When did it become unacceptable for leaders to fail? I don't mean in the category of moral failure, but rather being responsible for a leadership decision that frankly didn't work or, in hindsight, was a bad call.
The much-documented crisis in so few people choosing to train for ministry positions is complex, but my conversation with many who considered the path into Christian leadership but chose not to pursue it often was explained as a fear of being overwhelmed by criticism. It seems to me that the fear of failure in our culture has grown exponentially – and to the detriment of Christian leadership – precisely because it has become such a taboo.
Recently, the Government published a report into unemployment amongst young people in the UK. The stark headline figure was that 12.8% of 16- to 24-year-olds, or one in eight, are not in education, employment or training (or “NEET”). In 2021, the figure was 9.7%. This works out at just under one million unemployed young adults in the UK today.
This trend in unemployment amongst young people is a huge societal problem. On a national level, it means that the government is receiving fewer tax receipts and facing greater demands on the welfare state.
Over the past few weeks, the word “equity” has almost become a pejorative.
One writer on the en website expressed his concern about the modern use of the term in this way: “In reality, every teacher (for example) has experienced privileged pupils who squandered their position, disadvantaged ones who triumphed over their circumstances, and all shades in between. Focus on equal outcomes by statistic ignores the contribution of the human will. It makes it impossible to praise the successful or chide the failure, because everything is reduced to a mechanical matter of inputs and outputs.”
I was part of a small contingent of a dozen delegates from the Gafcon Europe region who had the privilege of attending the Gafcon G26 conference in Abuja, Nigeria earlier this year.
Gafcon is a global movement of orthodox, Bible-based Anglicans. As with past gatherings, it was a wonderful experience of Christ-centred worship and Bible-based teaching, warm fellowship and a feeling of belonging in a diverse but united communion from across the world. We met old friends and made new ones, celebrated stories of church growth and prayed with tears with those ministering in contexts of terrible suffering.
In recent years I’ve discovered and learned to appreciate the Westminster Shorter Catechism. It’s a bit of a niche thing – not that well known even in some evangelical circles – but, for all that it dates all the way back to 1647, it still contains some of the best and most concise doctrinal definitions to be found.
Its fourth question asks: “What is God?”, to which the set answer is: “God is a spirit, infinite, eternal and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.” I told you it was good!
During the early summer months, many churches see an increase in attendance from families hoping to secure a place at a local Church of England (CofE) school. In my area, this is particularly noticeable because of the reputation of our local CofE secondary school, which is highly sought after and described as "world-class".
I know this can provoke a range of reactions among regular church members. Some may feel cynical about people's motives, while others may wonder whether church attendance should play any role in school admissions at all.
Jonathan Liew in The Guardian1 has argued that the 2026 tournament has become the "cult of the individual". Messi and Ronaldo are more popular than Argentina and Spain. The race for the Golden Boot, in some circles, has overtaken commentary about the actual tournament itself.
Reports suggest that plans for a TGC-UK (The Gospel Coalition-UK) are moving forward at pace.
I’ve appreciated much about The Gospel Coalition, including the content provided online and the Themelios journal. I owe much to its founders, Don Carson and Tim Keller, in terms of my pastoral and theological formation. However, I have reservations and questions about the new venture.
For many Jewish people in Britain today, antisemitism no longer feels like a shadow from history.
Since 7 October 2023, many Jewish communities have spoken of increased fear, hostility, and insecurity. Synagogues have strengthened security. Jewish students have described feeling more vulnerable on university campuses. Ordinary Jewish families are not quietly asking, “Why are we hated?” but, with weary resignation, saying, “We are hated.”
Last month, I wrote about supporting through the onset of disability; I wanted to continue that theme for a while.
This month, I want to look at some things that might not be understood – or might be misunderstood – after someone has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, or has had a late autism or ADHD diagnosis.
On 2 July, he stood up in Parliament and apologised to mothers and adoptees for forced adoptions between 1949–1976, which he described as a stain on our history.
God assures us that His written Word is not only absolutely reliable, it is also profitable: “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable” (2 Tim. 3v16). All Scripture is profitable. Not some of it, not most of it, but all of it. This is wonderfully reassuring... until you read a passage like Psalm 88. Stop reading now and read the Psalm.
