It strikes me that there are unlimited opportunities for the church to stand up and make a significant difference in this country, especially for the poor.  It is very true that many are doing that already.  But there is more that can be done.  I don’t think it is enough to simply criticise the government, although … More Spend yourselves for the poor and hungry…

As I’ve walked through Advent this year, I’ve been doing some thinking about what it brings to Christian life to have an ‘Advent’ mindset.  I used to think Advent was nonsense and that the celebration of Christmas Day as ‘Jesus is born today’ was a bit weird because we all know he came 2000+ years … More Advent Reality

Don’t let it fly past you!  Christmas, that is.  I’ve been passing out a fair bit of bah humbug in recent days quite on purpose.  It is simple because I’m not ready for Christmas yet, I’m still in advent.  I’m still searching, looking, hoping, wondering, holding before God my uncertainties and deepest longings.  Yet, I … More Don’t miss it!

All in all, 2013 has been a real mix of a year in spiritual terms.  I think it has probably been the most significant spiritual years I’ve had.  There have been several new discoveries, commitments and landmarks on the way alongside some very difficult deeper work, mainly around issues like rejection and the clinical depression … More Spiritual Inventory 2013

convergence (n.) – the arrival at a common point of various different streams or lines I guess you’ve heard people say ‘oh, it’s great when it all comes together.’  Pretty common thing to say.  I mean, we love it when the plot of a crime thriller arrives on the last page or when the Kat … More Convergence

When you’ve done so much personal deconstruction of ideas, theologies, patterns and belief systems, there comes a time when you gently rebuild.  Certainly, the rebuilding is a lot looser, more creative and less rigid. I think my emerging construct is more grace-filled and compassionate, vulnerable and with a commitment to being more available to God … More Vocation 2

I’ve sorta got a new anthem for myself.  Stuart Townend’s relatively new song, ‘Vagabonds’, really speaks to me of the blessing of the radical transformation Christ brings. Apart from the catchy and lively musical style, the lyrics just speak volumes about that edgy and radical embrace that I spoke about yesterday, the call of Christ … More Vagabonds

The more I read the bible, the more convinced I am that Jesus, on the whole, wouldn’t fit in our churches.  He had a major leaning towards the underdog, almost to the extreme.  It’s one of the things I love about him.  He just wasn’t interested in the ‘religious crap’ that had become associated with … More Edgy

And so, to finish this weeks ‘V’ themed posts, I turn to volume!  There are two lots of volume that are a struggle to juggle in the course of ministry.  Firstly, the amount of stuff that always wants done in contrast to what we should really be focussed on.  Secondly, there is the volume at … More Volume

Today I was reminded of Augustine’s phrase: “Love God and do whatever you please: for the soul trained in love to God will do nothing to offend the One who is Beloved.” When I heard it, it was a word of grace to me.  It is easy to become preoccupied with the question of whether we’re … More Vision