Tag Archives: Church life

Is Britain Really Experiencing a Christian Revival? And What If It Isn’t?

For a while, the headlines were wonderfully encouraging. Christianity was making a comeback. Young people were returning to church. After decades of decline, Britain was apparently experiencing a quiet revival. Christians understandably rejoiced. Pastors shared the statistics. Churches celebrated the prospect of renewed spiritual interest. Perhaps the tide was turning. Then came the uncomfortable news.Continue reading “Is Britain Really Experiencing a Christian Revival? And What If It Isn’t?”

Stop Trying to Discover Your Spiritual Gift. Start Serving the Church.

Somewhere along the way, we’ve managed to turn spiritual gifts into something they’re not supposed to be. What God intended for the building up of his church, we’ve turned into an exercise in self-discovery. What was meant to draw attention to the generosity of the Holy Spirit has become another opportunity to focus on ourselves.Continue reading “Stop Trying to Discover Your Spiritual Gift. Start Serving the Church.”

Don’t Just Explain the Text: Why Preachers Must Apply It Specifically

There is a sentence that can sound wonderfully spiritual at the end of a sermon “Now go and apply this to your life.” The problem is that it may mean almost nothing. A congregation can hear thirty minutes of careful exegesis, understand the structure of the passage, appreciate the historical background, admire the preacher’s theologicalContinue reading “Don’t Just Explain the Text: Why Preachers Must Apply It Specifically”

Not Old, Not Young, Not Done: Why the Church Needs Christians Who Still Have Plenty Left in the Tank

There is a phrase I have heard more than once in church life “I think it’s time for me to step back and let the younger people do it.” Sometimes that is exactly the right instinct. Churches need mature Christians who are willing to train others, hand over responsibility and rejoice when a younger believerContinue reading “Not Old, Not Young, Not Done: Why the Church Needs Christians Who Still Have Plenty Left in the Tank”

Want to Preach Better? Learn to Write Better

Over the past year, I’ve received more positive feedback on my writing and, perhaps more significantly, on my preaching. That has made me wonder: what changed? I don’t think I suddenly became more theological. I don’t think I discovered some hidden preaching technique. I haven’t spent hours crafting clever sound bites or trying to manufactureContinue reading “Want to Preach Better? Learn to Write Better”

Will Christians Really Judge the World?

There are some verses in the Bible that we can read dozens of times without really stopping to think about what they mean. Then, suddenly, one phrase catches our attention and refuses to let us move on. For me, one of those phrases came up recently in a sermon I was listening to and itContinue reading “Will Christians Really Judge the World?”

Rebuilding Trust in Church Leadership: Biblical Models for Integrity and Transparency After a Season of Scandals

Trust is slowly earned and quickly lost. That is true in families, workplaces, friendships and churches. Yet when trust is broken by a Christian leader, the damage can feel especially deep. Pastors and elders preach the truth, call others to holiness, offer spiritual guidance and are often welcomed into the most vulnerable moments of people’sContinue reading “Rebuilding Trust in Church Leadership: Biblical Models for Integrity and Transparency After a Season of Scandals”

Stop Apologising for Long Bible Readings; Recovering the Lost Art of Public Scripture Reading

“I’m sorry, it’s a rather long reading this morning.” If you have spent any time in evangelical churches, you have probably heard those words. Perhaps you have spoken them yourself. The Bible reader steps to the lectern, glances apologetically at the congregation, and warns them that what follows may test their patience. A chapter fromContinue reading “Stop Apologising for Long Bible Readings; Recovering the Lost Art of Public Scripture Reading”