533 avsnitt • Längd: 45 min • Veckovis: Fredag
Hundreds of in-depth interviews with inspiring Christians. Guests include world renown DJ Moby, Bible teacher Joyce Meyer, missionary Jackie Pullinger, Gospel superstar Fred Hammond and activist Shane Claiborne
The podcast The Profile is created by Premier Christianity magazine. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Though you will have heard of many of the household names that Ashley Null has worked with, he will not discuss any of the athletes he works with in this interview, nor are we permitted to namecheck them in this introduction. Too many wish to trade on their connections to star power, he says, and he will not be one of them. What Emma Fowle does hear, though, is a man with a fierce intellect and a pastor's heart discuss the unique pressures of elite sport. Paris was his sixth Olympics. "The gospel is the antidote to performance-based identity," he says. And who, more than anyone else, he asks, needs to know that their achievements aren’t the basis of their relationship with God, or their hope for wholeness than sports biggest athletes?
]]>The apologist and spoken word poet Preston Perry speaks to Emma Fowle about growing up in gangs, finding Christ and how God convicted him about his old approach to evangelism. Preston is the author of new book How to Tell the Truth: The story of how God saved me to win hearts – not just arguments (Hodder).
You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine
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]]>Andy Peck talks to two directors of The Lead Academy, Martin Williams and Rachel Roberts about the work of the charity in working with church leadership teams over a two-year period. What plans can you execute in two years? Why do teams find this so valuable, and how do you discern whether this programme is for you?
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Andy Peck talks to Dallas Willard (1935-2013) about his book 'Personal Religion, Public Reality? Towards a Knowledge of Faith'. Dallas Willard was valued as a key thinker on spiritual formation, offering fresh biblical insights into personal change. They discuss how Dallas' understanding of Jesus teaching on the kingdom of God is the foundation of the book and a key idea for Christians in leadership, wherever God has called them to be.
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]]>Andy Peck talks to Dave Roberts, author, editor and publisher who now pastors The Gather Collective, a church in Eastbourne. They talk about why Eastbourne, a town with many churches, needed another on; why he switched from writing to pastoring close to retirement and how he compares the revival in Toronto back in the 90s with more recent 'outpourings'.
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Andy Peck talks to Tim Rowlands who is the newly appointed Leader of the Evangelical Alliance in Wales . They talk about how he was a 'pastor's kid' who fell in love with church; his love of music as a classically trained musician, his extensive experience in local and national politics, and the challenge of reaching Wales with the Gospel.
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]]>Andy Peck talks to Os Guinness whose latest book, Signals of Transcendence: Listening to the Promptings of Life celebrates 50 years of publishing, and tells the stories of 10 well known authors who have sought God following unexpected moments. These include C.S. Lewis, W.H. Auden and Malcolm Muggeridge. They also reflect on what Christian leadership is and how we can all play our part.
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Andy Peck talks to Ian Soars, CEO Spurgeon's Children's Charity, about its merger with Fegans Children's Charity, a charity he used to lead. He explains why the local church can be the answer to the need in children's lives. They consider whether simply meeting needs has any eternal value and why Spurgeon's have developed a tool for parents to provide early intervention with eating disorders.
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Andy Peck talks to Andy Monks head of Children and Youth at Ascension Church, Balham, London about his book, 'The Now Generation: Empowering people to lead and have influence today'. They discuss his own journey to becoming a youth leader and how the encouragement he received can be a model for how the church can empower young people today. They also look at the argument that suggests it's foolhardy to expect too much because young people often lack maturity.
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]]>After being bullied as a child, Oli London struggled with low self-esteem and self-worth. He had hoped a series of transitions and expensive plastic surgery would him feel better. Instead, he became addicted to surgery, spending $300,000 on botox and skin-whitening injections in order to look more Korean - a culture he had become "obsessed" with. The controversial decision to appear more Korean resulted in critical articles and hateful messages on social media. But in the end it was the kindness of a priest that drew him to the Christian faith and turned his life around. Sam Hailes hears the full story
You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now at premierchristianity.com/subscribe]]>Andy Peck talks to Larry Collett, former chairman of the Board of Cass Information Systems in St Louis Missouri, about 45 years working at the same organisation and how he maintained a vibrant spiritual life in the world of finance, business strategy and technological development. They also looked at how easy it is to translate business leadership approaches to running a local church.
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]]>Andy Peck talks to Bobbi Kumari, founder of 'Living in Light', and the Sexposed conference and author of 'Sacred Sexuality: Rewire Your Desire Towards True Intimacy'. They talk of the challenge of launching a fashion brand and how she felt the need to start to educate today's youth on what the Bible says about sexuality.
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]]>Craig Greenfield moved his family to a Cambodian slum. But don’t call him a missionary. The New Zealand-born social entrepreneur has made his home among some of the most disadvantaged people in the world, and learned some huge lessons along the way. Having served cross culturally for more than two decades, the 49-year-old is reflecting on the changing landscape of overseas mission, and how we share our faith with others. In this interview with Premier Christianity's assistant editor Emma Fowle, Greenfield explains how he's aware of negative perceptions around “pith helmet-wearing colonialists – forcing their culture and religion on people who don’t want it”. The pair also discuss what it means to empower local leaders, and what "subversive mission" (the title of Greenfield's latest book) can look like.
You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe from $1 at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>Andy Peck talks to William Wade, pastor of Life Church, Cuffley, Hertfordshire. He has a wide experience, serving in international churches in Germany and the Netherlands, and believes that self-promotion has no place in Gospel focused ministry. They also take about creating sustainable working patterns for the long haul.
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]]>What began as a small side project, leading a Christian exercise class during the height of the 1980s aerobics craze, has morphed into an international speaking and writing ministry for Beth Moore. Known as Living Proof, Moore's ministry enabled her to address thousands in packed-out stadiums across America at a time when women in her denomination - the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) - were encouraged to be stay-at-home mothers and wives. Her books and Bible studies went on to sell in their millions. In more recent years , it has been her condemnation of what she feels is “rotten” at the core of American evangelicalism that has seen her hitting headlines. In this interview with Claire Musters, Beth speaks candidly about the childhood abuse she experienced, the growth of Living Proof and why she left her "beloved" denomination behind.
Beth Moore's memoir All My Knotted Up Life (Tyndale) is available now
You can also read this interview at premierchristianity.com. Subscribe now from just $1/month]]>Andy Peck talks to Jordan Whitmer, the US founder of the 'How to Life' Movement, a movement of Gen Z students reaching their peers that is active in 47 US states and 40 countries around the world. Josie Galopin heads up the How to Life UK, and provides a UK perspective.
Jordan talks of his own visit to the outpouring at Asbury College, Kentucky and how God seems to be reaching more and more Gen Z students today.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month
]]>Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries is the former Bishop of Oxford and a life peer in the House of Lords. A renowned clergyman, broadcaster and Christian thinker, he talks to Justin Brierley about his life, faith and ministry in the Church of England. His autobiography ‘The Shaping Of A Soul: A life taken by surprise’ is available now https://www.johnhuntpublishing.com/christian-alternative-books/our-books/shaping-soul-life-taken-by-surprise
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month
]]>Andy Peck talks to Sharon Dirckx, adjunct lecturer at The Oxford Centre for Apologetics and author of 'Broken Planet: if there is a God why are there natural disasters and disease?' In the light of the Turkey/Syria earthquake on February 6th, they discuss ways to think about natural disasters and disease and how to best handle people who question the goodness of God.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month
]]>Andy Peck talks to Anna Randall founder of 'The Speaker's Coach, and one time expert on GNB news, on how you can take your verbal communication to groups to the next level. They look at how you can be yourself as you communicate, what kind of speaking notes you might need and how to look the part.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month
]]>Andy Peck talks to Nick Pollard who co-founded Family Mental Wealth which provides online tools to help parents and children navigate a variety of mental health issues. He explores how the illness of their daughter was the catalyst and led to academic and government bodies becoming involved.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month ]]>Andy Peck talks to Lee Kricher author of 'Seamless Pastoral Transition: 3
Imperatives – 6 Pitfalls'. The former pastor of Amplify Church, Pittsburgh tells Andy how to ensure that the transition from one pastor to the next doesn't mean losing members and finance along the way.The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month
]]>Renowned pastor, author and Christian thinker Tim Keller joined Justin Brierley and Ruth Jackson of Premier Unbelievable? for a live show. Keller, who led Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York for over 25 year, talks about his life and faith, his new book on forgiveness and his recent journey with cancer. Unbelievable listeners also ask their questions.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity. Receive the next 3 print issues for just £5 now. Hurry - limited offer! premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>Andy Peck talks to Tim Gough, who is the Pioneer Director for YFC Wales and the author of Rebooted: Reclaiming Youth Ministry for the Long Haul. They talk about how the decline in young people took place despite a rise in paid youthworkers and what we might do to repair the damage in local churches.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month
]]>Francis Chan left his thriving US megachurch, turned his back on the fame that ministry had brought him and moved his family to a developing country. He tells Sam Hailes the full story.
This interview was first broadcast and published in 2019.
You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now from $1/month]]>Andy Peck talks to Yetunde Hofmann, who has been involved in leadership for over 25 years in the corporate world and now has a portfolio career which includes leading an international leadership and change consulting practice and organisation that supports black women leaders. They talk about why the death of George Floyd was an impetus to helping black women and why love is such an important element of good business leadership.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for news, features and analysis from £3.95 (UK) or $1 (International) at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>For reasons that were never fully explained to him, Ram Gidoomal CBE and his family were forced to flee their home in Kenya when he was just 16 years old. Having previously left India during the 1947 partition, they said goodbye to the life of wealth and comfort they had created for themselves in east Africa to arrive in a hostile 1960s London as refugees once more, with no money and little to their name. Gidoomal was brought up in both the Hindu and Sikh faiths, but Jesus started to become real to him through the lyrics of a song he heard in a London pub. At the time, he was a student at Imperial College London. His business skills had won him a scholarship and would eventually lead to him earning so much money he couldn’t even spend the accruing interest. In this interview with Abi Thomas, Ram explains how God led him to raise millions for charity.
You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now from $1/month
]]>Sometimes the demands of leadership can overwhelm us. In this interview, mental health specialist Will Van Der Hart explains how Christians can build resilience and keep going when times are tough. This interview was conducted by Andy Peck, Premier's resident leadership expert. Will is a Pastoral Chaplain at Holy Trinity Brompton. Based on his book, The Power of Belonging, Will looks at being vulnerable as a leader and how shame works against out engagement with others. He shares why 'success doesnt equal security' and touches on his own mental health issues and the importance of being authentically present in our leadership. Why 'fake it to make it' is lousy career advice and why he hates the phrase 'becoming the best version of ourselves.'
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for news, features and analysis from £3.95 (UK) or $1 (International) at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>Premier's resident leadership expert interviewer Andy Peck has been having conversations with preachers and pastors for the past 17 years. This week, Andy talks with Jen Baker who moved from Michigan in the USA to the UK in an Abraham style call where she knew very little of God’s intentions. She now helps Christians live without fear, through a writing and teaching ministry that takes her all over the world. They talk about her latest book Unwavering: The Power of Choice and find out what holds people back from making progress in what God has called them to do. The key is learning how to make decisions based not on fear, but on faith.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for news, features and analysis from £3.95 (UK) or $1 (International) at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>As the year draws to a close, our presenter and producer Sam Hailes says thank you for joining us in 2022, and asks - who would you like to hear being interviewed next year?
Send your requests to [email protected]
Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year, with lots of love from all the team at The Profile podcast and Premier Christianity magazine
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]]>Premier's resident leadership expert interviewer Andy Peck has been having conversations with preachers and pastors for the past 17 years. This week, Andy Peck chats with Tim Alford, the National Director of LIMITLESS, the youth and children's movement of the Elim Pentecostal Churches in the UK and Ireland about how local churches might start groups designed to reach and disciple more young people.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for news, features and analysis from £3.95 (UK) or $1 (International) at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>
Have you realised that the Nativity plays in many local churches actually have little to do with the birth of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels? In this interview with Premier's resident leadership expert Andy Peck, Rev Dr David Instone-Brewer Research Fellow at Tyndale House, Cambridge, tackles some of the mythical elements surrounding the incarnation and suggests a new way and better way of understanding what was really going on.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for news, features and analysis from £3.95 (UK) or $1 (International) at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>The unorthodox pastor Mick Fleming is a man on a mission, to change the Church – and society in the process. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Emma Fowle, the Burnley-based leader tells his story of abuse, homelessness and salvation. His own story of being thrown out of church, and miraculous experiences which prompted him to forgive the man who raped him, has resulted in a desire to serve those on the rough edges of society. "Stained-glass windows won’t feed children," he says. Instead, Christians must step up to serve the lonely, lost and hungry. "We need to repent so that God can move...we haven’t provided for the poor as we should have done," he says.
]]>Premier's resident leadership expert interviewer Andy Peck has been having conversations with preachers and pastors for the past 17 years. This week Andy talks to Nick and Becky Drake who launched the ministry ‘Worship for Everyone’ in 2010 in order to unite all ages in worship. They serve at Gas Street Church in Birmingham, Nick as Associate vicar and Becky running ‘Worship for Everyone’ in the church and further afield. They talk about how to transform the ‘all-age’ service from something ‘no-one enjoys’, to a service that blesses all ages.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for news, features and analysis from £3.95 (UK) or $1 (International) at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>After leaving the army, Patrick Barrett turned to alcohol to cope with trauma, but God called him back to his childhood faith using the most unlikely means. He tells Rachel Matthews the full story.
