Opinions/reflections - July - December 2022

We need to broaden our definition of what it means to be counter cultural, writes Michael Shaw

Can we respond to the plight of UK children in care in the same way as we did for Ukrainian refugees? By Rachel Gardner, Director of Partnerships at Youthscape and Ambassador for Home For Good

'My heart is to encourage Christians in their daily walk with God'

For many years Jean Mintoft has had a vision to use her paintings, drawings and other artwork to bring spiritual encouragement. She introduces The Pilgrim Way, her new book featuring short devotions alongside her art

Afghanistan and the UK

One year ago Kabul was overcome by the Taliban. Since then, thousands of Afghan refugees have come to the UK, but delays and lack of funding and support mean they have been left in limbo, writes Public Issues Enabler Steve Tinning

'Each one has been changed by the process'

Claire Nicholls reports on Magnify You, a two-year development programme for Baptist women in leadership

Is your religion a blessing or a burden?

Following Jesus does entail burdens we must carry – that much is clear from Matthew 11:30. But let’s never forget his promise in that verse: his yoke is easy and his burden is light. By Colin Sedgwick

Disability inclusion: what can we do as a church?

We continue to exclude disabled people with our words and actions, whether conscious or not. Let's be aware of this - and what we need to change, writes Ruth Wilde

Standing in solidarity with our ministry partners in Ukraine

'On this Ukrainian Day of Independence, it's our privilege to stand with our brave Ukrainian partners who are resisting the Russian invasion with weapons more powerful than tanks and guns: namely prayer, solidarity and compassion.' By Joshua Searle

Our story... your story?

As we go through the journey of life we all have our ups and downs, writes Paul Beasley Murray. It is how we tell that story that gives meaning to our lives and in turn enables others to understand us. Could you begin to tell something of your story?

Appointments with Bonhoeffer

Keith Clements introduces his new book, a series of reflections on how Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life and thought can continue to engage our hearts and minds with the challenges of our time

Finding guidance in today's uncertain world

Veteran trees, dogs, gravestones and monarchs: why there is much to learn from those who have discovered how to live, or even thrive, in whatever circumstances they have faced, writes Shaun Lambert

Millions of people are trapped in slavery today – and the church has a key role in ending it

On 25 September, churches around the world – including Baptist churches here in the UK – will mark Freedom Sunday, a day to remember those who are trafficked into modern slavery, and pray and act to end it

I feel lost

As the service began, I faced the challenge of trying to bring all human emotions and feelings together with God’s word. By Sean Fountain

A substitute religion?

These dramatic, historic events prompt a down-to-earth question: How should we as Christians respond to those who govern us and “rule over us”? Does the Bible offer any guidelines? By Colin Sedgwick

Queen Elizabeth: one of us

As well as being our Head of State, she was also one of us, and, in a sense, that's what made her so special

Personal memories of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Former General Secretary David Coffey had the privilege of meeting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and many times observing her on duty on national occasions. He shares this reflection

‘Service in life; hope in death’: Welby’s counter-cultural message

Amid the pomp and precision of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, Archbishop Justin Welby’s sermon was so vital, writes Jon Kuhrt

The Queen’s lying-in-state

I was one of the hundreds of thousands who chose to wait in line to walk past the coffin of our late Queen, writes Baptist minister Esther Mason. Here are my reflections

The opposite of poverty is not wealth but justice

The need for justice (particularly racial justice) to be more clearly seen as being at the heart of God’s mission was a key theme at the Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering, writes Gale Richards. What might this mean for your church's context?

Have Baptist churches become too dependent upon the state?

While church and state each strive to work for the common good, a distinctive of Baptist theology is they best function separately. Yet a new study asks whether Baptist churches have come to rely too much upon the government for their financial survival

The Race for Justice – are the churches winning it?

Richard Reddie introduces a new book capturing what progress churches, parachurch groups and countries have made to address racism since the murder of Stephen Lawrence

'Preaching in BSL at St Paul's was a marked difference from my usual venues'

Baptist minister Sue Whalley delivered the first ever known sermon in British Sign Language (BSL) at St Paul's Cathedral on 25 September. She explains how this momentous occasion came about

'Many testimonies of Christ’s presence and action - even in the midst of challenges'

This is not an easy time in Europe, but there was a genuine sense of community when Baptists gathered from 40 unions for the recent European Baptist Federation Council, writes Ali Boulton

Pure Heart: behind the songs

'I pray they would help people to have life changing encounters with Jesus' UK worship leader and songwriter Luke Wareham shares an insight into the songs from his latest EP Pure Heart

Where do you find God in a place like this?

The reflections of a teenager whose parents served on an Urban Expression team

God and the Big Bang

Why these stunning images point to a creator. By Chris Goswami

Beauty, colourful... Sad, fearful... Angry, determined

Dave Gregory is listening to children’s voices of wonder and lament over climate change - and wonders if we are letting their painful words shape both us, and our community's response

'Albanians have been leaving their country for decades'

As a British pastor in Albania, Paul Alkazraji has heard many migration stories. In the light of a rise in the number of Albanians crossing the Channel this year, he offers this reflection

Another way to learn?

Home-educating mother Molly Ashton has drawn together home educators from across the United Kingdom to share their expertise and experience in a new book. She explains more

Are we, as local churches, having an ‘IMPACT’?

We may ask the question, ‘What about evangelism in our Union?’ But are we willing to step out of the boat and become the answer to that question? By William Wade

To school or not – that is the question

More parents are considering home schooling. There's a lot to think about, says retired deputy head Moira Kleissner

2021 Census: implications for public theology and the mission of the church

Baptist minister the Revd Dr Israel Olofinjana, Director of the One People Commission, Evangelical Alliance, shares three points

Mission in times of economic uncertainty

With financial questions at the forefront of the minds of many, how do we bring the hope of Jesus to those whose material world may be tottering? By Luke Rollins

Joy to the World. Eh? You kidding?

If we’re honest, joy doesn’t seem to be a dominant note across the world these days. But Christian joy is not a denial of darkness; it is an affirmation of the light of God in Christ. By Jim Gordon

Responding to a 'permacrisis'

What word would you use to sum up 2022? And how does it relate to the Christmas story? By Nick Megoran

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