Faith, Hope & Love

You’ve got to get out of the boat. Whenever following Jesus has become boring and predictable, we should ask ourselves whether we’re stepping out enough into new and sometimes scary places where we’re giving Jesus the opportunity to remind us of his reality. It takes trust in God and it develops our trust in God [...]

I’m not sure about ‘Rev‘ yet as I’ve only seen half an episode. It had some funny lines and Tom Hollander who plays the ‘Rev’ is a good actor who I’ve enjoyed in other roles. Yet it struck me as slightly odd that this is the subject of a sitcom, particularly as Father Ted – which [...]

The power of a good product. I stood in line today for 40 minutes to get my due upgrade at the end of my existing contract (good timing) to the latest Iphone 4. ‘Think different’? It’s a brilliant axiom for design and innovation, whether it’s technology, business or church, but the irony about the power [...]

I’ve just returned from eleven days in a stunning home in the South West of France. Brilliant time with my family, wonderful time reading, particularly the first in Simon Walker’s ‘Undefended Leaders‘ series, and Ian Stackhouse’s ‘The Day Is Yours‘, and lots of time to think and pray. It was a gift from God through [...]

Capello is a proven manager at club level, but I hope he’s not so confident in his own track record that he won’t listen to those who have managed a squad at an international tournament. Capello needs to dig deep in his man management and tactical acumen to bring about some real change on Wednesday. There’s [...]

Once you’re a parent you have a whole new paradigm through which to see your own parents. I’m blessed to be able to say that being a parent has only increased my respect for how much my Mum and Dad sacrificed and loved my brother and I. I know that this Father’s Day I’ll have [...]

I love this video; it reminds us of the power of words. It’s one reason I love teaching. I love crafting words, stories, tone and humour to move hearts and minds with the story of Jesus and I’m pretty much obsessed at getting better. But I heard a great reminder this week that good speeches don’t raise [...]

For the last four days I’ve been at the mandatory conference for Newly Accredited Ministers (Nam’s) in Hothorpe Hall, Market Harborough. The highlights of the conference have included lots of laughs with Simon Cragg and David McClaughlin and making new friends like Mark Greer, who leads Oasis Salford. Mark and I were an enthusiastic, if [...]

It was my first time at the New Wine Leaders conference, but a good way to start the sabbatical. I travelled with Rich Thomas and Ali FG in convoy with the rest of the St. Matthew’s High Brooms staff team. Spending time with the St. Matt’s team over those few days was as refreshing and [...]

“Sunday’s Coming” Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo. What I love about this video is its source. Northpoint is one of the ‘coolest’ churches in America. It does ‘contemporary’ like no other church I’m aware of and it ‘works’. They are passionately devoted about being a church that non-church goers (in America) want [...]

So, I’m beginning my sabbatical in about three hours. It’s a strange thing – it really is – to be released and invited to ‘stop’ when you’re used to a rhythm that requires you to keep producing. PBC was incredibly supportive this morning and lots of people have said some very kind things. As for [...]

Today at PBC we are doubling up as a Polling Station for the general election. It’s a small picture of a big question: how should the Church and government relate? It’s also a small picture of our heart as a church; to love and serve our community and be a catalyst for positive social engagement. Although, [...]

This Sunday I’m continuing our series ‘With Jesus’ and we’ll be looking together at John 21 and how the resurrected Jesus makes time for Peter , picks him up, restores him and sends him on his way with a new sense of purpose and mission. John 21 is an awesome chapter – one of the [...]

I had a great time this evening with one of my mentors and friends, Derek Tidball. We met in London and ate together as I shared with him some of the journey I’ve been on over this last year. During our conversation Derek reminded me of that beautiful moment in Jesus’ life when a woman anoints Jesus [...]