]]>In the midst of ongoing pressures on all our finances, Emma Fowle sits down with Emma Revie, CEO of the UK’s largest network of foodbanks, Trussell Trust. In this in depth interview, Emma talks about how her faith motivates her work and what she thinks should be done about the cost of living crisis.
]]>Powerful Leaders? is a book that exposes and explores how leaders are tempted away from a biblical model of leadership into illegitimate - and in the worst cases abusive - use of authority and power. It's written by Marcus Honeysett, the director of Living Leadership, a charity that focuses on healthy leadership and church culture. In this conversation with Andy Peck, Marcus explains how leaders can safeguard themselves against moral failure.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for news, features and analysis from £3.95 (UK) or $1 (International) at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>The Profile podcast is now bringing you a bonus interview every week! Premier's resident leadership expert interviewer Andy Peck has been having conversations with preachers and pastors for the past 17 years. You'll now be able to hear some of the best of his interviews. This week Andy meets the founder of Christian mental health charity Kintsugi Hope and author of Bouncing Forwards, Patrick Regan.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for news, features and analysis from £3.95 (UK) or $1 (International) at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>The Profile podcast is now bringing you a bonus interview every week! Premier's resident leadership expert interviewer Andy Peck has been having conversations with preachers and pastors for the past 17 years. You'll now be able to hear some of the best of his interviews. This week Andy meets the UK Director of Care for the Family, Katharine Hill, who is the author of Left To Their Own Devices? Confident Parenting in a World of Screens
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for news, features and analysis from £3.95 (UK) or $1 (International) at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>Joseph D’souza is a civil rights advocate and Anglican bishop whose work in India has drawn the praise of many civil and religious leaders. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, the primate of the Good Shepherd Church of India talks about his calling to advocate on behalf of poor and marginalised groups, and stand against the caste system, which he says is pervasive not just in India, but around the world. Neither Christians nor other religious groups have a good track record in this area, he argues. Bishop Joseph also speaks about the reality of persecution which is faced by many Christians in India (see Premier Christianity's special report on the subject here), why the sacramental tradition of Anglicanism is so appealing, and his own story of coming to Christ.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity. Subscribe now from just $1 at premierchristianity.com
]]>The Profile podcast is now bringing you a bonus interview every week! Premier's resident leadership expert interviewer Andy Peck has been having conversations with preachers and pastors for the past 17 years. You'll now be able to hear some of the best of his interviews. This week Andy meets Hope Virgo, who has run award winning campaigns on mental health and eating disorders, including #DumpTheScales. She is also the author of You Are Free (Even if you don't feel it)
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for news, features and analysis from £3.95 (UK) or $1 (International) at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>The head of 24-7 Prayer USA, Tyler Staton’s love affair with talking to God started when his youth leader challenged him to prayer walk his school every single morning for the whole of his summer holidays. Not only did find that he enjoyed God’s company, by the end of the year, half his classmates had been saved! In this interview, he chats to Emma Fowle about spiritual hunger, his latest book and why a church should be known for the character of its congregation, not the stature of its leaders.
Tyler is the author of Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools (Hodder & Stoughton)
The Profile is brought to you in association with the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe to Premier Christianity now for only £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe/
]]>The Profile podcast is now bringing you a bonus interview every week! Premier's resident leadership expert interviewer Andy Peck has been having conversations with preachers and pastors for the past 17 years. You'll now be able to hear some of the best of his interviews. This week Andy meets the Northern Irish church leader, speaker and author of Deep Roots of Resilient Disciples, Rick Hill.
]]>The Profile podcast is now bringing you a bonus interview every week! Premier's resident leadership expert interviewer Andy Peck has been having conversations with preachers and pastors for the past 17 years. You'll now be able to hear some of the best of his interviews. This week Andy meets TV presenter, and author of A Good Friend, Gemma Hunt.
]]>The Profile podcast is changing! In the coming weeks, we'll be bringing you bonus interviews on the subject of leadership, in order to help you use your influence for God's purposes. Premier's resident leadership expert interviewer Andy Peck has been having conversations with preachers and pastors for the past 17 years. You'll be hearing some the best of his interviews right here on The Profile podcast. First up is the "bewildered founder" of 24-7 prayer, Pete Greig.
]]>How did a former stand-up comedian, referee and Argos manager become the vicar of St Matthew's the Apostle, Burnley? In this in-depth interview Fr Alex Frost speaks to Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes about his call to ordained ministry, the challenges of working in an area where poverty and addiction are commonplace, why he struggles to read his own book and his passion for inclusion within the Church of England. Fr Alex featured in a BBC documentary entitled 'The cost of Covid' which shone a spotlight on deprivation in the town. But today, Fr Alex says "no one cares" and is angry that despite widespread media coverage of the serious challenges facing Burnley, many politicians continue to appear disinterested. What's the answer to the problems he's witnessing? "You'd perhaps not be surprised to hear a Christian minister say this, but...the Gospel of Jesus Christ" he says.
Fr Alex Frost is the author of Our Daily Bread (Harper Collins) which is published on 27 October.
The Profile is sponsored by Premier Christianity magazine. Receive our special Queen tribute edition, plus the next 5 print issues for just £9.99. Visit premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>As Nicky Gumbel retires from leading the UK's largest Anglican church, Megan Cornwell sits down with his successor, Archie Coates, to discuss the new direction of the 3,000-strong evangelical community of HTB. In this exclusive interview, Rev Coates explains his position on LGBT issues and reveals the painful past experiences that have shaped and influenced his walk with God.
The Profile is brought to you in association with the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe to Premier Christianity now for only £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe/
]]>Michael Youssef doesn’t pull his punches. Within minutes of his conversation with Premier Christian Radio's Esther Higham, the 73-year-old preacher was holding forth on “the woke movement”, warning that Black Lives Matter was “Marxist” at heart, “based on a lie” and wanted to destabilise Western democracies. Dr Youssef has strong political views. But he’s much better known for his theological stances. His fervent gospel preaching and unequivocal style has won him large audiences all over the globe. While some ministers might avoid preaching on controversial topics, Youssef positively embraces them. In this interview Dr Yousef speaks about how he keeps himself spiritually fit, why false teaching makes him weep and comments on what he'd like his legacy to be.
This interview was first published in Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. US listeners can subscribe from $1/month. See premierchristianity.com/subscribe
Dr Youssef's organisation Leading the Way is celebrating 20 years of ministry in the UK next month. See here for more details
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"Christianity isn't about rules, it's about a relationship." It's a common phrase said by many Christians, but it isn't true. That's according to Bible teacher Jen Wilkin. In this in depth interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, which was recorded on location at The Village Church (Dallas, Texas) Jen reveals the deeply personal reason behind her passion for Bible literacy among women. She also explains why she's never had a typical "quiet time", comments on the best way church leaders can handle the 'deconstruction' movement and unpacks some of the teaching contained in her popular books.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Get the next 3 issues for just £5 premierchristianity.com/subscribe
For more on Jen Wilkin, visit jenwilkin.net
]]>In her student days, Cole Arthur Riley was an atheist eagerly searching for peace, in what she now smilingly describes as a "grand search for ultimate truth". Reflecting back, she thinks that journey turned out to be a mask to placate her own discomfort with mystery. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, the author of the critically acclaimed book This Here Flesh and founder of Black Liturgies unpacks how she ultimately found faith.
The Profile is sponsored by Premier Christianity magazine. Receive the next 3 print issues for just £5. Visit premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>The British entrepreneur and founder of Vitae London is our guest on The Profile podcast this week. William Adoasi sits down with Sam Hailes to explain how profits from the sale of every watch funds a school uniform for a child in sub-Saharan Africa. Given that he has been mentored by Richard Branson, the company has generated £1.1m of revenue and celebrities such as Paloma Faith and Emeli Sandé have been spotted wearing Vitae timepieces, you’d think it would be mission accomplished for William. “It has been an amazing journey,” he agrees, “but I would say we’re just getting started.”
You can also read this interview in the latest issue of Premier Christianity. Receive the next 3 print issues for just £5.
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]]>
He may be retiring from leading the largest Anglican Church in England, but Nicky Gumbel has huge plans ahead of him. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Emma Fowle, Nicky reveals what's next...
You can also read this interview in the latest issue of Premier Christianity. Receive the next 3 print issues for just £5. Visit premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>John Sutherland joined the Metropolitan Police in 1992, having dreamed of being a police officer since his teens. Rising quickly through the ranks, he experienced all that is extraordinary about a life in blue: saving lives, finding the lost, comforting the broken and helping to take dangerous people off the streets. But for every case with a happy ending, there were others that ended in desperate sadness, and in 2013 John suffered a major breakdown. In this interview with Premier's Esther Higham, John reveals how his Christian faith was torn apart and rebuilt again. "I'm less certain of more things than I've ever been in my life," he says, "but I do believe that God is love."
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]]>Ex soldier Eric Maddox pioneered an interrogation technique which led to the capture of one of the world's most wanted men. But if it wasn't for hearing the voice of God, he never would have joined the military.
The Profile is brought to you in association with the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe to Premier Christianity now for only £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe/
]]>Subscribe and receive 3 issues for just £5 now at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe to the UK's leading Christian magazine in print and online for just £4.95/month. http://premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>Nia-Cerise Conteh was living a life of pleasure and idol worship before an encounter with the Holy Spirit in her kitchen changed the trajectory of her life. In this episode of The Profile Nia-Cerise tells Premier Christianity's Megan Cornwell how God has been using her story to bring thousands of non-believers to a knowledge of Christ.
The Profile is brought to you in association with the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe to Premier Christianity now for only £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe/
]]>You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe to the UK's leading Christian magazine in print and online for just £4.95/month. http://premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>The beheading of 21 Coptic Orthodox Christians in Libya by Islamic State in 2015 brought worldwide attention to a Church that has endured persecution throughout its 2,000- year history. The first Coptic (the word means ‘Egyptian’) Orthodox Archbishop of London, Archbishop Angaelos, said he forgave the killers, and in the same year was awarded an OBE for his work as an advocate for religious freedom. Today, he continues that work, as well as overseeing the 35 Coptic Orthodox parishes in the UK. Abi Thomas met Archbishop Angaelos at the Cathedral of St George, part of the Coptic Orthodox Centre in Hertfordshire. The building, which was completed in 2006, contrasts many modern elements (including the large sports hall under the same roof) with an abundance of traditional Coptic icons dedicated to past saints. The pair spoke about a range of issues including Thy Kingdom Come, a prayer initiative begun by the Church of England but now supported by a range of denominations, including the Orthodox Church.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Enjoy full online access plus the print magazine delivered to your door for just £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>Franklin Graham is in good spirits when he meets Premier's head of news Marcus Jones in London's Hyde Park Corner. He's excited to be visiting Speaker's Corner, the place where many evangelists have preached and debated over the years. Many there have faced fierce opposition because of the message they preached, something Graham himself can sympathise with. The US based evangelist, whose father was the renowned Billy Graham, is in the UK for the God Loves You Tour. The tour was due to take place in 2020 but every venue he'd booked to preach in cancelled him after complaints were made about past comments he'd made about homosexuality and Islam. He would later take successful legal action against some of the venues, meaning the tour is back on, stopping off at Liverpool, Newport, Sheffield and London. Hear their conversation in full now on this special bonus episode of The Profile podcast.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe to the UK's leading Christian magazine in print and online for just £4.95/month. http://premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Enjoy full online access plus the print magazine delivered to your door for just £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>Shermara Fletcher might be the Principal Officer for Pentecostal, Charismatic and Multi-cultural Relations at Churches Together in England, but she's also learned to appreciate - and even embrace - other Christian traditions. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Shermara explains how Anglo-Catholic spirituality is nourishing her right now. She also opens up about her experience ministering alongside the homeless in Birmingham and London, and reflects on how her deeply Christian upbringing has shaped her life. Shermara, who has been invited to address politicians on the impact of Brexit on homeless women, says: "We don't worship politics, but the reality is policy governs and shapes our lives and the decisions we're able to make. The text talks about praying for leaders who are in charge, so I don't think we can detach from the political conversation. We should be pointing to morality and showing a different way, but not disengaging from the conversation altogether."
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Enjoy full online access plus the print magazine delivered to your door for just £1/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity. Subscribe to the UK's leading Christian magazine from just £1
]]>When Rhys Stephenson joined Strictly Come Dancing, most people over the age of twelve would have been forgiven for not knowing who the CBBC presenter was (the 28-year-old has spent the majority of his professional life interacting with a puppet dog called Hacker!) But the prime time BBC One show has propelled the presenter to new heights, and in this conversation with Premier Christianity's Emma Fowle Rhys reveals how a 'desperate' prayer and the support of his church family led him into his chosen career. Rhys also explains why he feels so strongly that Christianity gets a bad rap in the media. He worries this has led many Christian young people – and adults – to feel embarrassed about expressing their faith. The star narrowly missed out on the final, but says if his Strictly journey helped others to “feel seen… feel represented”, that’s the real prize.
