaging in mission of any sort is disconnection. 1.  Disconnection from God.  God doesn’t go far, its one of the things he can’t do.  He is in everything, we cannot escape his presence.  We, however, are very good at failing to connect with the presence of God, the Divine.  Don’t beat … More Disconnection

Woe!

It strikes me more and more that we need to live to keep alive, daily, the question of ‘who is Jesus to me today?’  The old maxim says ‘the Jesus you see will dictate the Christian you will be.’ Some people look at the bible and see a homophobic, judgemental, racist, critical and condemnatory Jesus.  … More Woe!