Rediscovering your roots

Church History, News, Reformation
Recently I had the great joy and privilege of spending a few hours with Ben Virgo of Christian Heritage London (Terry and Wendy’s son) as he walked with my sister and myself around some of the Christian landmarks in the City of London. But he did not talk so much about the buildings as the men and women who were pioneers and martyrs in their generation, and in whose wake we now enjoy so much freedom and understanding of the scriptures. As one who failed history at school I found this afternoon with Ben both fascinating and edifying. I can’t stop telling people about it! Let me share some of the highlights. Wycliffe, Tyndale and Wesley Starting at St Paul’s Cathedral, where Ben told us about Wycliffe and his first…
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A Church for the Poor

Books, Church culture, News, Poor
How 'accessible' is your church? If someone from a local run-down housing complex in your area walked into your church would they come a second time? Many churches have become so ‘middle class’ that they represent an unwelcoming environment for those from different socio-economic levels of society. The authors of ‘A Church for the Poor’ come themselves from very different backgrounds. Martin Charlesworth was educated at a private boarding school whereas Natalie received free school meals. In their very disparate backgrounds lies their authenticity and credibility in joint-authoring such a book as this, a book that fills a unique place in the plethora of books about how to build church in our generation. Analysis Presented in two distinct parts this book first analyses the causes of poverty and gives a…
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Fulfilling the call to Cross-Cultural Mission

Africa, Bethany Children's Trust, Cross-culture, Equipping, Mission
Recently I had a conversation with Susie Howe, wife of one of the elders of a Newfrontiers church in London. In the first part of our conversation, posted last time, Susie shared how the Bethany Project had started and about how she helped to equip churches to support and empower marginalised children in Africa. In this second part of our conversation I asked Susie how she would advise anyone who feels a call to work in cross-cultural mission. In this video she gives some very helpful and practical advice about testing your call and preparing to go, and about relating appropriately and helpfully with those you are seeking to serve.   https://vimeo.com/233174277
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Helping Marginalised Children in Africa

Bethany Children's Trust, Children, HIV, OVC, Poor, Zimbabwe
There are millions of marginalised and vulnerable children in Africa. A few years ago Susie Howe, the wife of an elder in a Newfrontiers church in London, found herself in Zimbabwe due to her husband having an assignment there with his job. Professionally Susie had been an HIV/AIDS nurse in one of the large London teaching hospitals and, when approached to help with the needs of orphaned children, she felt that children were not in her area of expertise. But God had other ideas. In this first part of a conversation I had with Susie she is transparent about her walk with Him and how she launched a very effective initiative, now called The Bethany Children's Trust, that is helping churches to address the needs in several African nations. She has also helped thousands of…
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Elders and Administrators working together – Part 3

Administration in the Church, Administrative Skills, Equipping
  In this final part of responding to a question about the relationship between Elders and the Administrator I shall address four particular features that are important in this relationship. 1. Friendship Jesus had great friendship with the disciples. It is worth watching some of the excellent word-for-word videos of the gospels – such as that of Matthew – to get a flavour of the reality of this; watch about 40 seconds of this short clip illustrating Matthew 11:1-2 (although the whole video is well-worth watching). We know that he shared his life with them and that they were party to major decisions he made. Although there was misunderstanding on many occasions the friendship was sustained; he did not speak down to them but treated them as friends in his day to day…
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