You can also read this interview on premierchristianity.com. Subscribe now for just £1
]]>He might be best known for penning congregational hits such as ‘Amazing love’ and ‘Shine, Jesus, shine’ (the latter is now fondly referred to by millennials as a “primary school assembly banger”), but Graham Kendrick started out by writing story-based songs. This year marks 50 years since the release of Graham's first album Footsteps on the Sea. In order to celebrate, Graham has re-recorded the song that started it all, and put out a new EP entitled Where It All Began which sees him collaborate with singers Lucy Grimble and Lurine Cato MBE. The four-track EP is a tribute to that 1960s/70s era when the bearded guitarist was pioneering musical evangelism in coffee bars and folk clubs. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Graham reflects on his life and career in music, comments on the highs and lows of the modern worship movement and explains why the Church needs to be singing the stories of scripture.
You can also read this interview on premierchristianity.com. Subscribe now for just £1 Join the listening party for Graham's new EP Where It All Began, airing on Premier Christian Radio at 2pm on Easter Monday. ]]>
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity. Subscribe now for just £1 at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
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The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity. Subscribe now for just £1 at premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>Stacey Morgan kissed her husband goodbye before he donned his space suit on July 20, 2019, and headed to his waiting Soyuz rocket. With an overwhelming mix of pride, excitement, and terror, she and her children held hands and watched the rocket ignite and lift off for a nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station. In this interview with Premier's Rachel Matthews, Stacey speaks about the difference her Christian faith has made, and the lessons God has taught her through her unique experiences. Find out more in Stacey's book The Astronaut's Wife, which is out now.
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]]>The straight-talking pastor who isn't afraid to preach on controversial topics speaks to Emma Fowle about embracing God’s heart for the lost and why he’ll always value honesty over self-preservation. The pair also discuss the impact of Covid and social unrest on his ministry, how he's able to read hundreds of books a year and what made him leave his home nation of Australia in order to minister in one of America's most secular cities.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity. Subscribe now and receive John Mark Comer's new book free premierchristianity.com
]]>38 per cent of pastors are considering quitting the ministry. A combination of Covid and significant cultural shifts is arguably making it harder than ever to be a church leader. Having researched this worrying trend, the US based theologian, worship leader and pastor Rev Dr Glenn Packiam is visiting the UK in order to share his findings. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Glenn shares his testimony, explains why he is simultaneously the leader of a non denominational evangelical church and ordained in the Anglican church, gives his view on how congregations can better support their pastors and also comments on how the Church can avoid further ministry scandals. Glenn's latest book The Resilient Pastor is out now.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity. Subscribe now and receive John Mark Comer's new book free premierchristianity.com
]]>Having worked as paediatrician specialising in the care of newborn babies at a leading neonatal intensive care unit for more than 25 years, Dr John Wyatt became increasingly aware of the ethical maelstrom caused by advancing technology and contentious debates about the nature of humanity at the beginning and end of life. Now retired, he spends his time writing and speaking on a range of subjects including AI and robotics, science and faith and medical ethics. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Megan Cornwell, John reflects on his career so far and explains how his Christian faith has informed his work.
Prof John Wyatt is the host of a new podcast from the Premier Unbelievable? team. Just search 'Matters of Life and Death' via your podcast provider.
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]]>The desire of Delirious? frontman and principal songwriter, Martin Smith, to reach the masses is undiminished. He loves leading worship in church (“I’ve given my life to it. I believe in it”) but doesn’t want to be constrained by it. Performing at Glastonbury is top of his bucket list and when he doesn’t hesitate when asked about his dream collaborations: Adele, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Stormzy (“I think I could retire after a day with Stormzy”). For Premier Christianity’s first in-person interview in 18 months, our editor Sam Hailes met Smith in his home on the south coast of England (forgive the sound of our photographer clicking away in the background). Fresh from a run along Brighton beach, Smith is relaxed throughout the conversation, and excited about the release of his new solo album, Dancing In The Fire, which has emerged out of the ashes of Covid-19.
Dancing in the Fire is out now. Find out more at martinsmith.tv
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity. Read this interview with Martin Smith now at premierchristianity.com
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Despite a career that might suggest otherwise, talking about ‘it’ was never the aim, says youth worker and church planter Rachel Gardner. Her latest book is The Sex Thing: Reimagining Conversations with Young People About Sex but “My big thing is Jesus,” she says, adding, “because my big thing is Jesus, of course I talk about sex and masturbation and eating disorders and exam results and stress and mental health.” In this in depth interview, the pair discuss how the Church can get better at having tricky conversations with young people.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity. Get John Mark Comer's new book Live No Lies free when you subscribe. See premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>The Northern Irish philosopher Peter Rollins chats to Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes about his vision of a "religionless" Christianity. For Peter, the good news that we can’t be satisfied, that life is difficult, and that we don’t know the secret. It's a highly unusual take on faith, but for Rollins its grounded in a vision of Christ crucified. The pair discuss his upbringing during the Troubles, his conversion to Christianity, and how his thinking has changed over time. For more information, including his 'Atheism for Lent' project, which helps people move from fundamentalism to "a richer kind of faith", visit peterrollins.com
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity. Get John Mark Comer's new book Live No Lies free when you subscribe. See premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity. Get John Mark Comer's new book Live No Lies free when you subscribe. See premierchristianity.com/subscribe
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The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity. Get John Mark Comer's new book Live No Lies free when you subscribe. See premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>Three years before the pandemic struck, Greg Boyd received an unusual prophetic word, which prompted him to move his church’s material online. We asked him about this seemingly unique warning about Covid-19, and how he feels about being labelled both ‘charismatic’ and ‘progressive’.
You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity. Get John Mark Comer's new book Live No Lies free when you subscribe. See premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity. Get John Mark Comer's new book Live No Lies free when you subscribe. See premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>Aled Jones’ path to stardom was littered with occurrences that many would call God ordained. His first break came, aged twelve, after a congregation member wrote to a record company without his knowledge. Soon afterwards he'd recorded his debut album, toured the Holy Land with the BBC and shot to fame as the angelic, golden-haired chorister who sang ‘Walking in the air’. More than three decades later, Jones is still making a living singing the nation’s favourite hymns. But what of his own personal faith? Emma Fowle spoke to him to find out more, and hear about his new children's book Bobby Dean Saves Christmas.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity. Get John Mark Comer's new book Live No Lies free when you subscribe. See premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>Five years on from a cancer diagnosis that changed her life forever, the Christian academic Kate Bowler speaks to Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes about her new book 'No Cure for Being Human'. The pair also discuss the pressure often felt in churches to be positive, and how even well-meaning comments about faith, healing and prayer can often be hurtful or damaging. For Kate, real Christianity offers a deeper and far more meaningful hope than what the prosperity gospel, or an endless quest for 'progress' could ever bring.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity. Get John Mark Comer's new book Live No Lies free when you subscribe. See premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>Sheila Wray Gregoire is a popular speaker, blogger and author of The Great Sex Rescue. The book is based on an in-depth survey of 22,000 Christian women, and argues that generations of women have grown up with messages about sex that have made them feel dirty, used or invisible. In seeking to provide a better biblical understanding of sex and intimacy for Christian women and men, Sheila touches on issues that other Christians might be tempted to shy away from. Abi Thomas sat down with her to find out more.
Note: This interview contains adult themes, so listener discretion is advised.
If you have been effected by any of the issues raised in this programme, you can phone Premier Lifeline, the national Christian helpline on 0300 111 0101
For more about Sheila, visit https://sheilawraygregoire.com/
]]>Max McLean, founder of the Fellowship of Performing Arts talks to Justin Brierley about his life, faith and playing the role of CS Lewis in the new film biopic ‘The Most Reluctant Convert’.
For The Most Reluctant Convert: http://www.cslewismovie.com
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now and receive a copy of John Mark Comer’s book ‘Live No Lies’
]]>Yvonne Orji is a Nigerian-American actress and comedian. She talks to Premier's Cassandra Nelson about new book Bamboozled by Jesus. In part two, Justin Brierley meets the Catholic priest and noted CS Lewis scholar Michael Ward. The speak about Michael's role in the new CS Lewis movie and his new book After Humanity: A Guide to CS Lewis’ The Abolition of Man.
For ‘After Humanity’: https://www.wordonfire.org/humanity/
]]>The CEO of Christian Vision for Men (CVM), Nathan Blackaby, chats to Emma Fowle about finding faith in the mean streets of Brazil, what it was like to cycle a bathtub across the UK, and his organisation's plan to reach a million men with the Gospel.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now and get a FREE copy of John Mark Comer's new book Live No Lies.
]]>It's a double bill this week as we hear the life stories of church minister and founder of the Pentecostal Credit Union Rev Carmel Jones and the veteran worship leader and songwriter Chris Bowater.
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]]>Joshua Sutcliffe has lost his job twice, and been caught up in media storms over his Christian views on sexuality, gender and other religions. Sam Hailes asks the maths teacher turned street preacher why he keeps finding himself at the centre of controversy.
You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for only £1
]]>Claud Jackson was dealing class A drugs and driving expensive sports cars before an encounter with God changed everything. Sam Hailes sat down with Claud to hear his testimony in full.
You can also read Claud's story here.
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Find out more in Claud's book From Guns to God (SPCK)
]]>Journalist-priest Giles Fraser talks to Justin Brierley about his conversion, ministry, change of politics and new memoir ‘Chosen’ which tells the story of his spiral into depression after resigning from his ‘dream job’ at St Paul’s Cathedral, and how he found healing through reconnecting with his Jewish ancestry.
Read this interview: https://www.premierchristianity.com/giles-fraser-how-the-journalist-priest-discovered-his-jewish-roots/5507.article
For ‘Chosen’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chosen-Found-between-Christianity-Judaism/dp/0241003261
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]]>Chrissie Chevasutt battled gender dysphoria for decades. They explain how a dramatic encounter with the Holy Spirit during a transgender dressing appointment changed everything.
Read their story in full here.
For an alternative perspective on transgender, see here.
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]]>Emma Fowle speaks to the Executive Director of Elim, Olivia Amartey. In this in-depth interview, Olivia talks about losing her father to Covid, how she has never let her race or gender hold her back and what it looks like to steward a national organisation well.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for only £1
]]>When a bullet tore through Taylor Schumann's left hand on an otherwise average afternoon at New River Community College in Virginia, it changed everything. In the split-second moment of the shooting, and the long work of healing and trauma recovery that followed, her beliefs about gun reform and the role of the church in the USA's historic and future violence were irreversibly altered. She speaks to Premier Rachel Matthews about the events, and how she came to forgive her attacker, as explained in her new book When thoughts and prayers are not enough.
In part two Justin Brierley meets Mark Vernon, author of Dante’s Divine Comedy: A guide for the spiritual journey. As Italy marks the 700th anniversary of Dante’s death this month, the pair discuss the medieval writer’s literary and spiritual legacy.
For Taylor Schumann: taylorschumann.com
For Mark Vernon: markvernon.com/books/dantes-divine-comedy-book
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]]>Dr. Michael Guillen is a former Harvard physics instructor and Emmy award-winning News Science editor. He talks to Justin Brierley about his new book ‘Believing is Seeing’ which tells the story of his journey from atheism to Christianity via science, and why everyone needs to examine their own worldview.
For ‘Believing is Seeing’ by Dr Michael Guillen: https://michaelguillen.com/
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]]>Rachel Matthews meets the five time world record holding Paralympian Stef Reid. In this in depth interview, Stef talks about the accident which changed her life and how her perspective on what it means to be a Christian has matured over time.
Read her story in full here
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]]>Imagine if terrorists hijacked a plane and flew it into an American city. What if that led to the US President attempting to overthrow Saddam Hussein's Iraq. This was premise of Joel Rosenberg's first novel - and it was written months before the September 11th attacks took place. The astonishing story of how Rosenberg appeared to have predicted geo-political events led to a huge amount of media. In the 20 years since, Rosenberg has written many more books - both fiction and non fiction - all with the aim of helping Christians to understand the times we live in. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Joel explains how he came to Christ from a Jewish background and why the landscape of the Middle East is changing so dramatically - a subject he unpacks in his new book Enemies and Allies. The pair also discuss Israel, Bible prophecy and the current situation in Afghanistan.
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]]>Lindz West may be best known as the energetic frontman of Christian dance band LZ7, but he is also a passionate evangelist with a heart for taking the gospel to the hardest to reach young people. In this week’s The Profile, he talks honestly to Premier Christianity’s Emma Fowle about growing up on Billy Graham tent revivals, why he walked away from Jesus as a teenager and how he was drawn back to God through music and miracle stories.
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]]>It's a double bill this week! Jackie Hill Perry is an American Christian speaker, author and poet who’s widely known for being raw, open and honest about her sexuality. Jackie, who says she remembers being same-sex attracted from a young age, now uses her Christian ministry to share God’s work in bringing her out of a homosexual lifestyle, which she also detailed in her first book Gay Girl, Good God.
