As a family we do enjoy a visit to a farm. My daughter’s favourite animals are the pigs and, at our local farm, the owls. I’m a fan of pygmy goats, they are bouncy and fun with a lower risk of harm than full sized goats. It’s always particularly enjoyable to visit a farm in … Continue reading My Sheep Hear My Voice
Church
What is the Face of the UK Church to Adults with Disabilities? (A Critical Investigation)
A dissertation submitted to The University of Manchester for the degree of Master of Arts in Mission (Unpublished) in the Faculty of Humanities (Cliff College: 2020) Abstract In 2004 it became a legal requirement for reasonable adjustments to be made to public buildings, including places of worship, to make them accessible. Access is just the … Continue reading What is the Face of the UK Church to Adults with Disabilities? (A Critical Investigation)
The Church is Dead, Long Live the Church
The church is dead, long live the church! It is possible you have heard the phrase “The king is dead, long live the king.” It is a pronouncement made upon the death of a monarch where the succession of the new monarch is automatic. I suppose at some point we will hear the words “The … Continue reading The Church is Dead, Long Live the Church
Come and have Breakfast
After Jesus’ resurrection there are surprisingly few stories in scripture telling us what he did, who he met and the witness that he was to the world. Matthew gives a couple paragraphs (Matthew 28), there is some debate about where the Gospel of Mark ends, but even the longest version only provides two or three … Continue reading Come and have Breakfast
Be Still and Know that I am God
This week has been unusual to say the least. The world as we have known it has altered. So, today we can and should observe. Like others, I fear for our little church community, but I hold this small glimmer of hope. When I look at that hope it appears quite beautiful. I think that hope may just be the Spirit of God. "Be still and know that I am God." ~ Psalm 46:10
Four Dimensional Relationships
There is a fairly common expression of Christian relationships that speaks of three dimensions - Up to God, In to the church, and Out to the unbelieving world. I think this provides a useful summary of Christian community which I hope to unpack in future posts; but I have come to realise at least one axis is missing.
A Vision for Church: Journeying
Do you remember science classes in high school? Other than Bunsen burners and the Van der Graff Generator, me neither! One thing that you learn in biology is about life. All living things apparently have 7 life processes that indicate that they are in fact living. Perhaps you recall MRS NERG... (Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Nuitrition, … Continue reading A Vision for Church: Journeying
A Vision for Church: Listening
My wife and I enjoy making up stories about people. We might be out for coffee, sitting on a train or walking through town. Just based on what someone is wearing or how they present themselves we imagine a whole back story to their life, relationships they have or don't have, and what they are … Continue reading A Vision for Church: Listening
A Vision for Church: Creative
'In the beginning God created...' (Genesis 1:1) How did the church become so bland? Look at historic church buildings and they are incredibly intricate, ornate and beautiful. People will travel for miles simply to visit a church building because the architecture and the art are incredible. Over the years the church has influenced music, not … Continue reading A Vision for Church: Creative
A Vision for Church: Just
In a conversation recently a fellow pastor seemed to be interested in some of the things I was saying about racial, disability and gender justice. He asked to take my details so we could arrange to meet in order for him to learn more about the 'justice agenda'. Of course I am more than happy … Continue reading A Vision for Church: Just
The Broken Church 