Do you go to church when you're on holiday? How could joining up with a community abroad change your faith? Premier's Esther Higham spoke to Rev Adrian Chiles from the English speaking church in Ibiza to chat about his journey from Belfast to the Balearics, the unique challenges of hosting church for tourists, and how God is moving amidst the island's party culture.
Popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing is in the spotlight following allegations of bullying and misconduct. Broadcaster and former MP Ann Widdecombe was a contestant on the show in 2010. She discussed with Esther Higham if these allegations are exposing a toxic culture at the show or simply revealing that we've become too sensitive.
An estimated 50 million people are still held in slavery today, each with their own unique story. Mark Cameron, International Justice Mission, joined Esther Higham to share stories of hope breaking through in the darkest of situations.
US president Joe Biden pulled out of the US presidential race after weeks of criticism from opposition and party members alike. Pastor and author Chris Kilby, writer and church leader Elaine Storkey and the founder of New Frontiers, Terry Virgo discussed with Esther Higham if there's any lesson for church leaders and pastors to learn from Joe Biden’s example.
Jon Maltz is the artistic director behind "If Prison Walls Could Speak," a one-man tour de force that portrays the true story of Petr Jasek who was imprisoned for his faith. He joined Esther Higham to chat about the show's immersive 3D audio, whether theatre should embrace artificial intelligence, and what he made of the Olympic opening ceremony.
What is your first memory of church? Early exposure to faith in many ways prepared a lot of us to find Jesus later in life or even strengthen our faith in adulthood. Yet, the investment in nurturing young disciples seems to be lacking. Becky May is the founder of the Resource Cupboard and as school is now out for summer, she discussed with Esther Higham how we can use our young people's downtime to help them invest in their faith.
Prisons are high up on the PM's radar as he appointed James Timson as Prisons minister. The new government also announced last week that from September, thousands of prisoners will be released to release pressure on the prisons. Is that watering down the justice of their sentence? Prison campaigner Sara Hyde and Prison Chaplin Rev Tracy Sickle joined Esther Higham to discuss what principles the new government should apply to our prisons system.
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.
72 hours of non-stop worship? That's the vision behind David’s Tent – a worship festival taking place over the August Bank holiday weekend. With worship artists from around the world leading sessions 24 hours a day for 3 days. The Event Director John Kyle caught up with Esther Higham to share what drives the vision.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