In an in-depth interview with Premier Christian News journalist Tola Mbakwe, Jackie talks about her journey to faith, the backlash she gets for sharing her testimony, her thoughts on conversion therapy, motherhood and what she calls cringeworthy moments of ‘Baby Christian Jackie’. But don’t be mistaken, Jackie brings more to the table than discussions on sexuality and the Church. We delved deep into the topic of holiness. What makes someone holy? Do church denominations differ in the way they respect God’s holiness? What does holiness even mean? Despite having a laid-back, and easy-going personality, what’s clear from this interview is Jackie is a very deep-thinker and is a student of the Bible. Jackie and Tola discussed all things holiness as revealed in her brand new book Holier Than Thou.
Plus, in part two, Cassandra meets the British evangelist Daniel Chand to hear about his testimony, and talk about his 'Tent Revival' ministry.
]]>The Mayor of Bristol found himself in an awkward position last summer. Marvin Rees was visibly delighted that the statue of slave trader Edward Colston, which had stood in the city centre for 125 years, had been torn down by Black Lives Matter protestors and thrown into the harbour. But given his position as mayor, he also told reporters he could not condone criminal damage. When I put this disparity to the 49-year-old, he shrugs. “Yeah, absolutely, but we live in a complicated world, and sometimes two things can be true at the same time.” Rees has learned to embrace complexity and paradox, especially when it comes to his faith. He became a Christian aged ten at an evangelical crusade, and was taught “certainty is the mark of faith” at university. In this in depth interview he explains how his faith has changed over time and why Jesus' parable of the talents is inspiring him to work for change in Bristol and beyond.
You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now FOR JUST £1/month
]]>Sarah Kroger's life dramatically changed when she encountered God at a youth conference. Today, she describes her calling has helping others to understand that they too can have a personal relationship with Jesus. In this in-depth conversation with Premier's Rachel Matthews, the Nashville-based worship leader opens up about her testimony, music and songwriting career.
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Sohrab Ahmari grew up in Iran before becoming an atheist as a teenager after moving to the USA. An adult convert to Catholicism, he is a widely-published journalist and social commentator in the US. He talks to Justin Brierley about his new book ‘The Unbroken Thread: Discovering the Wisdom of Tradition in an Age of Chaos’.
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Jeff Lucas is a popular Bible teacher, speaker and author. He's been a regular columnist for Premier Christianity for over 20 years. But what makes him tick? How did his Christian journey begin? And where does his trademark humour come from? In this in depth interview, Jeff opens up about a range of topics including understanding God's guidance, why he finds prayer so difficult, his new book Singing in Babylon, and why he's still hopeful about the future of the UK Church.
Read Jeff Lucas' columns in every issue of Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £3.95/month
]]>2 guests are featured this week on The Profile speaking to Justin Brierley and Ruth Jackson:
Jon Yates is Executive Director of the Youth Endowment Fund and author of ‘Fractured: Why our societies are coming apart and how to put them back together again’
Sam Chan is an Australian evangelist and author of ‘How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy)’
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]]>There is an honesty about Christine Caine that is rare in high-profile leaders. When the bestselling author, internationally acclaimed speaker and leader of multiple international organisations appears Zoom, she is straight off the treadmill, laughing and apologising for her appearance in a sorry-not-sorry way that epitomises her no-nonsense attitude. “I cannot be made up like I am for television for everything I do, or I will never have a life!” she says. “So here I am! I want to share my life, not a filtered life.” In both her writing and speaking, no topic is off-limits – whether it is the sexual abuse she suffered as a child, finding out that she was adopted in her 30s, battling thyroid cancer in her 40s, or the panic attacks that she started to experience in her 50s. It was this last experience, she says, which prompted the writing of her latest book How Did I Get Here? Finding your way back to God when everything is pulling you away (Nelson). In this in-depth interview, this self described "old school revivalist" explains the importance of staying connected to Jesus.
Read this interview in the new issue of Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £3.95/month
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Rachel Pieh Jones grew up in the USA but has spent most of her adult life in the Horn of Africa. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Rachel explains how meeting and living alongside Muslims radically changed her perception of them. Now based in Djibouti, where almost everyone is a Muslim, Rachel says she's experienced remarkable hospitality, even as she's experienced what it's like to live as a minority, and a stranger in a foreign land. Her new book Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus is available now.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £3.95/month
]]>Veteran broadcaster Patrick Forbes talks to Justin Brierley about his varied life and ministry, which includes seafaring, clowning and being a parish priest, as related in his new autobiography ‘A Roomful of Elephants: My first eighty years in the church’.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
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The CEO of Mercy UK explains how miraculous financial provision has allowed them to run a residential home for vulnerable young women. In the 15 years since the house in West Yorkshire opened, more than 320 young women have been through the residential discipleship programme, with 82 per cent of residents testifying afterwards: “My life was transformed.” In this interview with Premier Christianity's Emma Fowle, the pair discuss how the home was founded and what Arianna has learned in the process.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £3.95/month
]]>It has taken the Northern Irish collective a few years to realise it, but they're more of a ministry than a band. That's according to Gareth and Ali Gilkerson, the husband and wife duo who are founding members of the popular worship group Rend Collective. In this in depth interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, the couple talk about their decision to preach the Gospel at every gig, why Covid-19 has affected the band's finances and how criticism and online trolling hasn't dampened their passion for church unity.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £3.95/month
]]>Richard Stearns was President of World Vision USA for 20 years. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, he talks about his unexpected calling into the ministry and how he felt completely unprepared and ill-equipped for the role. "I knew nothing about poverty and I remember saying 'Lord I don't know what to do'. It was almost like the Lord said to me 'that's exactly where I want you - dependent on me." Richard also explains how he was able to generate millions of dollars in fundraising for the charity, why Donald Trump's "rhetoric" around refugees has hurt their work and the various challenges which Covid-19 has brought. Richard says the many good news stories about the reduction in poverty are "too often untold". For example, the number of children dying from preventable causes has halved in the past 25 years he says, explaining that he believes charities need to broadcast their successes as much as their pleas for support.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>The Archbishop of York is an evangelist. Speaking about the Thy Kingdom Come prayer initiative, he says, "We all long, of course, to share our faith.” A significant proportion of the 38 books he’s authored are either about mission and evangelism or, in the case of his newest title, Dear England (Hodder & Stoughton), are aimed at those who don’t yet share his faith. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity's editor, Archbishop Stephen shares his own life story, and explains how he's "longing" to bring "evangelistic renewal" to the Church of England.
You can also read this interview in the latest edition of Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>Scientist Rosalind Picard speaks to Ruth Jackson about her faith journey from atheism, how she has used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create life-saving technology and where she sees the future of AI. She also shares her thoughts about working in science as both a Christian and female, as well as how we can help people to meet God in the midst of suffering.
Watch Professor Rosalind Picard discuss Artificial Intelligence and whether new technology removes the need for God with Professor Nick Bostrom on the Big Conversation https://www.thebigconversation.show/aiandtechnology
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>Apologist Clare Williams, who is one of the speakers at the upcoming Unbelievable? conference, speaks to Ruth Jackson about some of the big questions young black people face. Clare spent over ten years working as a teacher before training in apologetics and uses her experience to help provide Generation Z (those born after mid-90s) with answers to some of life’s toughest objections about the Christian faith.
To listen to more of Clare, join us at the online Unbelievable? conference on Saturday 15th May https://www.unbelievable.live.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>As a much in-demand actor, David Oyelowo OBE can’t say ‘yes’ to every film he’s offered. So how does he decide which projects to take on? His answer is simple: “As a Christian, I don’t really do films that don’t have some kind of message to them.” In this interview with Sam Hailes, David explains how God became real to him, what it was like playing Martin Luther King Jr in Selma and why he wishes British Christians would be more up front about their faith. In part two, Justin Brierley meets Mark Clark, pastor of The Village Church, Vancouver. He talks about his conversion to Christianity through reading the Bible, why he gave up academic dreams to become a pastor, and about his new book ‘The Problem of Jesus: Answering a Skeptic's Challenges to the Scandal of Jesus’.
Read the interview with David Oyelowo now in Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>Gospel heavy weight Fred Hammond is well known for his extensive music catalogue, but he's been quietly honing his writing and stage directing skills for almost two decades. Now his virtual play "Surviving Williams" is set to reach a global audience. In this interview with Premier's Muyiwa, Hammond says his greatest gift is the anointing to help people. “I love to see people grow. I love pouring into folk…I’m a coach." Hammond was pivotal in launching the careers of Marvin Sapp, Christina Bell and Israel Houghton and continues to take new talent under his wings. During this conversation, Hammond also reflects on his divorce and even opens up about his most embarassing experience in music to date. Sharing his secret to bouncing back from rejection, Hammond quotes Isaiah 40:31 – “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,” adding that the definition of patience, is the ability to remain the same while you wait.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>The author of In the Shadow of the Shahs spoke to Ruth Jackson about being raised as a Persian Muslim in Europe, the Iranian revolution and how she discovered Jesus.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>Gospel’s most celebrated female artist Cece Winans, is set to release her brand-new project Believe for it next week. In this interview with Premier's Muyiwa, Winans shares her heart for the project saying: “I want to ignite faith in the people of God. It’s time for us to release our faith for the impossible.” In part two, Ibe catches up with the American actor and comedian Kel Mitchell, and finds out how the actor has been able to maintain a strong Christian faith, even while working in Hollywood.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>The pastor, preacher, writer and broadcaster speaks to Premier’s Andy Peck about his humble start in a Scottish mining town, and pastoring a number of churches with the Salvation Army. This included a spell in California and an appearance on ITV’s Jeremy Kyle Show to give a Christian angle in the heat of a debate about the ethics of same-sex relations. He says: “in the middle, was me trying to explain to the studio audience and the ITV audience that Christianity and total insanity, we're not related terms!”
His heart to reach the many who aren’t aware of the Gospel led to his writing novels for the mass market and his lifelong enthusiasm for radio is behind his delight at presenting on Premier Christian Radio’s on Friday mornings. At 74 years of age, he’s still exercising daily and has the enthusiasm of a 20 year-old.
]]>The multi-award-wining singer and actress with millions of social media followers spoke to Ruth Jackson about Hamiliton, how she came to faith and clinging to God through tough times.
You can read more about Rachelle An Go in the February issue of Premier Christianity magazine https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2021/February-2021/Rachelle-Ann-Go-How-the-musical-theatre-superstar-became-a-Christian
]]>The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>Award–winning conservation expert Dr Simon Stuart is the newly-appointed Executive Director of the leading Christian conservation charity Arocha International.
He talks to Justin Brierley about the tragic death of leading members of Arocha in a road accident in South Africa in 2019, and his own life as a Christian at the cutting edge of researching wildlife conservation.
For Arocha International: https://www.arocha.org
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>Skip Heitzig, pastor of Calvary Church in Albuquerque and author of the new book ‘Biography of God’ joins Justin Brierley.
They chat about Skip’s journey of faith, pastoring a megachurch through a pandemic, and his new book which aims to show sceptics, saints and seekers the true character of the biblical God.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
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The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
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The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
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The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>It was a prophetic word given at Soul Survivor which inspired Gemma Hunt to pursue a career in the media. In this in depth interview with Premier's Ruth Jackson, Gemma opens up about her fascinating career, how a poor relationship choice affected her faith and why 'being silly' is the key to working well with children. In part two, Premier's Simon Tuck sits down with the MOBO award winning artist Faith Child to talk about his music, and how he's coped following his father passing away from Covid-19 earlier this year. The rapper also reveals his influences and tells stories about how his music has changed people's lives for the better.
You can also read our interview with Gemma Hunt in the latest issue of Premier Christianity magazine.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>The Big Daddy Weave frontman Mike Weaver speaks to Premier's Simon Tuck about his life and faith, and how God has sustained him and the rest of the band through hard times and illness. Mike's brother Jay who plays bass in the band nearly died in 2016, and had to be rushed to hospital where he had both feet amputated. The band are one of the most popular Christian groups in the world right now. And in this interview, Mike reflects on his childhood, upbringing and the lessons God is teaching him.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
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Following the news that Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks has passed away at the age of 72, we are re-airing this interview with him. The former chief rabbi and winner of the 2016 Templeton Prize spoke to Justin Brierley about Jewishness, Jesus and Richard Dawkins.
]]>Jonathan Viera has performed across the globe in a variety of roles and musical styles from Mozart through to John Adams. He's also well known in the Christian community for his Christian and gospel albums. In this interview with Premier's Simon Tuck, Jonathan chats about his upbringing in the Plymouth Brethren, how his faith has developed over time and his recent health struggles. Speaking from experience, he also says many church leaders need to stop worrying about their sermons and start prioritising pastoral care. Reflecting on his long, varied and successful career, he says, "Someone like me doesn't normally end up in opera...I remember standing in Downing Street thinking my father could never have conceived of this". But fame comes and goes, and he says it's something he's learned to hold onto lightly.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>It's a double bill of The Profile this week as Premier's Simon Tuck sits down with two Christian music stars. Chris Eaton has written many classic songs including Sir Cliff Richard's 'Saviour Day' and Amy Grant's 'Breath of Heaven'. In part two, Simon meets the Gospel star Jekalyn Carr to find out more about her early rise to prominence, at just the age of 11, and the story behind her songs, including her 2016 hit single 'You're bigger'.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>The legendary guitarist and Christian singer-songwriter Bryn Haworth has released over 20 albums and toured the length and breadth of the UK over the course of his four-decade-long career. In this interview with Premier's Simon Tuck, Bryn tells the story of how he and his wife Sally were saved out of a classic 1960s 'sex, drugs and rock and roll' lifestyle and into what became known as the 'Jesus movement'. He also talks about his prison ministry, how Covid-19 has effected him and perhaps most importantly, what snacks he'd take on a road trip.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>It could be argued X Factor launched his career, but Jahmene doesn't share that perspective. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, the singer explains why he wouldn't recommend the show to upcoming singers. He also opens up about the horrific abuse he received as a child, and how God revealed himself in the midst of his pain. He also talks about his determination to stay true to himself - and his faith - even when faced with outside pressures, including that of past record labels he was associated with. Having released his first Gospel EP independently, which includes hit song 'Father to the Fatherless', Jahmene is feeling confident in who he is. But citing what he calls the "politricks" inside churches, he believes God is calling him "outside of the church".
