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Presented by Esther Higham
Is there ever a period without news of war or conflict? Recently, Russia issued a war threat to NATO over the potential use of long-range missiles by Ukraine, supplied by the UK and US. Could disarmament be the solution to global peace? Major General Tim Cross and Peace Campaigner Inderjit Bhogal discuss this with Esther Higham.
Sara Ward is the founder and owner of Hen Corner in Brentford and the author of Living the Good Life in the City. She spoke to Esther Higham about getting the best out of your garden, the art of fermenting, and her next steps in becoming a vicar.
On the heels of riots and protests in Ferguson, Missouri, American preacher and activist Jonathan Tremaine Thomas initiated 'Spiritual First Responders'—individuals ready to be at the forefront during times of unrest. A decade later, his organization, Civil Righteousness, is inspiring others to follow suit. He joins Esther Higham to discuss how we can do the same.
Fr Nael Abu Rahmoun, Vicar of Nazareth, joins Esther Higham to reflect on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, his hopes for a ceasefire, and why we're only beginning to understand the war's devastating impact.
Emma Fowle, the Deputy Editor of Premier Christianity, recounts her first-time experience as a pilgrim journeying through the Camino Lebeneigo in Northern Spain. This historic pilgrimage culminates at the monastery of St Toribio, said to house a relic of the cross. Despite not being Catholic, she shares her unique perspective on the trek. Here are her insights.
Research from the University of Barcelona indicates that completing the renowned Camino de Santiago leads to a "significant reduction in stress and emotional discomfort." So, should Christians embark on pilgrimages more often to seek God in these holy places? Reverend Eryl Parry, who guides pilgrimages in the Welsh countryside, and Emma Fowle from Premier Christianity Magazine, recently back from the Camino Lebeneigo, explore this with Esther Higham.
Aside from the world of celebrity and showbiz, does the church have a problem with nepotism? It's quite common to see famous worship leader’s children following in their footsteps or high-profile leaders passing the ministry baton onto their sons and daughters. But what’s the difference between nepotism and God blessing a family lineage? Reuben Williams, a theologian whose family have run Home Church in Torquay for 3 generations, and political commentator Suzy Stride spoke to Esther Higham.
Is it time to bring back the 'fire and brimstone' preaches about hell and God's wrath? Or should we stick to focusing on the Gospel message of grace and love? Dr Abel Damina, TV preacher and Senior Pastor of Powercity International spoke to Esther Higham about finding the balance.
Death by suicide claims over 6000 lives every year in the UK. As Christians, how can we be more aware of the red flags to help our family and friends get vital support when they need it? Esther Higham spoke to Dr Rob Waller, a Consultant Psychiatrist, and Rachael Newham, a writer specializing in the theology of mental health. If you need prayer support: www.premierlifeline.org.uk. For more info on suicide support and prevention: https://www.mindandsoulfoundation.org/Groups/424321/Suicide.aspx
Recently, a thorough investigation of the Grenfell Tower fire released its findings, exposing a series of failures by the government, private sector, and London Fire Brigade. Churches were present when the disaster occurred. So, how did their presence and intervention make a difference then and how does it continue to affect those impacted? The Bishop of Kensington, the Rt Rev Emma Ineson, and Rev Gareth Wardell discussed this with Esther Higham.
Designer and entrepreneur Josie Gamble chats to Esther Higham about getting more people in your church building through good branding and a clear message.
A church survey has found a ratio of two men to three women in our congregations, with most UK churches having double the number of single women to men. So why is church less appealing to men? And what are some of the creative ways we can reach out to those put off by our Sunday services? Esther Higham spoke to Gareth Thompson from Kingdom Wrestling and Tristan Lury, the founder of Bridge The Gap Football.
If you work or live with young people, you might be used to them avoiding phone calls. A USwitch survey has found a quarter of those aged 18-34 never answer their phone. So, why are young people so averse to calls? And how do we help them toughen up on their soft skills? James Brumwell is the Head of Ops at Gas Street Church. He spoke to Esther Higham about his love of voice notes, the church undervaluing "the spiritual gift of administration", and spreadsheets being vital for building the kingdom.
Coldplay have been generating excitement in Christian corners of the internet with their new single 'We Pray. But the song making no mention of God's name, so is it really a prayer? Writer Tim Bechervaise, music critic Derek Walker, and Jennifer Sturrock from 24-7 Prayer, spoke to Esther Higham.
David Rowe, a chaplain based in the US, spent hours finding songs to suit every book in the Bible. He spoke to Esther Higham about why Romans reminds him of the Clash, Bruce Springsteen is reminiscent of Numbers, and Public Enemy reflects the themes of Zephaniah.
