There is a weight to the presence of God. It can be felt in passionate singing or in a waiting, pregnant silence. It can be responded to with hands raised, prostration, or silent beholding…but it can be felt. It’s a weight that can be felt in a crowd, with one or two, or alone. But … More Responding to His Presence

Arran already has its equivalent of Peggy and Christine Smith – those elderly sisters who were instrumental in the intercession that fuelled the revival in Lewis. They’ve been praying for some time. They’ve dined on the promises of God and on the faithfulness of God in the past. They’ve seen his visions and sung his … More Who Will Wait? Embracing Expectant Prayer

There were a number of very personal areas where the Lord ministered to me over the few short days at the Hebridean Revival Conference. The Holy Spirit just highlighted a few phrases from the words of the speakers and in the worship which have been inhabiting my heart and mind since coming home. I’m seeking … More Reviving Passion

Well, what a wonderful pilgrimage to the Isle of Lewis to attend the Hebridean Revival Conference in Stornoway. After a long journey including several ferries and long hours of driving there and back, today has been a day to just ‘marinate’ in the experience of the time away. I went in fear, to be honest. … More Longing in Lewis

Sounds like an old fashioned term, doesn’t it? My early formation as a disciple told me that soul winning was one of the most crucial tasks of the follower of Jesus. I was now a permanent witness to Jesus, and being a follower of him now meant that it was no longer I that lived, … More Soul Winning

No, no one has moved his beach towel from his favourite sun lounger! He hasn’t been cut up on the exit from the roundabout on the A1 towards Durham. I’m talking about his pectoral cross. On my recent trip to Durham, this Scot dipped into his pocket and drew out £7.50 sterling for the privilege … More St Cuthbert’s Cross!

I had another opportunity to visit the beautiful island of Lindisfarne on a few days’ retreat this week. I go there because I can be quiet and not have to speak beyond the functional; I can be anonymous and ‘be myself’, and no-one will care one jot. No demands, not emails, no requests, nothing to … More The Importance of Stillness: Lessons from Lindisfarne

Well, you’ll have noticed I blog here in fits and starts – has always been the way over the last 20+ years of writing here, but I generally only pop by here when there’s something I sense the nudge to reflect on and share. Also, very practically, it’s been a rather busy (and a tiny … More Celebrating Milestones: Travel, Marriage, and the Spiritual Life

‘Ecclesia at minimum is the gathered body of Christ followers incarnating in culture and committed to the apostolic teaching, prayer, worship, fellowship and the threefold ministry of gospel proclamation (catalytic), care for others (cathartic), and defence of the faith (analytic).’ – Dr Michael T Cooper I am currently doing a professional doctorate in ministry alongside … More Reimagining Church: A Jesus-Centered Approach

It’s time for me to talk about mental health in ministry again. It is one of the things that can become a source of shame because many ministers feel like they should be immune to challenges with mental health. Some poor Christian thought can enforce that too. Since my teens and on into adult life, … More Ministry, Midwinter and Mental Health