You can also read this interview in the latest issue of Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month
]]>He might be one of America’s biggest entertainers, but life hasn’t always been rosy for the larger-than-life celebrity. Steve Harvey says his rags to riches story is entirely down to the grace of God. In this exclusive interview with Premier's Muyiwa, Harvey describes quitting his job in pursuit of a career in stand-up comedy as a “leap of faith”. It landed him homeless for three years, living in his car, travelling the length and breadth of the USA searching for gigs. Eventually his big break came. But success is a double-edged sword, and it would take him down a path away from the values of his childhood. It was many years before he rediscovered that the God he'd turned his back on was waiting with open arms.
You can also read this interview in the latest issue of Premier Christianity magazine
]]>Northern Irish worship leader Robin Mark is the writer of much-loved worship songs 'Days of Elijah', 'Revival' and 'Take us to the river'. In this look back on his career with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Robin explains his songwriting process and reflects on whether or not his longing for revival in Belfast has been fulfilled. The pair also discuss the remarkable moment we're living in, with singing in churches banned due to Covid-19. And listen out for the exclusive on Robin's forthcoming album, available later this year...
The Profile is brought to you in association with the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe to Premier Christianity now for only £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe/
]]>Iona has represented Great Britain in speed skiing and holds the title of Ladies British Overseas Champion and New Zealand Ladies Champion. She successfully represented Ireland in the World Equestrian Games and the World Championships. But despite medals and acclaim she always felt something was missing,
In this in-depth interview, Iona shares some of her greatest challenges - including a horrific ski injury that changed the course of her life - and describes how she met Jesus one day in her kitchen. The Profile is brought to you in association with the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe to Premier Christianity now for only £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe/
]]>Leroy Logan is a Christian, a black man and a police officer. And he sees no contradiction between any of these aspects of his identity. The former superintendent played a significant role in the Metropolitan police, which he served in for 30 years. He is a former chair of the Black Police Association and was involved in the investigation of the murder of Damilola Taylor. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Leroy explains how despite his father being attacked by the police, he was resolute in following his calling. He also reveals how his wife leaving him kickstarted his journey to faith and an experience of being 'born again'. Part of his life story is due to feature in an upcoming BBC One film 'Small Axe' where John Boyega (Star Wars, Pacific Rim, Attack The Block) will play Leroy.
The Profile is brought to you in association with the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe to Premier Christianity now for only £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe/
]]>Ari Sorko-Ram has had a varied life and career which has included working as a professional Rugby player in France, an actor in Hollywood and a church leader in Israel. In this in depth interview with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes, Ari explains the theology behind Messianic Judaism and takes on popular and sometimes controversial misconceptions about Israel and the Bible. The founder of charity Maoz Israel is adamant that “all Israel will be saved”, as stated in Romans 11. In explaining his interpretation of this verse, Ari also comments on the state of the Church in Israel today, and explains why he is a supporter of both Jews and Arabs in the land.
The Profile is brought to you in association with the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe to Premier Christianity now for only £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe/
]]>Damian Stayne is a healing minister in the Catholic Church. He is the founder and the leader of Cor et Lumen Christi, which aims to equip fellow Catholics in supernatural ministry. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity's Megan Cornwell, Damian shares his remarkable testimony, comments on deliverance ministry, healing and other miraculous and supernatural events he's personally witnessed.
The Profile is brought to you in association with the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe to Premier Christianity now for only £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe/
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The American pastor's new and much-praised book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry is out now. And you can get it FREE when you subscribe to Premier Christianity magazine. To celebrate this great offer, we're replaying our in depth interview with John Mark, which covers the themes of the book, plus how he's reaching one of America's most secular cities.
You can also read this interview at premierchristianity.com
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You can also read this interview at premierchristianity.com
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe to the magazine now for only £4.95/month
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The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
]]>Ken Costa is part of the leadership team at Holy Trinity Brompton and has had a career in banking and finance. In this interview first broadcast in 2016 he talks about growing up in apartheid South Africa, his Christian conversion and his recent book ‘Know Your Why’
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
]]>On this week’s show, Premier’s Maria Rodriguez speaks to Sam Robertson from the Glasgow Prophetic Centre about the unusual supernatural encounters he’s experienced during times of prayer ministry. In the second part of the show, Cara Bentley interviews the shadow faiths minister Janet Daby MP about her testimony.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
]]>Dr Francis Collins is a renowned geneticist who directs the National Institutes of Health in the USA, at the forefront of finding a vaccine for Covid-19.
He was recently awarded the Templeton Prize. In this interview he speaks to Justin Brierley about how he came to faith and answers a variety of questions on evolution, Christianity and atheism.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
]]>Church leader Eric Gaudion endured one of the most painful conditions known to humanity for 22 years. He was admitted to hospital more than 100 times and went through 30 surgeries before a groundbreaking transplant gave him his life back. In this interview with Sam Hailes, Eric explains how his suffering effected his relationship with God, opens up about the serious mental battle which accompanied his illness and comments on how the coronavirus lockdown has reminded church leaders of the importance of caring for the chronically unwell and long term sick in their congregations.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine.
]]>In this week’s episode, church planter and author Pete Hughes talks to Sam Hailes about coronavirus, racism, ministering to millennials and Gen Z in London and why and how the church he leads in Kings Cross has grown. The figures - 40 congregants to 700 in a ten year period - have impressed many, but Pete is up front about the challenges as much as the highpoints. One of his passions is helping Christians understand the big picture of God’s story. His debut book All Things New is designed to communicate “God’s burning desire is to bring restoration to every sphere of society.” And in a tongue in cheek reference to his brother’s song, Pete believes heaven won’t involve sitting on a cloud and singing ‘Here I am to Worship’. There’s something much better in store for us, he says.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. [premierchristianity.com/subscribe] Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
]]>Rich Wilson is passionate about raising up the next generation of students who love Jesus, and then unleashing them on the world. In this in-depth interview he shares his own journey to faith and reveals some of the remarkable things God has done along the way.
]]>Paul S Williams is CEO of Bible Society, which for 200 years has sought to bring the Bible alive to every man, woman and child.
He shares how he was dramatically brought back to faith as a student at Oxford University before going on to work in financial analysis in the UK.
He has held research and teaching positions in Canada on the theology of the marketplace and leadership.
His latest book is ‘Exiles on Mission: How Christians can thrive in a post-Christian world’.
https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/products/9781587434358/
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
]]>It’s a double bill of The Profile podcast this week. Rachel Matthews is in conversation with bestselling author and founder of Messengers International, Lisa Bevere. In part two Claire Musters interviews Rev Anthony Thompson who lost his wife in the Charleston Church massacre five years ago.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. [premierchristianity.com/subscribe] Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
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Dr Rowan Williams is hoping to move back to Wales. “I don’t know exactly when it will be possible” he tells Catherine Larner, “but I still hope to be back by late autumn. I’m waiting to see what lies ahead, but I’m not looking to fill the diary. I’m hoping there may be an opportunity to loosen up and unclutter slightly...I can dream!” To return to Wales would bring things back full circle. It’s where he grew up and where, as a bishop, spent the happiest years of his life. A poet, a theologian and the former Archbishop of Canterbury (2002–12), Dr Williams has been the Master of Magdalene College Cambridge for much of the past decade, inhabiting a vast 1960s red-brick property on the edge of the city centre. Life is busy with numerous responsibilities but it’s stimulating and sociable and follows a rhythm of life, he says. Each day incorporates morning and evening prayer, a time of silence, meetings, work and time with family and friends or colleagues. In this wide-ranging interview, Dr Williams opens up about past mistakes, comments on the frenetic pace of life facing many, and explains how the Rule of St Benedict can help us.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
]]>Nigel Ipinson-Fleming is a Gospel artist, keyboard player and music producer with a history playing in bands such as Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and The Stone Roses.
First broadcast in 2016, in this interview he chats with Muyiwa Olarewaju about his life, music and journey of faith.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
]]>In this week’s show, Rachel Matthews meets the five time world record holding Paralympian Stef Reid. In this in depth interview, Stef talks about the accident which changed her life and how her perspective on what it means to be a Christian has matured over time.
Read her story in full here
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
]]>It’s a double bill of The Profile podcast this week. Premier’s John Pantry is in conversation with the much loved Christian singer-songwriter Marilyn Baker, while our head of news sits down with the former Finish deputy Prime Minister (and larger than life character) Timo Soini.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. [premierchristianity.com/subscribe] Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
]]>It's not often that you put indie-rock star and third-generation church leader in the same sentence, but there's nothing kosher about the way Kings Kaleidoscope's Chad Gardner works, not, at least when it comes to creating worship music. In a desperate search for 'realness' in faith and following deep personal reflection on his battle with his mental health, Seattle-based front-man Chad (and his band of friends) released their fifth studio album, Zeal - a controversial mixtape of hip-hop beats, head-swinging guitar riffs and an 'f bomb-ing' prayer that ultimately encapsulates the honest ups and down of one man rediscovering child-like faith.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
]]>David Bennett’s testimony doesn’t fit into any neat categories. His story of going from an atheist gay rights activist to born again evangelical Christian is far from straightforward. It involves a homophobic attack, prophetic words and searching for meaning in the New Age movement. Elements of his story will shock his fellow members of the LGBT community, not least his decision to lead a celibate lifestyle and “give up” his sexuality. But David’s message is also deeply challenging to Christians, not least his views on what ‘Church as family’ really means, and his willingness to still identify as LGBT. All of this means, that in the conversations which have followed the release of his autobiography A War of Loves, David has learned to follow the advice of eminent theologian Tom Wright and “have tea with his enemies”.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
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Recorded at the very beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, Rhidian Brook speaks to Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes about Godbothering – Rhidian’s new book which collates some of his best musings as first broadcast on BBC Radio 4’s Thought For The Day. The author and broadcaster explains his dramatic conversion, how his faith has matured over time and recalls an awkward moment which involved him preaching on public transport.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for only £4.95/month
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Known as ‘Napalm Girl’, Kim Phuc is recognised globally as the nine-year-old running from a napalm attack during the Vietnam War. The image was recently voted the most iconic photo of all time. In this in depth interview with Premier’s Jess Lester, Kim shares her remarkable story of how she came
]]>Justin Brierley speaks to church leaders, evangelists and authors from lockdown in their homes about what the Coronavirus means for them, their ministry and the church.
Evangelist JJohn talks about faith instead of fear in the storm, RT Kendall believes God is trying to get our attention, Rob Parsons reflects on how to make lockdown work for families and Philip Yancey reflect on God’s purposes in the crisis.
]]>Will van der Hart is a pastoral chaplain at Holy Trinity Brompton, London and a director of The Mind And Soul Foundation.
Since struggling with anxiety following his experience of the 7/7 London bombings Will has worked at the forefront of helping Christians and the church to understand and engage mental health issues.
He speaks to Justin Brierley about his life and ministry and how Christians who suffer from anxiety and depression can maintain a positive outlook during the Coronavirus quarantine.
]]>Andrew Brunson is a American pastor who lived in Turkey for more than 20 years as a missionary with his wife.
He was imprisoned for two years on what religious freedom campaigners say were bogus terrorism-related charges including leading Turkey’s failed 2016 coup and being the head of the CIA for the Middle East.
His detainment drew international attention from world leaders including Donald Trump. The US president even put sanctions on Turkey, demanding that it set Brunson free.
Tola Mbakwe, journalist at Premier Christian News, interviewed Brunson a little over a year after his release.
He opened up about his harrowing experience in Turkish prisons, what it was like to be used as a political bargaining chip, and also the experience of having a massive prayer movement centred on him, ultimately strengthening his weakened faith and leading to his freedom.
