Someone asked me this week, when talking about a whole load of things that I’m actually quite passionate about, if I blog. I said, ‘not really’. It wasn’t a lie, but what I wanted to say was ‘yes, but I kinda stopped because it’s too painful.’ Seeking my own comfort, I stopped expressing what God was laying on … More Do I blog?

Cacophony is the word that has been with me over these last 4 – 5 weeks as I’ve moved around from place to place, attended conferences, heard long speeches, engaged in ministry on and off Arran, been out in the community, and been at home, even. A cacophony is a ‘harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.’ … More Cacophony

This little blog has been a bit neglected again! The last year I’ve been getting settled into two new ministries here on the Isle of Arran, where I’m pastor of Arran Baptist Church and Centre/Ministry Team Leader at Sannox Christian Centre. Lots of new things to figure out, rhythms to create, community to get to … More Laying Foundations for a Jesus Movement

I think it’s possible to be able to read, and yet to be kind of illiterate. There was no encouragement to read when I was growing up. Very rarely, my family would read for entertainment, in the same way you might switch on the television, but with no desire to grow, gain a wider understanding … More On reading

I sometimes get back home in the middle of the day. As we’re usually out for most of the daytime, our central heating system isn’t due to be on. These last few days, instead of heating the whole house, I’ve just been heating the room I’m in using the log burner. You can’t just set … More The Celtic Fire

In the mindset of the early Celtic saints, one of the aims was to journey until you found the ‘place of your resurrection.’ The idea is that there is a place that God is calling you to – a place where you worship, work, and pray until the day Christ comes to take you home! … More Finding the place of your Resurrection

It is wonderful to be here in Arran. It hasn’t quite registered fully that we’re not just here on a short break or holiday. The last year has meant several trips back and forward visiting Sannox Christian Centre and also Arran Baptist Church who, between them, will have a good chunk of my time in … More Arran Arrivals

As I bring ministry to a close at HBC, we’re following a series exploring disciplines that shape the life of the church in the world in a way we can carry and proclaim his presence in the world. I prepared this simple hand out for the church to reflect on which may be helpful to … More The Discipline of Proclaiming the Gospel

Yep – I’m in that ‘neither here nor there’ place. I’m seeking to do what I can to fulfil and round off ministry at HBC and also got half an eye to work that I’ll pick up in Arran in August, whilst also thinking through logistics of moving, somewhere to live, and all that. It’s … More Shrödinger’s Pastor

There’s lots of transitions and significant moments happening in life in general right now, but it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t take time to write a few lines on my experience of being welcomed, given the ‘right hand of fellowship’, and commissioned as a Fully Accredited Baptist minister this weekend at the Baptist Assembly … More The Right Hand of Fellowship