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

It won’t be surprising to anyone that my Salvationist roots remain highly influential in many aspects of my current and hopefully future ministry.  Whilst there is no real prospect of a return to the Army for us, I guess there are some things that you don’t shake off quite possibly because they are missional dynamite. … More Salvationist DNA

Back in 2007, the seeds of my long-term hope/vision was sown in my heart through a dream!   I recorded it on my blog at the time, and have revisited it several times.  That dream, like a seed, has been hidden underground, awaiting the right soil, temperature and conditions to begin to raise its head out … More 10 years of vision…