]]>“How do we bring enemies together?” That’s the question which has dominated much of Canon Andrew White’s ministry. For many years he was the only Anglican vicar in Baghdad, staying there throughout the most recent Iraq war. He only left when the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby told him: “You’re more use to us alive than dead, Andrew”. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes, Canon Andrew opens up about his early life, his ongoing health issues and why he’s been investigated twice by the Charity Commission.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Working in Nigeria as a medical missionary, David and his wife Shirley thought they were safe. “That was an illusion,” David now says. On 13 October 2017 the couple were awakened by a pounding on the door. The power lines had been cut as a gang stormed the compound and kidnapped them along with Alanna Carson and Ian Squire. Soon afterwards, Ian was shot dead. In this interview with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes, David explains how the other three Christians survived the ordeal, why the Bible was “fundamental” to their survival, and what the traumatic experience taught him about God’s sovereignty.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Nims Obunge loves an acronym. Hope stands for “Helping Other People Excel”, while Dream means “Develop Real Examples and Mentors”, he says. As a preacher and pastor, Nims is passionate about motivating his people to live for God and make a difference in their communities. His Christian roots are evident. He talks about growing up in the context of 6am family prayer meetings and how he’s gone onto lead Freedom’s Ark church in north London. Best known for founding The Peace Alliance and working at various levels of society including working with the police to tackle gun crime and helping to rehabilitate prisoners, Nims isn’t a stranger to the world of politics and public service. And he’s unfazed by the suggestion that independent candidates like him are at a disadvantage. Speaking of the upcoming election on 7 May he says, “I know I can win”.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Listen to our interview with the Conservative candidate Shaun Bailey here. Premier is approaching the other candidates with interview requests.
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‘Open the Eyes of My Heart’ has been sung by millions of Christians across the globe. Writer Paul Baloche, who has also penned many other hit worship songs including ‘Hosanna’ and ‘Our God Saves’, never expected his music to travel as much as it has. Ahead of the release of his new record Behold Him, Paul talks about the tension found in promoting his own music (admitting the publicity side is his “least favourite part” of the album making process). He also talks about the importance of discipleship and mentoring, and explains his philosophy of giving other Christians the benefit of the doubt, or in his words, ‘a grace pass’.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>When God told Nona Jones to quit her job, she was shocked. But minutes after she handed in her notice, Facebook called. They were offering her the chance to become the company’s head of global faith partnerships. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes, Nona explains what the role involves and how she’s helping churches get the most out of social media. She also opens up about the trauma and abuse she suffered as a child, how she was able to forgive and move on, and why perfectionism and untamed ambition can be so dangerous. Nona, who is on first names terms with Mark Zuckerberg, also gives her views on parents allowing children to have their own smartphone at a young age, and responds to accusations that Facebook has been limiting freedom of speech on its platform.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>In this bonus edition of The Profile podcast, Marcus Jones interviews the controversial evangelist Franklin Graham ahead of his planned UK tour. The son of the late great Billy Graham is due to visit eight cities across the country but has been dealt a number of blows as all eight venues have canceled his booking, citing the division that his appearance would cause. In this interview, Franklin responds to recent criticisms, says he’s determined the tour will still go ahead and offers an apology to those in the LGBT community who have been offended by his previous remarks.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy visit premierchristianity.com
]]>Peter Lynas joined the Evangelical Alliance weeks after CEO Gavin Calver told this programme the organisation needed to be “braver”. Is moving a former barrister into this public-facing role part of a new strategy for the 170 year old organisation? In this in-depth interview, Peter talks about the need for more thoughtful Christian voices in the public sphere on hot topic issues such as abortion, sexuality and transgender, why he doesn’t believe Christians in the UK are persecuted and how shrinking the Gospel down to “Jesus loves you” is “borderline heresy”. Peter also shares some of his own story, how he’s a ‘thinker’ more than a ‘feeler’ and why our culture’s craving for identity, relationships and purpose is such promising news for the UK Church.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Noël Tredinnick tells Justin Brierley about his life and work in musical ministry, leading the All Souls Choir and Orchestra and Prom Praise musical celebrations for several decades.
Following his 70th birthday he talks about handing the All Souls conductor baton on to others, and his life and passion for music and Jesus, including some musical extracts from Prom Praise down the years.
https://www.allsoulsmusic.org/about/noel-tredinnick/
You can hear Noël every Sunday on Premier Christian Radio https://www.premierchristianradio.com/Shows/Sunday/All-Souls-in-Praise/Episodes
]]>Will Torrent eats chocolate for breakfast. He recommends the practice. “Your taste buds are ready to have something exciting!” he says. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity’s editor Sam Hailes, the award-winning chef shares his remarkable testimony, recalls his experiences working in Heston Blumenthal’s kitchen and explains why he’s so fascinated by bananas. He also talks about his recent trip to Ivory Coast with Tearfund and how he’s become more involved in the leadership of his local church.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Having grown up as a Christian in Iran, Katia Adams is deeply aware of the persecution which many Christians are facing around the world. In this interview with Claire Musters, Katia explains how her Grandparents witnessed a revival in their Iranian home and how her parents have since witnessed 300,000 Muslims becoming Christians over the past three decades. For Katia, living the Christian life means being radical, and she has no problem referring to herself as “crazy”. In more recent years, the co-director of Frequentsee has felt called by God to write a book on the subject of men and women in the Church. The complementarian vs egalitarian debate often rages, including in the Newfrontiers network of churches that Katia has been a part of. But while theologians continue to argue, Katia is concerned the stakes are high, and the Church must learn to speak with one voice on this important topic. She remembers being told by a fellow Christian, that for her to preach would be an act of disobedience to God. That led her to research what the Bible really says on the subject. “I was probably in my mid 20s when I decided I had to settle this issue,” she remembers. “I said to God ‘I don’t want to live in rebellion. If you’re telling me that I’m not to do what I thought I was made for then I want to follow that.’”
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
You can also read this interview in the January and February issues of Premier Woman Alive.
]]>In this week’s show Megan Cornwell sits down with veteran missionary Simon Guillebaud to hear about the miraculous ways God has protected him and his family during decades of missionary work in what was once the most dangerous nation on earth. Guillebaud describes how God brought 164,000 people to faith through his ministry and why he believes Christians in the UK can be blind to the spiritual war going on around them. He shares extraordinary conversion stories as well as a personal insight into how God called him into long-term evangelistic ministry.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>In this week’s show Sam Hailes sits down the Conservative candidate for the 2020 London Mayoral election, Shaun Bailey. Although he grew up in a Christian family, Bailey soon turned his back on the Christian faith. In this interview he explains what brought him back, how Christians can be a force for good in politics and why his 20+ years of experience in youth work has prepared him for his political career.
We will also be publishing interviews with other candidates standing for election in 2020 in the coming weeks.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>In this week’s show Sam Hailes sits down with the San Francisco-based author and activist Mark Scandrette to talk about a whole host of issues which centre around spiritual formation, the gospel and whether we need to re-think the way we do Church. Mark’s own process of theological deconstruction began when his best friend fell asleep part-way through one of Mark’s sermons! Today, this prophetic teacher’s great passion is to move Christians away from an information-based way of thinking about faith, to a much more practical expression which involves not just assenting to correct doctrinal beliefs, but modelling their day to day life on Jesus himself. Mark believes this way of living, which takes the Sermon on the Mount seriously, can radically change a person’s life, and free them from worry and anxiety.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>In this week’s show Cara Bentley delves into the life and faith of the outspoken and at times controversial politician, Ann Widdecombe. When Widdecombe last spoke to Premier ten years ago, she was approaching the end of her career as an MP, looking forward to retirement on the south coast, and hoping a peerage would be on the horizon. She talked about her lifelong allegiance to the Conservative Party and assured us she would never go on Big Brother “and certainly not Strictly Come Dancing”. Well, life is full of surprises and a lot has changed over the past decade. She’s no longer retired, and after 55 years in the party, she isn’t a Conservative either, having moved to Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party. Despite vowing never to go on Big Brother or Strictly, she’s since thrown herself into both! Listen to the interview now to hear the conversation in full.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>On this week’s show, Rev Nadim Nassar, the Church of England’s only Syrian priest, talks to Megan Cornwell about growing up in Syria and the constant threats to his life which led him to a deep sense of trust in Jesus and to his calling as a peacebuilder. He shares stories of the Syrian Muslim experiencing profound visions of Christ in the war-torn country at the moment and he shares a strident message for the CofE’s leaders, whom he says have failed “to step up their challenge to the government” and end the conflict in his home country.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>On this week’s show, Mark Sayers, the pastor of Red Church in Melbourne, Australia talks to Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes about his life and ministry. Mark speaks on a variety of topics related to church and culture, including his own experience of failed church plants, the dangers of “digital capitalism” and his definition of revival as ‘renewal gone viral’. He also opens up about his own mental health struggles and shares a touching story of how waking up to graffiti plastered across his church building one Easter Sunday led to an unexpected moment of Christian unity.
Follow Mark on Twitter @sayersmark
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
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It’s a double bill this week. The Nashville based country star Josh Turner talks to Premier’s Simon Tuck about his music career, and why faith matters to him more than anything. Then in part two, Maria Rodriguez meets co-author of The Bible of the Year, Pippa Gumbel.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>On this week’s show, Ortis Deley talks to Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes about his Christian upbringing, why he doesn’t go to church anymore and the ups and downs of a career in broadcasting. Ortis is best known for previously fronting the BBC’s flagship morning show Live & Kicking, and today presenting The Gadget Show on Channel 5. In this in-depth interview, he answers questions on young people, technology and opens up about how a blunder on live TV almost cost him his career.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Andrew Peterson’s biggest struggle is believing the truth that God loves him. Not because God isn’t loving, he explains, but because “I’m not lovable”. It’s a surprising admission from a man who has sold thousands of records and tours internationally. In this in depth interview with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes, Andrew opens up about a variety of topics, including his battle with depression, why community is so important to him, and his reflections following the ‘Is he worthy?’ music video controversy. Speaking during the first ever Hutchmoot gathering in Oxford, Andrew also recalls growing up in the “troubled culture” of the American South, how his faith has matured over time and why he recently became a bee-keeper.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>During a recent visit to London, Shane Claiborne met with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes to discuss a number of issues close to his heart. Claiborne is well known as a social activist, author and campaigner who has long advocated for nonviolence and simple living. Recalling his formative experience working with Mother Theresa, Claiborne speaks about the importance of loving the person in front of you and following Jesus in everything. He is part of a movement know as Red Letter Christians, who emphasise the words of Jesus printed in red in some Bibles. The co-founder of that movement Tony Campolo recently had a change of heart on same-sex marriage. Has Shane been on a similar journey? And does he really think the problems of gun violence in the US and knife crime in the UK can be overcome?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7JLQOH8fRQ&feature=youtu.be
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>On this week’s show, the founder of The Message talks to Megan Cornwell about his life and ministry. Andy Hawthorne OBE was previously a member of the band The Worldwide Message Tribe, and has been involved in evangelistic efforts for over 25 years. In this in-depth interview, Andy explains why he believes the UK Church needs to do a better job at raising up evangelists, and comments on how 2020 is set to be a significant year for anyone passionate about sharing the gospel.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>As his long-running Premier Christianity column draws to a close, Rob Parsons chats to editor Sam Hailes about his ministry with Care for the Family, the disruptive nature of technology and the power of vulnerability. The former lawyer has sold thousands of books, including The Sixty Minute Father and The Money Secret, and is known as an expert on family issues, but he’s as friendly, relatable and down to earth as he has ever been. In this interview the 71 year old reflects on life growing up in rural Wales, the importance of honesty and vulnerability, why he often feels like a “rubbish Christians” and what the future holds for him.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
You can also read this interview in the latest issue of the magazine.
]]>On day three of his new job as CEO of the UK’s oldest and largest evangelical unity movement, Gavin Calver met Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes to discuss his vision for the organisation to become ‘braver’ and ‘kinder’. The pair also talked about secularisation, LGBT issues, social media, revival, the death of nominalism, whether or not preachers should talk about Brexit and why a global view of Christianity should fill us with hope.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>The actor best known for his portrayal of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot talks to Premier’s Justin Brierley about his faith. David Suchet, CBE was converted after reading Romans 8 in a hotel room Bible. In this in-depth interview he reveals what it’s like to be a Christian in the worlds of stage and screen, why he’s not a very good evangelist and what it was like to record an audio version of the entire Bible.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Simon Thomas seemingly had it all. A successful and enviable career in TV, a loving family and a strong Christian faith. Then at quarter to six on Friday 24 November 2017, his world fell apart. Thomas was “utterly convinced” that his wife, Gemma, would be OK when she was first taken ill. But just three days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, the 40-year-old passed away. Simon was devastated. His prayers for healing had gone unanswered, and he was now faced with breaking the news to the couple’s eight-year-old son, Ethan. As the days, weeks and months rolled by, Thomas would process much of his grief in public; writing raw and honest blogs and producing heartbreaking YouTube videos, often about how he was trying his best to support his son. In this in-depth interview, he opens up to Premier’s Marcus Jones about faith, unanswered prayer and his confidence that death is not the end.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing is a leading evangelist and apologist who is senior vice president with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. She talks to Justin Brierley about how her family converted to Christ, doing evangelism from a young age, confronting liberal Bible scholars at Oxford University, taking Bibles to the Taliban, and why her husband is called Frog.
Amy and other speakers will be helping young people to wrestle with big questions about faith at Reboot in London on Sat 21 Sep 2019 https://www.rebootglobal.org/
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now and get 2x FREE tickets to Ligonier’s The Light of the World Conference (worth £118!). premierchristianity.com/subscribe
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Sam Hailes meets the well-known theologian and minister Sinclair Ferguson on this week’s show. Sinclair is Chancellor's Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in the US, and an assistant minister at St. Peter's Free Church of Scotland in Dundee. In this in depth interview he explains how he was called into ministry and shares lessons learned over many decades of teaching the Bible in both academic and local church contexts.
