Burçin Esin, (click for image link) Once upon a time, there lived a couple called Glen and Emma. Glen and Emma lived in a big town but Glen had to find a job.  Glen was very worried about Emma because Emma was very sick. She didn’t want to move to the seaside town because she was frightened of meeting new people and going to a new place. But God brought them to a church full of lovely, warm-hearted Christians who looked after them and loved them and accepted them with all their issues. God brought them to a church that didn’t put ... Read More

Church myths: 1. That everyone else has got it together. Yes, some do.  But most don’t – they’re just good at wrapping. And instead of judging you, chances are they’re worried that you are judging them. 2. That we need to keep hold of Jesus – especially in the hard times. Yes, we need to prioritise and nurture our faith. But there are times when it’s all you can do to lift your head.  And more important than the fact of us hanging on to Him, is the fact that He holds onto us.  He’s got us, even ... Read More

It might be surprising to know, but I was a pastor in a church for almost 5 years and I have to say, today, I have never felt spiritually lower. I’m not having a crisis of faith. I know Jesus is Lord, I know Jesus is the Son of God; I can declare loudly that he is coming and he is King. But he has become more of an acquaintance than a friend. I think that has happened because I have lost sight of freedom. We are told that we live in a free society. Freedom is supposed to bring happiness. But if that’s true, then why am I – and others ... Read More

Painting at Riverview Bank, Minnesota Dear God I spotted you across the way on Sunday morning and waved, but not sure you saw me.  Sorry I couldn’t stop, but the roast was in the oven and I wanted to make the most of the sunshine: I’m sure you understand! Maybe we can put a date in for Easter when life’s a little less crazy. Anyway, hope Jesus and the rest of the crew are doing well.  As requested, here’s my monthly update – not as spotless as I’d like, but better than last month.  I know when I signed up ... Read More

It’s tempting to assume that churches are full of people who’ve got it together.  The Sunday morning freshly-scrubbed faces and starchy smiles that disguise altogether murkier and choppier depths.  The argument  that’s tidied away along with the breakfast dishes – or at least until the final hymn. Everyone else is fine.  You’re the only one with any issues. Of course, this is a nonsense idea.  Church is for those who recognise their need of a Saviour – not those who can manage on their own. But if ... Read More

I’ve got a stonking female Christian friend.  Properly properly gorgeous – inside and out. I’d practically marry her meself. She’s sold out for Jesus, other-centered, humble, funny and a fox to boot. She’s also single  and has been for a while. But nothing’s happening. And it seems like the Christian guys around her tend to opt for one of two approaches. They either: a.) don’t do anything (even though they might be interested) or b.) forge ahead, whilst trying to keep All (and I mean all) their ... Read More

What is it about being part of a stadium filled with cheering fans that arouses such intense emotions? Why do we behave one way in a group and another on our own? Why do people join cults, or devote their lives to moral or political causes? In his book: ‘The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements’  (1951), Eric Hoffer considers some of these questions. Hoffer argues that spiritual hunger causes people to cut off their old selves so that they can become part of something bigger and more thrilling. Mass movements, ... Read More

On Sunday Glen and I wrote a post on childlessness. Thank- you to everyone who’s been so supportive and for those who have shared some of their own experiences too: it means a lot. I’ve been asked to write a bit more on how churches can help those who are struggling with this issue. This is tricky, for a number of reasons. Every person’s struggle is unique: there can be hundreds of reasons why a couple cannot conceive – many of which are deeply personal.  And whilst we can support them, we can’t make the problem ... Read More

In yesterday’s post I was reflecting on the ways in which we lie to each other: both upwards (‘hey, everybody! Come see how great I am’) and downwards (‘I’m a woorm, it was nothing, this ole’ thing? I just threw it on’ etcetc). Without wanting to make gender assumptions, in my experience women are more likely to lie ‘down’ and men to lie ‘up’.  (For a great analysis of this, see Kirsten’s comments). But when I consider the typical church environment, I wonder if these ... Read More

'Girl on Church Pew', oil on canvas: Emma Johnson, 2004 Here’s a fascinating piece by an atheist churchgoer, from last weekend’s Guardian. The title is: ‘What I’m really thinking’. ‘As I sit in church on a Sunday morning, my main struggle is to stay awake. I did fall asleep during a sermon once, and came to with a jolt, wondering if I’d been snoring. The rest of the congregation stands and sits at the appropriate moments – I never know what’s happening. I started going to church to get ... Read More