I have come to believe how a church “feels” is more important to it’s family, than the mechanics of how it operates. In today’s lonely, disconnected society, “atmosphere” is everything. People join churches not because the New Arrivals system is perfect, but because the place FEELS right! We all know we can be in conversation … Continue reading
A few thoughts on church growth in a Western setting…. One of the ways we show a love for God and for the people He loves, is to have a passionate, organised, Spirit inspired attitude to reaching lost souls for Christ and growing them into disciples – which means growing our churches. I have noticed … Continue reading
British Prime Minister David Cameron’s “Christian Fight Back” speech, made at Downing Street to Christian ministries from across the denominations 3 April 2012. In it he praises what he calls “The Christian Fight Back….”. Remarkable! Here is the full script: “As you know, we have receptions here for Diwali, for Eid, for Jewish New Year, … Continue reading
In the autumn of 2011 a magazine was published which blazed a headline that quoted me; “I believe in revival, but not that God will fall out the sky!” It contained an interview taken months before where I had spoken of my belief that great days are ahead for the Church, and yet I had … Continue reading
1. I will not obsess about how many people turn up each week. I will aim for a healthy church, and God can grow the church. 2. I will not end up a part-time Christian while in full time ministry. 3. I will remember I cannot do everything, so make sure my “not to do” … Continue reading
Lord, can I go to this church please….. I want to be part of a Church that embraces both Spirit & Word, contemporary excellence AND powerful outpourings of God’s Spirit: … where there is an ebb and flow of the Spirit/Word dynamics. One week you might think you’re in a Joel Osteen meeting, the next … Continue reading
Today our Prime Minister, David Cameron, proclaimed that Britain is a Christian country, and that the Anglican church should spearhead a revival of Christian morality. These statements are brave and almost unprecedented from a PM in living memory. While many Christians are celebrating his bravery some are already engaging in friendly fire, picking holes in … Continue reading
One of my greatest frustrations with the Church in the UK, is the lack of presence orientated churches that grow beyond 250 in membership. Many don’t make it past 120. I suppose I must define presence orientated. To me this speaks of churches where there is a general expectation for the moving of the Spirit … Continue reading
I realise this may be an utter surprise to those who don’t lead churches… but us pastors can have bad, bad days. Often, Sundays! Now, lots of things make me grumpy. I know it shouldn’t be so, but sometimes Sunday isn’t so much holy for me, as grumpy. Here are the top ten things that … Continue reading
Let me tell you about the past week. It has been a little interesting. As a guest speaker I turned up to minister at some meetings. On the first night someone came with a bottle of oil, walked right up to the front, past those supposedly “guarding me”, and proceeded to pour it over my head! … Continue reading