Dr Ferguson will be one of the speakers at Ligonier Ministries’ The Light of the World conference in London. Get 2 FREE tickets (worth £118) to the event when you subscribe to Premier Christianity magazine. Visit premierchristianity.com/subscribe
]]>It’s a double bill on The Profile this week. Megan Cornwell meets Mim Skinner, the author of Jailbirds: a book about women’s prisons, while in part two, Sam Hailes talks Steve Maltz, a Christian author best known for his teaching on the Hebraic roots of Christianity.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Request a free copy at premierchristianity.com
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Megan Cornwell meets Bernard Hibbs from The Bruderhof – a Christian community where all possessions are shared, faith sits at the centre of daily life and crime is non-existent. In part two, the Bishop of Burnley Philip North talks about his work in the Church of England and his desire to take the Gospel to the UK’s most deprived areas.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. To find out more about The Bruderhof, read Megan Cornwell’s feature
]]>On this week’s show, Megan Cornwell sits down with comedian Bec Hill, who is currently performing at Edinburgh Fringe. Born in Australia but now based in London, Bec Hill’s one liners have been featured in The Telegraph, The Guardian and Buzzfeed. She is best known for incorporating arts and crafts into her stand-up routines (which she describes as “paper-puppetry”). In this interview she explains how despite losing faith in some of the church contexts she’s experienced, her belief in Jesus has survived. She also explains why it’s harder to be a woman on the comedy circuit than it is a Christian.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. To request a free sample copy visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>On this week’s show, Tim Farron tells Sam Hailes how reading books on prophecy and apologetics played a key part in his decision to become a Christian. Farron also comments on how the “trials and tribulations” he experienced while leading the Liberal Democrats have enabled him to be more open about his faith.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. You can read this interview in the latest edition. To request a free sample copy visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
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On this week’s show, the national leader of New Wine sits down with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes. Paul Harcourt explains how encountering the Holy Spirit at an early age dramatically altered his relationship with God and allowed him to “let go” of an over-reliance on his ability to rationally explain his faith. As New Wine marks 30 years of summer conferences, Paul also reveals exactly how the name ‘New Wine’ came about (it’s not what you think). He also explains why he believes the UK Church could be on the cusp of a new move of the Spirit and comments on how the event has changed its approach when it comes to booking well known speakers.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. To request a free sample copy of the latest print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
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There are people walking the streets today who were formerly on death row in Uganda. Alexander Mclean is the man who has helped win their freedom. The founder of African Prisons Project, is a lawyer, humanitarian and award winning philanthropist who has long been passionate about setting the captives free. In this interview with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes, Alexander – a “prisoner by choice” – shares more about his life, faith and work.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. To request a free sample copy of the latest print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
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The co-founder of Christian charity CARE reflects on a lifetime of campaigning in this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes. Lyndon Bowring may not have changed his mind on the fundamental issues, but the way he talks about difficult and often divisive subjects has. The 71-year-old has long been an Elim minister and prolific teacher and still describes himself as an evangelist. But he’s also been a bridge builder working for unity among Christians, often behind the scenes. In this interview, Lyndon talks about his upbringing in Wales, how CARE was birthed out of the Nationwide Festival of Light and what the future holds both for him and the ministry he founded.
You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine. To request a free sample copy of the latest print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Pastor and founder of Power The Fight, Ben Linsday, shares his faith journey with Ruth Jackson and talks about his work with at-risk young people in South London. He offers advice about what the Church can do to curb the rise in youth violence. Ben challenges Christians to think about diversity and looks at the impact of racism on communities. He also share some parenting stories. Ben’s book We Need To Talk About Race (SPCK) is out now.
Folow Ben on Twitter @BCWLindsay
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. To request a free sample copy of the latest print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Kojo Anim talks to LadyT about his time on Britain’s Got Talent, why he did the show, getting the golden buzzer from Simon Cowell and why that moment changed everything. He also talks about being broke, homeless, in foster care and the impact that had on his life growing up.
Kojo will be on a national tour from 6th Feb 2020. Tickets available here - http://www.kojoanim.co.uk/
Follow Kojo on IG & Twitter @kojoanimlive
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. To request a free sample copy of the latest print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Natalie Collins is a Gender Justice Specialist who works with Christian organisations and others to educate them on gender equality and the abuse of women. Collins was in an abusive marriage herself and gave birth to her second child prematurely after her ex-husband attacked her.
In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity’s Megan Cornwell she explains how Christian purity culture led to her marrying her abuser.
Collins shares her thoughts on the barriers to gender equality in churches and describes how it’s possible to be a Christian and a feminist when it comes to complex ethical issues such as abortion.
Collins’ new book Out of Control: Couples, Conflict and the Capacity for Change (SPCK) is out now.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianitymagazine. To request a free sample copy of the latest print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Pete Portal tells Justin Brierley his conversion story (involving a fight in a takeaway restaurant) and what that led him to establish a Christian rehab community in one of South Africa’s most infamous ghettoes. Pete shares the joys, struggles, miracles and heartache of ministering to and living with Muslim gang members and drug addicts. Pete’s book No Neutral Ground (Hodder & Stoughton) is out now .
Folow Pete on Twitter @Pete_Portal
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. To request a free sample copy of the latest print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
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The Rev Dr Clifford Hill is a sociologist, theologian and founder of the magazine Prophecy Today. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes, Dr Hill recalls his early life and explains how he was called to ministry at the tender age of 12, with his preaching ministry beginning soon afterwards. “What I preached in those day I don’t know, I shudder to think!” he quips. The founder of Issachar Ministries also opens up about his work in the inner-city areas of London, and explains why prophecy should focus on “forthtelling” the Word of God rather than “foretelling” the future. In commenting on some of the biggest issues facing us today (including Brexit and family breakdown) he says it is “not sufficient” for church leaders to “just teach the Bible, or to speak about the love of God. We have to understand what’s happening in society today in order to be really effective with the gospel”. Dr Hill is the author of over 30 books on a range of subjects. His most recent work is entitled The Reshaping of Britain (Wilberforce Publications) and is out now.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. To request a free sample copy of the latest print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Long before Rachel Treweek shattered the so-called stained-glass ceiling by becoming the first female diocesan bishop in the Church of England, she was challenging the status quo. As a young girl growing up in leafy Hertfordshire, the church she attended – a local traditional Anglican parish – had an all-male robed choir. With a keen sense of her own worth and talents, she asked the priest if she could join, and the rest, as they say, is history. Quite literally, in the bishop’s case, as she went on to become the first woman clergy to sit in the House of Lords years later. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity’s deputy editor Megan Cornwell, Bishop Rachel explains how she became a Christian, and what a calling to ministry looked like for her. She also comments on some of the more tricky issues facing the Church of England including divisions over gay marriage and how to handle transgender issues.
You can also read this interview in the latest issue of Premier Christianity magazine. To request a free sample copy of the latest print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Rev Dr David Hilborn has spent most of his career working in theological education. The current principal of Moorlands college was previously principal of St John’s College, Nottingham and also played an influential role in the beginnings of St Mellitus College, now one of the largest training colleges in the Anglican Church worldwide. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes, David shares his life story, which has included pastoral ministry in local churches, working for the Evangelical Alliance and switching denominations from the United Reformed Church to the Church of England. He also comments on the current Brexit divisions, and expresses his “frustration” with Christian leaders who preach sermons which are disconnected from the scriptures.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. To request a free sample copy of the latest print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Jonathon Douglass (aka ‘JD’) has been making music with Hillsong United since the very beginning. What began as a church youth band based in Sydney, Australia has become a global phenomenon. Hillsong United have led worship in some of the world’s biggest stadiums, and their songs (‘Oceans’, ‘So Will I’, ‘Hosanna’) are sung by churches on every continent. At the end of May, the band released their 14th live album, entitled People. In this interview with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes, JD explains how the release was inspired in part by a sense of nostalgia as the band reflected on the early days of making music. JD also claims that despite Australia being a “secular nation”, the church is “on the rise” and suggests he’s witnessing “the early days of a fresh revival”.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. To request a free sample copy of the latest print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>In November 2015, RC Sproul Jr woke up in a hospital bed and discovered he’d been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Not only was it the worst day of his life, but it was also, paradoxically, one of the best. “It shattered any façade or capacity to pretend I’m better than I really was” he explains. But it wasn’t the first time he’d found himself in the Christian press for all the wrong reasons. A year earlier, it was revealed RC had accessed a website dedicated to promoting extra-marital affairs. At the time, he released a statement explaining he’d signed up in “a moment of weakness”, but hadn’t committed adultery. Nevertheless, these moral failings begged the question: should RC step back from writing Christian books, leading Bible studies or even tweeting? Many have answered ‘yes’, and RC has a large number of critics, especially online. In this in depth interview with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes, RC opens up about his sin and takes full responsibility for his mistakes. He also answers tough questions on what (if anything) should disqualify a person from ministry and what repentance and restoration really look like.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. To request a free sample copy of the latest print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Andrea Williams, 53, is intense, driven and uncompromising. She often refers to Jesus as “the Lord Jesus Christ” and believes Christians have been “ashamed of the gospel” for too long. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity’s editor Sam Hailes, she does not mince her words, as she challenges Christians to be bolder in speaking up for the truth. The founder of Christian Concern also defends her political and legal work and opens up about her recent battle with cancer. Williams believes Christians have become too worried about how the world views us. “We are so concerned about our Twitter feeds”, she says. “You know we are so concerned about appearing to welcome, to reflect the culture, as opposed to contend and set the culture, which is what of our forefathers did when they took the Gospel to other nations.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTyg5QlijIM
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Click here to read the online version of this interview, or to request a free sample copy of the latest print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Is there such a thing as a Calvinist comedy writer? Yes, there is! And his name is James Cary. The 42 year old self professing sit-com geek has worked on the BBC’s Miranda, My Family and Bluestone 42. He’s written plays including A Monk’s Tale and most recently A Turbulent Priest. He is also member of the Church of England’s general synod. In this in-depth conversation with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes, James opens up about his early life, gives his view on whether Jesus was funny and challenges Christians to put more effort into the public reading of scripture. “We’re not firing blanks here, when we’re reading the scriptures. It is a sharp sword” he says. He also comments on issues relating to free speech and wades into the ‘should Christians watch Game of Thrones’ controversy.
Follow James on Twitter @sitcomgeek
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Premier’s Lady T meets the woman who has been dubbed “Britain’s godmother of gospel". Karen Gibson is the founder and director of The Kingdom Choir, which is best known for performing ‘Stand by Me’ at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In this in depth conversation, Karen shares her story and recounts what it was like to be involved in such a momentous occasion.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Premier’s Ian Britton sits down with the Christian author and international speaker Simon Ponsonby on this week’s show. Growing up, Simon was aware of a strong spiritual heritage and can remember attending Exclusive Brethren church services. Later in life, he “lost the plot” and turned away from God. “My most intense prayers were the girls I’d slept with wouldn’t get pregnant”, he remembers. In this in-depth interview, Simon reveals how a series of “God incidents” led to an “immediate transformation” in his life. Today, Simon is passionate about teaching on the centrality of the cross and the Gospel.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Click here to read Simon Ponsonby’s Letter to the UK Church in Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Imagine authoring a book that sells millions of copies around the world. Then imagine receiving messages, years later, from people who say they were deeply damaged and hurt by your work. What would you do? Joshua Harris was just 21 when I Kissed Dating Goodbye was released. His book warned that dating could cause irreparable emotional damage. The solution was to embrace courtship – where couples pursue friendship before romance, and parents are given permission to offer advice and help guide the relationship. Harris also advocated for strict boundaries within this: no kissing, no holding hands and no being alone together before you tie the knot. Perhaps most famously, he recommended only beginning a relationship with someone if you could picture yourself marrying them in the near future. Now, he’s apologising for writing it and is the subject of a new documentary film entitled I Survived I Kissed Dating Goodbye. The film, which is available to watch free online, sees Harris sitting down with his fiercest critics and listening to their stories. Having heard their testimonies, Harris has now decided to withdraw his book from sale. In this in depth interview with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes, he explains what made him re-evaluate the work, and what he’s learned in the process.
Follow Joshua on Twiter @Harris_Josh
You can also read this interview on the Premier Christianity magazine website. Or for a free sample copy of the latest print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Dr Phil Fernandes is Senior Pastor of Trinity Bible Fellowship and president of the Institute of Biblical Defense. As a Christian apologist, he has engaged in debates with sceptics across the USA for decades.
In this edition of the show he sits down with Justin Brierley for a live audience conversation at Quilcene Bible Church.
GET THE PODCAST - via iTunes or Podbean
Listen to more of Dr Phil Fernandes at Sermonaudio.com
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>In part one of this week’s show, Premier Christian Radio’s Rachel Adebiyi meets Casey J, the Atlanta-born gospel singer best known for her hit song "Fill Me Up". She talks about her heart for serving other Christians and why this comes before other labels such as “artist”. She also reveals why she’s nervous about releasing her second album The Gathering. In part two, Sam Hailes meets three of the people behind the brand new History Channel docudrama Jesus: His Life which begins on Easter Sunday at 9pm. Greg Garrett, the actor who plays Jesus, explains his excitement at the opportunity to play “the most famous person in history”, while executive producer Ben Goold and bestselling author and historian Simon Sebag Montefiore reflect on how the story of Christ has shaped Western civilisation.