From beginning to end, Ps. 88 is unremittingly bleak. The Psalmist is “full of troubles”, he is a man with “no strength”, all his companions shun him, God’s wrath has swept over him, “Your dreadful assaults destroy me. They surround me like a flood all day long”. The Psalm closes with the words, “my companions have become darkness”. What possible profit are we to gain from reading this sad and sorrowful litany? If Ps. 88 was your daily reading and you felt cast down in your soul, would it not be wise to jump to Ps. 89 with its exalted views of the covenant Lord? No!
Last month, Luke Salmons, a Christian former Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), won a legal settlement from North Yorkshire Police after being forced out of his role and permanently barred from policing for asking questions about Islam during mandatory diversity training.
Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, and Christian Concern, Mr Salmons brought legal claims against the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police alleging that he was unlawfully discriminated against for his Christian beliefs and that his rights to freedom of religion and freedom of expression were violated.
Every week new media headlines expose the muckiness of politics and the failings of politicians. It’s no wonder that trust in those following my chosen vocation is so low, and that many Christians are tempted to turn away from political engagement altogether.
But it remains true that God calls Christians to serve him in the mucky business of politics. God delegates authority to human rulers and Romans 13 tells us “the one in authority is God’s servant for your good”.
Four young exiled Hebrew men, Daniel, Hanniah, Mishael and Azariah, had been transported from their homeland of Israel into exile in Babylon, where they were prepared by the powerful ruler to serve the Government of the empire.
King Nebuchadnezzar wanted to fully acculturate the four young Hebrews. So he imposed Babylonian names on them: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He educated them with Babylonian literature and told them they would now eat from his table.
Charles Colson was a senior member of President Nixon’s White House Staff who was sentenced to prison for his role in the Watergate cover-up. But having come to saving faith in Christ, he tells in his autobiography of what he witnessed when he would bring visitors to meet Nixon.
Colson would gather guests in a room near the Oval Office, where they would talk about what they were going to tell the President when they were face to face with him. ‘But it was always the same,’ Colson writes. ‘In the reception room they would rehearse their angry lines.’ But once they were in the Oval Office, ‘it was as if they’d suddenly sniffed some intoxicating fragrance. For invariably, the lions of the waiting room became the meek lambs of the Oval Office. And none were more cowardly than the religious leaders.’
In the news recently, we heard the shocking story of a child being "thrown" into the crocodile enclosure at Johnson’s Zoo in Cambridgeshire. Thanks to the bravery of the zoo owner's wife, the child – a three-year-old boy – survived but with serious injuries.
Of course, there has been an outcry from the public when it was made known the man arrested at the scene was a 20-year-old man with severe learning disabilities. He was at the zoo with two carers; apparently – from eyewitness accounts – enjoying his time there.
At the very heart of the Christian faith stands a simple, glorious truth: the gospel of Jesus Christ brings transformation. It is not advice, not affirmation of who we already are, but good news that we can be changed, redeemed, restored, and made new.
As Scripture declares: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12v2)
The Government has finally published its long-promised Conversion Practices Bill. Ministers describe the draft legislation as "balanced and targeted" and insist that it is not intended to interfere with religious belief and expression. Yet a careful reading of the bill raises a different question: if existing laws already prohibit abuse, why is this legislation needed at all?
Is new legislation really necessary?
Before considering the detail of the bill, Parliament should ask the same question that should have been answered during the conversion therapy debates of 2021: What evidence demonstrates that new criminal offences are needed?
Comment
Prospective Christian leader, are you scared of failure?
When did it become unacceptable for leaders to fail? I don't mean in the category of moral failure, but rather being responsible for a leadership decision that frankly didn't work or, in hindsight, was a bad call.
The much-documented crisis in so few people choosing to train for ministry positions is complex, but my conversation with many who considered the path into Christian leadership but chose not to pursue it often was explained as a fear of being overwhelmed by criticism. It seems to me that the fear of failure in our culture has grown exponentially – and to the detriment of Christian leadership – precisely because it has become such a taboo.
