Inspirational Breakfast with Esther Higham

In the church today the idea of a power couple leadership has become pretty much the norm in many church circles – but what about leaders who are single? The Apostle Paul did include marriage in his criteria for appointing bishops in 1 Tim 3: 1-6. So, is it better for church leaders to have a spouse to head or lead a church? The Executive Director of the Single Friendly Church Network Mike Simpson joined Esther Higham to discuss this.

As the wider culture becomes less familiar with the Bible, it raises the question: how can we encourage more intrigue in the Bible? Alain Emerson and Adam Cox, authors of "The God Story: Encountering Unfailing Love in the Unfolding Narrative of Scripture," present God's Word as an enthralling epic novel. Alain spoke with Esther Higham about the inspiration behind their project.

Politicians often overlook the significance of arts and culture, despite their profound impact on our lives. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has however proposed an "access to the arts" plan. Is that enough to enhance our creativity as a nation? Director of Art and Christianity Laura Moffatt and Associate Artist Saltmine Theatre, Emily Thompson joined Esther Higham to discuss this.

Summer is often synonymous with camping, especially for young adults and children seeking a spiritual connection with God in a tented setting. But does this long-standing tradition need any updates? Martin Saunders, the Director of the youth festival Satellites, explores ways to maintain the spiritual momentum for young campers post-camp with Premier's Esther Higham.

As the new government enters its third week, education takes centre stage with the Minister Bridget Phillipson determined to restore education to the forefront of national life. How can we create a path toward a stronger and more inclusive education system? Steve Chalke, from Oasis and Lizzie Harewood, from the Association of Christian Teachers delved into this with Esther Higham.

Reverend Canon Ian Knox, evangelist and author of the book ‘Finishing Well’, shares his story of finding faith as a child, evangelising in his 80's, and why he refuses to retire.

Are you a GOAT (The Greatest Of All Time) at what you do? What would it take to be the best in your field? Graham Daniels, Director of Christians in Sport, and former Olympic athlete Marilyn Okoro chat with Mal Pope about having a champion's mentality, keeping your eyes fixed on God, and why success is pointless without faith.

The Watoto Choir is a children's choir that travels the world raising awareness for those affected by Uganda’s civil war. Executive Director Andrew White and Pheona, the Choir Team Leader, join Mal Pope after their mammoth UK tour, which saw them perform for thousands of people and bring hundreds to faith.

Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking. You know the feeling...your knees go weak, your palms are sweating and you’ve forgotten how to breath properly. So how do get better at delivering a message that sticks? We have the best story to share, so how do we become the best storytellers? Steve Cox, former chair of Christians in Media, and Rev Les Isaac OBE, founder of Street Pastors, chat to Mal Pope about Joe Biden's gaffes, avoiding church jargon, and why listening is the key to public speaking.

You're probably used to hearing about the uptake in mental health services in our country, but are we going in the wrong direction if there’s no faith element to our therapy? Kathy Spooner, the CEO of ACC, and Jo Hargreaves, a psychotherapist, chatted with Mal Pope.

Surgeon Mr Leo Cheng and his wife Hilary Cheng, a Methodist minister, chat to Mal Pope about their inspiring work with Mercy Ships, receiving an Honorary Fellowship from Cardiff University, and combining success with significance.

Colin Smith is the author of 'Fly Through The Bible', a book hoping to give readers a birds eye view on the gospel. He joined Mal Pope to chat about moving from Ireland to Illinois, combatting the decline in Biblical literacy, and why people will only be saved by opening up the word.

The 'viral vicar' Rev Chris Lee and Ben Jones, founder of Missional Generation, chat to Mal Pope about digital church, avoiding social media trends, and why young people are craving authenticity online.

Last month the Chinese Lunar probe – Chang’e-6 returned to Earth with samples from the previously unexplored far side of the Moon, advancing science but raising questions that challenge God and faith. Professor Russell Cowburn, a physicist from the University of Cambridge, discussed with Mal Pope how science can enhance our appreciation of God rather than distancing us from Him.

Record waiting lists, endless strikes, health inequalities...is the state of the NHS at a point of disrepair? Can we ever hope for change? Steve Fouch from the Christian Medical Fellowship chats to Mal Pope about Labour's plans for health and social care.