Pardon the temporary blog silence, but as many of you may know, our move to Newcastle didn’t work out due to us not being able to secure a post for Tracy by the all-important deadline of her having to hand in her resignation at her current school. Let me just say that this: in many … More God’s plans…

‘God, I need to hear you on this.’ And yes, I think God seemed to know that I did.  I guess he brought me again to that point of having a desperate desire to listen.  When we get ourselves to that place, when we turn up, when we step into the deep place, God speaks … More God, I need to hear you on this

  Quite frankly, I’ve wanted to do anything but move to Newcastle this last couple of weeks.  Nothing against Newcastle at all, but a fear of taking the missional risk of pioneering a new work without a cosy denominational backing.  I’ve wanted to walk away and keep an easy life, one filled with nice stuff, … More Let this cup pass…

Money and wealth has been in the news a lot in these last few years, particularly as the government afflict a poverty/austerity agenda on the population whilst not being so committed to the principles themselves.  I’m not going to over-tire my typing fingers talking about the rights and wrongs of the UK government, but I’ve … More Downward Mobility

When the King of Ancient Northumbria first requested a missionary from Iona to come and minister to his people in the 7th century, it didn’t go so well.  The monk sent came to Northumbria ready to convert the hardened sinners, and, I guess, treated them as such.  He soon found himself back in Iona reporting … More The Return

I think the longer we’re in amongst the culture of the church, the more we think that society in general knows we exist, thinks about us, is aware of us, and believes that we’re worth taking notice of.  I’ve come across this notion in books, in conversation and through listening to countless church meetings…the idea that … More Connection

Spending the day in Elswick and Benwell yesterday has been really useful.  I had opportunity to speak with the leader of a key church-related project in Benwell, who have been in the community since 1987.  His insights were really helpful and helped clarify a few things about the work I’m going to be doing.  Partnership is … More Spying in Geordieland 3

I paid an early visit to the West End of the city in order to refresh my mind of what it was I saw as I spent a significant amount of time walking the streets there this time last year.  I’ll be back there tomorrow afternoon. There is nothing romantic about the West End.  That’s … More Spying in Geordieland 2

Well, we’re back in Geordieland, and lovely to be back in familiar surroundings and to see familiar faces.  We had a lovely visit to Trinity Gosforth this morning, where we enjoyed the ministry of my successor, Rev Peter Holwell, and had that chance to say hello to so many folks. Having spent 5 years in … More Spying in Geordieland

“Don’t let people do that to you, put you on a pedestal like that. You all have a single Teacher, and you are all classmates. Don’t set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do… And don’t let people maneuver you into taking … More Pedestal