Is it offensive to say that you’re ex-gay or post-gay?
That’s the question the High Court is deciding this week, after Transport for London took bus adverts down from their buses last spring, which stated; “Not gay! Ex-gay, post-gay and proud. Get over it”. Those ads had gone up in response to Stonewall’s adverts which had stated: “Some people are gay. Get over it.”
The court was told that the second advert, paid for by Core Issues and Anglican Mainstream, was: “a slap in the face, gay rejection … [and was] interpreted by many as homophobic”.... continue reading
It's a subject that's taboo. A reality that many find shocking. A fact that some would prefer to deny. But the truth is out there: women use porn too.
Accurate statistics are difficult to source but a quick trawl of the web seems to suggest that about a quarter of those who visit internet pornography sites are female. Some pages suggest that up to 60% of women have used porn at some point in their lives. And while we might prefer to think otherwise, it's fairly safe to assume that some of those surfing such sites will be Christians who are confused, ashamed, addicted or desperate. Indeed over the last decade I've had quite a few Christian sisters confide in me - each convinced that they are the only one. Far from being a solely male pastoral issue, porn is something that affects women too and those involved in women's ministry need to be addressing the subject proactively.... continue reading
One of the constant nagging worries that people in ministry and Christian work of all kinds have is about money.
At it's worst, money obsession is about just keeping myself and what I have going, and ensuring my comfort. At it's best it is a desire for financial resources to move forward the work of the gospel in ambitious and exciting ways.
Direct appeals on giving often fall on deaf ears. Christians are not immune to the "Donor fatigue" syndrome that many charities are experiencing - particularly in difficult financial times as household budgets are squeezed tighter in the recession. When a preacher comes to the lectern and announces a text like Malachi 3: 10 – "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse" we mentally stiffen and prepare to resist...... continue reading
Jesus in the garden was much on my mind on Sunday.
First because I heard a terrific sermon at church - twice in fact - because I stayed for the second sitting to play in the band. What struck me most forcefully was this verse:
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22:44
I've often wondered about why the Gospels speak so neutrally about the death of the Lord Jesus. The details of his scourging, mockery and death on the cross are told with almost the minimum of detail. My temptation as a writer would have been to paint in detail the cruelty, pain and injustice of this execution of an innocent man. The gospel writers do not. They simply say: "and they crucified him." It's one of the things I had against the film The Passion of the Christ. It shows details that, while true, are not part of the the way the Gospels are written.... continue reading
Every now and then there's a conference that makes you stop in your tracks. A conference that seems so timely that it excites your heart, inspires your mind and sends you to your knees in prayer. A conference that leaves you with that feeling that what has been said is so desperately needed, it cannot be ignored. A conference that says absolutely nothing new because every word that's uttered is thoroughly soaked in Scripture but still manages to leave your jaw hanging open with the freshness of approach. The Changing Hearts conference on Saturday in central London was one such conference.
For those who weren't there, it was CCEF's (the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) first official foray into the UK. They're an American organisation which offer training in biblical counselling - their stated passion being to restore Christ to counselling and restore counselling to the church.... continue reading
“I want my children to experience another culture”. “As a family, we think it’s important to see the great wonders of our planet – the barrier reef, the Grand Canyon, the pyramids…”. “I want a full life, a fun life, and that means grabbing every opportunity with both hands”. “I’ve made my bucket-list and I’m not going to quit until every item is ticked off”.
Human beings in the West love trying something fresh. Positive new experience is actively sought. And why not?... continue reading
I love talking to certain old saints. They overflow with wisdom and experience. And so often have a gentle manner that combines godly patience with the willingness to remind me that, despite being in my 40s, I am still a young whippersnapper with much to learn about the Kingdom of God.
I think the thing I love most about chatting to people who have been walking with the Lord for many decades is the fact that so many of them call Scripture to mind with ease. A significant proportion of them grew up in an environment where memorising verses of the Bible was seen as part of the normal weekly routine. A phenomenon that is often missing in congregations today.... continue reading
What are you like when you get to church? Stressed? Excited? Tired? I’m usually glowing. I cycle to church, and have the brightest, most fluorescent, deeply reflective jacket you can imagine. The first time I wore it, my pastor told everyone my holiness was glowing! But this week that was a problem. They’ve been digging up the cycle path under the railway. Mud, soot and oil everywhere. I knew I’d arrive at church filthy. And all the more obvious because of my glowing jacket.
So I tried to cover it up. I wore an old black ski jacket instead. Surely that would do the trick. But I hadn’t reckoned on just how churned up that cycle path had become. Even black can’t disguise much when you’re covered in thick, sticky sludge. Even my hair was muddy. I slunk in at the back, feeling ashamed – but telling myself at least I was at a church where they’d welcome me anyway, no matter how filthy I was.... continue reading
We know the theory. The local church is designed to be a loving community where people of all ages get to know God better. At their best congregations are places where old and young alike spur one another on in their Christian life. But all too often congregational life looks very different with children hidden away in a hall, young people meeting at a completely different time and, other than in families, very little meaningful contact takes place.
At the Bible-centred youthworker conference in January, Dave Thornton gave his 10 top tips for integrating under 18s into the life of the church. And here they are:... continue reading
