One week, three amazing events and thousands praising and worshiping our wonderful and gracious God—all framed by one song.
Last Saturday the London Men’s convention in Westminster kicked off with Matt Redman’s 10,000 Reasons, and the man himself closed the Big Church Day Out event with it on this Sunday night in the beautiful Sussex countryside near Steyning.
Many Christian events, conferences and festivals are struggling to keep up with change and keep visitors coming back, But the newest kid on the block, The Big Church Day Out (BCDO), has struck a formula that appeals to young and old alike, individuals and families, groups large and small.... continue reading
In the next street to where the British soldier was tragically murdered yesterday, the Minister of Woolwich Congregationalist Church Aaron Flanaghan is seeking to bring the message of the gospel to the local community.
Watch the brief video below of Wes McNabb of Slade Church talking with him, and then pray for his work in the area, and for others who are bringing comfort and relief to those affected by the atrocity.
... continue reading
Christians have been on the back foot on issues of sex for far too long. Whether that's questions of sexual identity, homosexuality or gender roles, we have increasingly appeared to be out of date, out of touch and out of ideas. Which is a massive shame, because the Bible's understanding of all these issues is truly liberating and part of the "life in all its fulness" that Jesus promises to those who follow him.
These big issues were the theme of this year's London Men's Convention which packed out Westminster Chapel in London last Saturday. The three talks on Maleness, Sexual temptation and Marriage were not just about helping Christians understand for themselves these important issues. They were also to help the assembled brothers think about how they can articulate the good news we have about sexuality and sexual purity to others.... continue reading
There’s something wonderful, and weird, about watching more than 400 11-14-year-olds sit in a church and sing about Christ.
Weird, because this isn’t meant to happen anymore. The statistics about 11-14s leaving the church are startling, and depressing. More are leaving than ever before. That matters because they are part of the church of today, as well as the church of tomorrow. Yet here were hundreds of them—normal, fashionably-dressed tweens and teens—at Sorted:Nano, a morning event held at St Helen’s Bishopsgate in central London.... continue reading
“I can’t do this any more.” I said, and I really meant it.
I’ve been battling illness for nine years. And can see the next 20, 30, even 40 stretching ahead of me. I’ve fought as hard as I can, but I’ve no reserves left. It’s too hard.
“I can’t do this any more.”
That’s how I was feeling a couple of weeks ago when I read a news report about a new name that’s joined the “Right to die” campaign. Paul Lamb is so severely disabled that he has only a little movement in his right hand. He's added his name to the appeal against the verdict given last August in the Tony Nicklinson case. The case is being heard this week by the Court of Appeal.... continue reading
If you are planning to come down to the Christian Resources Exhibition next week, do pop by and say hello to us on stand E53-55 in the Esher Hall of Sandown Park. We'd love meeting you.
In addition you might also like to plan to pop along to one of our seminars. It would be great to see you there too!
Tuesday 14th May
1.30-2.30 Administration: How to keep Jesus at the centre of your paperwork (Helen Thorne)
3.30-4.30 No child is an island: supporting families through children's ministry (Alison Mitchell)
3.30-4.30 How to grow genuine disciples in the local church (Barry Cooper)
Thursday 16th May
11.00-11.50 How people change - an introduction to pastoral care (Helen Thorne and Andrew Nicholls)
2.30-3.30 Fundamentals of youth evangelism (Nate Morgan Locke and Bev Probert)
2.30-3.30 Dealing with doubt in children and young people (Tim Thornborough)
Friday 17th May
2.30-3.30 Encouraging each other one-to-one (Carl Laferton)
2.30-3.30 Starting women's ministry in the local church (Helen Thorne)
There are few things as exciting as growing as a Christian. What better way to spend time than learning more about God, falling more deeply in love with God and getting equipped to serve him better?
Of course, there are many ways to do that. But we thought we'd flag up a few conferences that may well inspire, encourage and equip you this Spring.
Northern Men's Convention 2013
Sorted: Nano 2013
London Men's Convention 2013 - Late
Planting for Christ 2013
Sheffield Music Ministry Conference 2013
Bristol Men's Convention 2013: Nothing to Fear
Confidence in Christ: Peninsula Women's Conference 2013
Just follow the links to book your place.
"We know from the facts and figures the average age of starting to watch pornography is about 11." So runs a sentence in a recent BBC article.
Of course, not every 11 year old is watching porn. But it seems some are. And as children progress through their teens, it is more and more likely that they will engage with pornographic material. There's so much out there - in magazines, in books and, above all, on the internet. No longer are our adolescents having to sneak mags off the top shelf and hide them under their beds, there's a whole world of explicit material just a click away. And - unless internet accountability systems are put in place - a simple "clear browser history" manoeuvre often hides the evidence from the responsible adults of the house.
Much as it would be convenient to do so, it would be unwise to assume that children from Christian homes are immune from such temptation. Whether it's driven by natural curiosity about the sexual experience (which every child has at some stage) or peer pressure to conform to the porn-watching that slips somewhat un-naturally between video-games and eating chocolate at teenage sleepovers, some of our young people will be confronted with the sorts of images that make our hearts sink.... continue reading
That's how one church in Brazil is taking part in Jesus' Great Commission - and they're doing so with the Portuguese version of Christianity Explored structuring all they do.
There is a great hunger for God's Word in South America. The Lord is calling his elect to himself. And it's a huge privilege for us to be playing a small part in that.
So, please do join with us in praying for these Christianity Explored courses in Brazil throughout April, May and June: that the workers will be faithful and that the harvest will be plentiful as the Spirit opens blind eyes and unchains captive hearts.
And do please let us know how your Christianity Explored courses are going too ... you may not have quite as much going on as our Brazilian brothers and sisters but we'd still love to hear your news!
There was much interest in the office yesterday at a new survey ranking 200 jobs, from best to worst. The big question: which TGBC employee had the best (and worst) job?
IT guru Jonny Barker won the contest; software engineer came in at third on the US-produced list, which ranks jobs based on five criteria: physical demands, work environment, income, stress and hiring outlook.
The editorial team lost, collectively; publication editor is down at 168, four below carpet installer and eight below refuse collector. It could be worse, though: newspaper reporter (which I used to be) is rock bottom, at 200. You can see the whole list here.... continue reading
