Where do you write your evangelistic talks?

It was an innocent question from a friend who had been asked to do their first talk. They honestly had no idea how to go about the process and were looking for some hints. But it was a question that got me thinking ... "Where do you write your evangelistic talks?"

Up until that day, the answer would have been an unswerving "in my study". That's where I write all my talks and Bible studies. It makes sense. That's where my books are. It's quiet there. That's where the filing cabinet which contains all my previous talks lives. Why wouldn't I write in there?... continue reading

Co-parenting and the local church

There's a growing phenomenon in the UK. A service aimed at single women - and single men. It promises the chance of becoming a parent. But without the commitment of having a spouse, or a partner or even an ex. It's co-parenting.

Not to be confused with the way the term in used in the US or other parts of Europe (where often it describes a relationship whereby a divorced couple seek to co-operate for the good of the children), it's a simple scheme. You log on to a website, find a mate with suitable characteristics and then arrange to meet to exchange bodily fluids. You continue to meet until conception occurs. After that ... it's up to you. Some co-parents keep in touch and the fathers have some meaningful, if limited, contact with their children. Other dads simply walk away with the blessing of their co-parent, their job done. No money is exchanged. No health checks mandated. No awkward questions asked ... you don't even have to give your surname.... continue reading

Fighting the Monday feeling

How abundant are the good things that You 
have stored up for those who fear You,
that You bestow in the sight of all,
on those who take refuge in You.

Psalm 31:19

Youth ministry focus at The Gospel Coalition

The Gospel Coalition's outstanding National Conference took place this week in Orlando, Florida. As usual it featured a host of top speakers, superb music from Keith and Kristyn Getty and a plethora of breakout sessions. But this time, there was something brand new: a focus on youth work.

The Good Book Company sponsored two workshops, the first looking at Jesus' mission to the next generation led by Dave Wright and Tim Hawkins, and the second thinking about how to build a youth ministry based "on Jesus rather than jokes" with Nate Morgan Locke and Josh Cousineau. Several hundred youth workers attended the sessions which inspired a host of conversations, many delegates staying on afterwards to discuss their particular situations with the speakers.

On the final day, The Good Book Company put on a Youth work panel, moderated by Tim Challies and including all of the previous day's speakers. The session covered topics as varied as youth ministry philosophy, time management and the most important foundation of all work with young people: making- and keeping - the gospel central. Tim Hawkins said "Youth ministry is an area that is often overlooked and under-resourced, so it was fantastic to be able to encourage these guys and think together about keeping our youth ministries centered on Jesus."

Both Tim Hawkins and Nate Morgan Locke are staying in the US with speaking engagements and training events lined up across the country. As well as training, Nate is introducing the new look line up for Christianity Explored's youth range which launched at the conference. "It's great to be able to spend time with my counterparts in the US" said Nate, "and our prayer at Christianity Explored, is that these new-look youth resources will be a great blessing to the church as they reach out to a new generation."

Airbrushing infanticide

It shouldn't be a surprise. It's the logical - if unusually extreme - end point of the argument. A group of ethicists have now come out and said it: if it's right to abort children before they are born, it can't be wrong to abort them immediately after their birth.

Their argument goes like this. A person only has value if they know they have value. A foetus doesn't have that awareness. Nor does a new-born. So neither have an inherent right to life. Parents - who do have value because of their self-awareness - may feel trapped into keeping a child who is unexpectedly disabled, or who is simply not what they want any more, and their rights should trump the baby's. The parents should have a right to end the child's life.... continue reading

Christianity in the News

The Bible TV series to air on Channel Five this autumn

Rick Warren's son lost in 'wave of despair'

WEA Makes Call for Help for Syrian Christians; 2.3M Christians Flee in Mass Exodus From Syria

Bishop at centre of Falklands upset will preach the funeral sermon

Bible Burning Spreads to Another Former Soviet State

Church of England gives blessing to recognising civil partnerships

Disclaimer: The Good Book Company is not responsible for the content of external sites and does not necessarily agree with the content of articles listed.

Highlights from The Gospel Coalition Conference

After 5 excellent days, The Gospel Coalition conference in Florida has come to an end. Various members of The Good Book Company team are on planes either returning back to the UK or the Washington offices. And they are encouraged. They're very encouraged to have spent time talking with and serving so many gospel-hearted people. Here are just a few of their highlights:

Tim Thornborough (Managing Director): My highlight has been meeting humble, godly, passionate pastors from all across the US, who struggle with, pretty much, the same issues that most church pastors do in the UK. I've been so inspired by the desire of Christians here to do great, ambitious things for the Kingdom of God. One friend observed to me that he thought the US church was a "sleeping giant that gets distracted by irrelevant issues every time it starts to wake up." The movement embodied by The Gospel Coalition (TGC) and like-minded organisation Together for the Gospel (T4G) are doing brilliant work to change this around. I'm praying that they are successful.

Brad Byrd (US Ministry Director): My highlight? Definitely the youth panel discussion moderated by Tim Challies which included some Good Book Company and Christianity Explored guys. And the meetings we've had with potential authors have been great.

James Burstow (Commercial Director): So much to choose from. There was being part of the Gettys' live album recording. I was four rows from the front so was virtually a backing singer! Kevin DeYoung's talk on Jesus and the Lost which was brilliant. And hearing numerous reports from US Christians of how our resources are supporting gospel ministry in their churches - such an encouragement.

Carl Laferton (Senior Editor): It has been a huge encouragement to remember that the US evangelical church doesn't have something we're missing. They do Bible-centred Jesus glorifying teaching and evangelism. So do we. And it's exciting to be partners in this. It's been similarly inspiring (and challenging) to see the immense humility of men with huge congregations and massive influence. And on a less spiritual note ... it's been great being able to eat burgers and call it immersing myself in the culture. Nice!

The miracle footballer

A little over a year ago British sports fans, and many others as well, were captivated by the story of the footballer who “died” and came back to life. Fabrice Muamba, a professional footballer with Premier League Bolton Wanderers, had a heart attack on the pitch. The match was abandoned, but the TV cameras stayed on as thousands watched medics try to restart Muamba’s heart. By the time they succeeded, he had been technically “dead” for 78 minutes.

In time, Muamba made a good recovery, though he had to retire from football. So how does he see those events of last year? A recent interview with The Times newspaper gives a fascinating insight. Here are a few quotes from the article (sadly not available online unless you have a Times subscription, in which case you can find it here).... continue reading