Do we have a theology of unemployment?
Recently, the Government published a report into unemployment amongst young people in the UK. The stark headline figure was that 12.8% of 16- to 24-year-olds, or one in eight, are not in education, employment or training (or “NEET”). In 2021, the figure was 9.7%. This works out at just under one million unemployed young adults in the UK today.
This trend in unemployment amongst young people is a huge societal problem. On a national level, it means that the government is receiving fewer tax receipts and facing greater demands on the welfare state.
Are we missing the point about ‘equity’?
Over the past few weeks, the word “equity” has almost become a pejorative.
One writer on the en website expressed his concern about the modern use of the term in this way: “In reality, every teacher (for example) has experienced privileged pupils who squandered their position, disadvantaged ones who triumphed over their circumstances, and all shades in between. Focus on equal outcomes by statistic ignores the contribution of the human will. It makes it impossible to praise the successful or chide the failure, because everything is reduced to a mechanical matter of inputs and outputs.”
Anglicans: ‘Choose whom you will serve’
I was part of a small contingent of a dozen delegates from the Gafcon Europe region who had the privilege of attending the Gafcon G26 conference in Abuja, Nigeria earlier this year.
Gafcon is a global movement of orthodox, Bible-based Anglicans. As with past gatherings, it was a wonderful experience of Christ-centred worship and Bible-based teaching, warm fellowship and a feeling of belonging in a diverse but united communion from across the world. We met old friends and made new ones, celebrated stories of church growth and prayed with tears with those ministering in contexts of terrible suffering.
‘The God who is’
In recent years I’ve discovered and learned to appreciate the Westminster Shorter Catechism. It’s a bit of a niche thing – not that well known even in some evangelical circles – but, for all that it dates all the way back to 1647, it still contains some of the best and most concise doctrinal definitions to be found.
Its fourth question asks: “What is God?”, to which the set answer is: “God is a spirit, infinite, eternal and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.” I told you it was good!
A responsibility to welcome
During the early summer months, many churches see an increase in attendance from families hoping to secure a place at a local Church of England (CofE) school. In my area, this is particularly noticeable because of the reputation of our local CofE secondary school, which is highly sought after and described as "world-class".
I know this can provoke a range of reactions among regular church members. Some may feel cynical about people's motives, while others may wonder whether church attendance should play any role in school admissions at all.
Why Christian celebrities matter so much to us
“This is a World Cup swimming in star names...”
Jonathan Liew in The Guardian 1 has argued that the 2026 tournament has become the "cult of the individual". Messi and Ronaldo are more popular than Argentina and Spain. The race for the Golden Boot, in some circles, has overtaken commentary about the actual tournament itself.
Dear TGC-UK... sincerely, a critical friend
Reports suggest that plans for a TGC-UK (The Gospel Coalition-UK) are moving forward at pace.
I’ve appreciated much about The Gospel Coalition, including the content provided online and the Themelios journal. I owe much to its founders, Don Carson and Tim Keller, in terms of my pastoral and theological formation. However, I have reservations and questions about the new venture.
Antisemitism, paradoxical accusations and the human heart
For many Jewish people in Britain today, antisemitism no longer feels like a shadow from history.
Since 7 October 2023, many Jewish communities have spoken of increased fear, hostility, and insecurity. Synagogues have strengthened security. Jewish students have described feeling more vulnerable on university campuses. Ordinary Jewish families are not quietly asking, “Why are we hated?” but, with weary resignation, saying, “We are hated.”
How to support a church friend facing disability
Last month, I wrote about supporting through the onset of disability; I wanted to continue that theme for a while.
This month, I want to look at some things that might not be understood – or might be misunderstood – after someone has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, or has had a late autism or ADHD diagnosis.
'Keir Starmer, please don't apologise to me'
Keir Starmer has apologised to me.
On 2 July, he stood up in Parliament and apologised to mothers and adoptees for forced adoptions between 1949–1976, which he described as a stain on our history.
When darkness is your only friend
God assures us that His written Word is not only absolutely reliable, it is also profitable: “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable” (2 Tim. 3v16). All Scripture is profitable. Not some of it, not most of it, but all of it. This is wonderfully reassuring... until you read a passage like Psalm 88. Stop reading now and read the Psalm.
From beginning to end, Ps. 88 is unremittingly bleak. The Psalmist is “full of troubles”, he is a man with “no strength”, all his companions shun him, God’s wrath has swept over him, “Your dreadful assaults destroy me. They surround me like a flood all day long”. The Psalm closes with the words, “my companions have become darkness”. What possible profit are we to gain from reading this sad and sorrowful litany? If Ps. 88 was your daily reading and you felt cast down in your soul, would it not be wise to jump to Ps. 89 with its exalted views of the covenant Lord? No!
What we can learn from Luke Salmons' case
Last month, Luke Salmons, a Christian former Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), won a legal settlement from North Yorkshire Police after being forced out of his role and permanently barred from policing for asking questions about Islam during mandatory diversity training.
Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, and Christian Concern, Mr Salmons brought legal claims against the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police alleging that he was unlawfully discriminated against for his Christian beliefs and that his rights to freedom of religion and freedom of expression were violated.
Christian, get involved!
Every week new media headlines expose the muckiness of politics and the failings of politicians. It’s no wonder that trust in those following my chosen vocation is so low, and that many Christians are tempted to turn away from political engagement altogether.
But it remains true that God calls Christians to serve him in the mucky business of politics. God delegates authority to human rulers and Romans 13 tells us “the one in authority is God’s servant for your good”.
Christians and culture: Where do we draw the line?
Four young exiled Hebrew men, Daniel, Hanniah, Mishael and Azariah, had been transported from their homeland of Israel into exile in Babylon, where they were prepared by the powerful ruler to serve the Government of the empire.
King Nebuchadnezzar wanted to fully acculturate the four young Hebrews. So he imposed Babylonian names on them: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He educated them with Babylonian literature and told them they would now eat from his table.
Should UK Christians go to Franklin Graham’s rallies?
Charles Colson was a senior member of President Nixon’s White House Staff who was sentenced to prison for his role in the Watergate cover-up. But having come to saving faith in Christ, he tells in his autobiography of what he witnessed when he would bring visitors to meet Nixon.
Colson would gather guests in a room near the Oval Office, where they would talk about what they were going to tell the President when they were face to face with him. ‘But it was always the same,’ Colson writes. ‘In the reception room they would rehearse their angry lines.’ But once they were in the Oval Office, ‘it was as if they’d suddenly sniffed some intoxicating fragrance. For invariably, the lions of the waiting room became the meek lambs of the Oval Office. And none were more cowardly than the religious leaders.’
en at 40: To God be the glory!
Dear Readers,
Not to us, O Lord! Not to us! But to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness (Ps.115v1).
Zoo incident sparks debate on disability, care & public reaction
In the news recently, we heard the shocking story of a child being "thrown" into the crocodile enclosure at Johnson’s Zoo in Cambridgeshire. Thanks to the bravery of the zoo owner's wife, the child – a three-year-old boy – survived but with serious injuries.
Of course, there has been an outcry from the public when it was made known the man arrested at the scene was a 20-year-old man with severe learning disabilities. He was at the zoo with two carers; apparently – from eyewitness accounts – enjoying his time there.
This bill 'risks criminalising the gospel'
At the very heart of the Christian faith stands a simple, glorious truth: the gospel of Jesus Christ brings transformation. It is not advice, not affirmation of who we already are, but good news that we can be changed, redeemed, restored, and made new.
As Scripture declares: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12v2)
'Unacceptably broad' – new conversion practices definition
The Government has finally published its long-promised Conversion Practices Bill. Ministers describe the draft legislation as "balanced and targeted" and insist that it is not intended to interfere with religious belief and expression. Yet a careful reading of the bill raises a different question: if existing laws already prohibit abuse, why is this legislation needed at all?
Is new legislation really necessary?
Before considering the detail of the bill, Parliament should ask the same question that should have been answered during the conversion therapy debates of 2021: What evidence demonstrates that new criminal offences are needed?