Follow Casey J on Twiter @Caseyjmusic
Simon Sebag Montefiore - @simonmontefiore
Greg Barnett - @_gregbarnett
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>It’s a double bill of The Profile this week. In part one, YCW’s Ruth Jackson interviews Dan & Jo Watson, the youth and young adults pastors at Hillsong Church UK. They speak openly about the challenges of ministering together as a husband and wife, where the line is between publicly talking about struggles and leading well and why Hillsong has attracted so many young people. In part two, Sam Hailes sits down with Mark Taylor, the president of Tyndale House – the largest privately owned Christian publisher in the world, responsible for publishing Left Behind, The Living Bible and many other popular titles. The pair discuss the challenges of Christian publishing in the age of the internet, how decisions are made on which authors to publish and how Tyndale are helping to make the Bible available to people around the world who don’t speak English.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>In his early years as a marriage counselor, Dr Gary Chapman noticed how couples would voice similar complaints regarding their marriage. One would say, "I feel like he doesn’t love me." The other would protest, "I don’t know what else to do! I’m doing everything I should be doing." Recognising a pattern, Dr Chapman asked himself, “When someone said, ‘I feel like my spouse doesn’t love me,’ what do they actually want?” Surprisingly, their answers fell into five categories, revealing a unique approach in how to effectively love another person. The result is a discovery of the 5 love languages - a concept which has helped millions of people across the world. On a recent trip to the UK, Dr Chapman sat down with Sam Hailes, editor of Premier Christianity magazine to explain what these languages are and how understanding them can help couples, parents and singles. Dr Chapman also unpacks his own background working as a pastor in the USA, and comments on what lessons the Church can learn from the current #MeToo moment.
Follow Gary on Twitter @DrGaryChapman
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
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Brian Broderson is the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa in California. He speaks to Justin Brierley about his conversion as a young surfer dude and his ministry with wife Cheryl in the USA, UK and Eastern Europe. After his father-in-law Chuck Smith (the founder of Calvary Chapel) passed away in 2013, Brian took over leadership of the flagship church in Costa Mesa and the Calvary Chapel Network. Brian speaks about the joys and challenges of leadership transition and following in Chuck’s footsteps.
Follow Brian on Twitter @BrianBrodersen
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue, which features an interview with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>The 105th Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby took office nearly six years ago. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Church of England after becoming a Priest in his late 30s. His appointment as Archbishop married his strategic skills as a former oil executive with a full bodied faith, nurtured as a member of Holy Trinity Brompton, one of the UK's leading charismatic evangelical churches. Since taking office, Welby hasn't been afraid to wade into the political ring, even addressing the Trades Union Congress last year. Welby says its not his place to be party political, but Jesus wasn't afraid to speak out on politics. On Brexit, the Archbishop has argued the burden of proof is on those arguing for 'no deal', "to show it will not harm the poorest and most vulnerable." In this in-depth interview, Justin Brierley hears more from Justin Welby on issues relating to sexuality, prayer, evangelism and more.
In the second part of today's show, Sam Hailes sits down with the founder of Hope for Justice, Ben Cooley. The author of Impossible is a Dare tells the story of how he booked the NEC arena in Birmingham at the age of 26, with no organisational or financial backing. The reason? Cooley had become obsessed by the issue of modern day slavery and was determined to end it. What began as an awareness-raising opportunity is now a fully fledged organisation, operating all over the world. And the former opera singer is still convinced the evil of human trafficking can be stopped. His work has taken him all over the world, and his book has been endorsed by the Prime Minister Theresa May, but Cooley says the "pinch yourself" moments aren't when he's rubbing shoulders with powerful or influential leaders, but when he witnesses victims being rescued.
Follow Justin Welby on Twitter @JustinWelby
Follow Ben Cooley on Twitter @BenCooley
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue, which features an interview with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Life completely changed for Simon Edwards in September 2009 when he became a Christian in his prison cell. Up until then, he had been in and out of prison, caught up in burglary, drug dealing and violence. He had received threats to his life from drug gangs. His crimes culminated in a life sentence, with a minimum of six years, for armed robbery. At his lowest point he attempted suicide, but then found himself locked up with a Christian cellmate, whose influence led Simon to faith. Upon leaving prison, Simon set up Walk Ministries, a Christian organisation based in Stoke On Trent which helps released prisoners to develop a new life. Premier's central correspondent Rachel Matthews hears the full story
Follow Simon on Twitter @JESUSWALK52
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue, which features an interview with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
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Music can go to a lot of places where the preachers can't go. That's one of the things Tim Jupp discovered while touring the world as part of the band Delirious? Whether he was playing in front of the Pope, or touring Asia with Joyce Meyer, Tim was able to interact with Christians of all backgrounds and denominations. In this in-depth interview, he reminisces about his 17 years playing keyboards in the world's biggest Christian band and explains how that chapter of his life came to a close. Today, he's the founder and pioneer of Big Church Day Out (BCDO) - the largest Christian festival in the UK, which is held annually in Sussex. Going from a musician to a festival organiser might sound like a dramatic change of career, but Tim believes that Delirious and BCDO share the "same DNA" - a love for music, a passion for unity and the unique ability to bring tens of thousands of Christians together in one place for the purpose of worshipping Jesus.
Big Church Day Out will take place 25-26 May 2019 at Wiston House, West Sussex. To find out more and book tickets visit bigchurchdayout.com
Follow Big Church Day Out on Twitter @bigchurchdayout
]]>Francis Chan left his thriving US megachurch, turned his back on the fame that ministry had brought him and moved his family to a developing country. But whatever you do, don’t call him a radical. Sam Hailes hears the full story.
Read this interview in the latest issue of Premier Christianity magazine. Request a free copy
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Dr John Dickson is an Australian Bible scholar, Anglican minister and writer. He is the founder of The Centre for Public Christianity (CPX) in Australia and the author of books such as The Doubters Guide to Jesus. He tells Justin Brierley about how he found faith, life in an an evangelistic rock band, helping Hillsong write their song 'The Creed', making the case for Jesus to sceptics, and his new film documentary For the Love of God: How the Church is Better and Worse Than You Ever Imagined.
Follow John on Twitter @johnpauldickson
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue, which features an interview with Francis Chan, visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
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It's a double bill on The Profile this week. In the first part of the show, Premier's Eno Adeogun sits down with Don Moen - the writer of many classic worship songs including 'God will make a way', 'Give thanks' and 'Our Father'. The pastor, producer and former president of Integrity Music explains how in his early ministry, he would play 1,000 concerts a year. This relentless touring schedule continued for over a decade as he spend time working with Terry Law ministries. "After that I never took Don Moen so seriously anymore," he explains, "because the rough edges got knocked off".
In the second part of this week's show, Premier's political editor Martyn Eden meets Dame Caroline Spelman MP. The Conservative Member of Parliament for Meriden has long been up front about her Christian faith. In this interview, Dame Caroline explains how she somewhat reluctantly pursued a career in politics. She also responds to recent calls to end the practice of Parliamentary Prayers, and gives her view on the current Brexit debates.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianitymagazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue, which features an interview with Francis Chan, visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
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Phil Loose is the managing director of one of the biggest Christian music labels in the world. In this in-depth interview, the managing director of Integrity Europe shares what he's learned from working as a church leader, a session musician and most recently, a record label boss. Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes puts a selection of tricky questions to Phil including, "Why do some worship songs travel around the world, and others don't?", "Is it true that worship songs all sound the same?" and "Is there money to be made from Christian music?" Drawing on his experiences working for a variety of organisations including Spring Harvest, ICC Studios and Kingsway, Phil also explains why he believes Christian musicians need to be given permission to "play brilliantly and not feel bad about it".
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the latest issue, which features an interview with Francis Chan, visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
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Jackie Pullinger’s classic autobiography Chasing the Dragon remains a best-seller among evangelicals, despite being released more than 30 years ago. It tells the story of how this plucky young woman from Croydon boarded a ship with nothing but a £10 note and a prayer that God would show her where to get off. When the boat pulled into Hong Kong in 1966, God ordered her to disembark and Pullinger the missionary obeyed. In this rare interview, the 74 year old missionary opens up about her lifetime of service, which has included seeing drug addicts set free through praying in tongues, what she's learned and why she won't be retiring anytime soon.
You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine
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]]>It's a double bill of The Profile this week. In the first part of today's show, Alex Williams interviews Jack Philips about the much-discussed 'gay cake' case. The Colorado baker cited religious reasons when declining to make a cake for a gay couple. He was taken to court over the decision and the case reached the USA's supreme court, where Phillips won. In this interview, the Christian opens up about the legal proceedings he's endured and the toll its taken on him.
In the second part of today's show, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III shares his reflections on church unity, the political situation in Jerusalem and discusses his own personal faith story with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes. His Most Godly Beatitude visited Premier Christian Radio's studios shortly after his meetings with Prince Charles and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, both of whom have a keen interest in the plight of Christians in the Middle East.
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US Messianic Jew, author and radio host Michael Brown joins Justin Brierley to tell his conversion story in a wide ranging interview covering the hot-button issues Michael engages in. As a Jewish kid into rock music, Michael became addicted to hard drugs, but had a radical conversion to Christ. Today he debates with Jews and LGBT proponents, defends Charismatic Christianity, runs a popular broadcast ministry and has written a new book Donald Trump is not my saviour: An evangelical leader speaks his mind about the man he supports as president
Follow Michael on Twitter @DrMichaelLBrown
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"I'll punch your face in, mate". That's what Mez Mcconnell said to a fellow student while he was at Bible college. "I guess the guys weren't ready for that kind of discourse," he says, looking back. Mez was involved in violent crime from the age of 14. He committed fraud, spent time in prison and describes his teenage years as "manic" and "wild". So when he became a Christian, a lot had to change. It didn't happen overnight, and Mez laughs at the idea its all been plain sailing since (see the aforementioned Bible college altercation). "I thought church was for pansies" he remembers. But as he read the book of Romans, he was convicted of his own sin, realising he couldn't blame his difficult past or upbringing for the life he was now living. Mez is often outspoken on issues relating to class and Christianity, describing evangelicalism as "unbelievable elitist". He also claims prominent church leaders have ignored what he's had to say, dismissing him as having a chip on his shoulder. And when it comes to fundraising for his organisation 20schemes - which plants churches on Scottish housing estates - he says "no one in England or Scotland" would give him money, so he's decided to fundraise in the USA instead. In this wide-ranging conversation with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Mez delves into all these issues and more.
Follow Mez on Twitter @mez1972
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]]>You know you’re famous when you have a Wikipedia page, and Tim Alford's band achieved that (and more!). The four-piece Christian rock band known as [dweeb] was founded by Tim in 2002 and after nine years of success, including multiple EPs, albums and tours - in both the Christian and mainstream worlds - they split. Tim has since gone on to do schools work, and has become the head of Limitless, the youth wing of the Elim church in the UK. He spoke with Emily Howarth, deputy editor of Premier Youth and Children’s Work about the highs and lows of touring Europe, what he's learned about preaching and what happened when BBC Three paired his old band with a sleaze punk group called Paparazzi Whore.
Follow Tim on Twitter @timdweeb
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Many Christians are wary of engaging with anything remotely spooky, but Baptist minister Rev Peter Laws takes a different approach. Born with "the spooky gene", Peter is fascinated by the macabre. From his early life before coming to faith, to his time as a youth worker and now ordained minister, Peter has always been interested in Halloween, witches, ghosts and horror films. In his conversation with Premier Youth and Children's Work editor Ruth Jackson, Peter explains he has "a healthy level of scepticism" toward some elements of the paranormal. He also argues that Christians need to take a more measured approach to some of the spooky topics we've typically avoided.
Follow Peter on Twitter @revpeterlaws
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]]>Don't assume a generation can only be touched through walking into a Church building. That's Martin Smith's message in this in-depth interview. The former Delirious? frontman is more convinced than ever that God can work miracles through the music that's played in pubs and clubs (and the Almighty isn't reliant on that music carrying a 'Christian' label in order for him to work supernaturally). The writer of worship classics such as 'Did you feel the mountains tremble?', 'Majesty' and 'Lord you have my heart' opens up about a variety of subjects, including how travelling to third world nations changed the direction of his music. He also expresses concern that a consumerism mentality might be skewing how some young people view church services. Smith has sat through hundreds of media interviews over the course of his career, but as well as us asking the questions he's probably heard before ("Will Delirious? ever get back together?"), we also manage to put one question to Martin Smith that he's never been asked before...
Follow Martin Smith on Twitter @MartinSmithTV
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For more than three decades Rick Warren has been an incredibly influential Christian leader in the USA. Saddleback Church, planted from scratch by a 26-year-old Warren and his wife Kay in 1980, quickly grew in size as the fledgling pastor’s down-to-earth sermons drew increasingly large crowds. Today more than 20,000 people attend weekend services at the multi-site church in Orange County, California. Warren is also the author of the best-selling Christian book. Ever. The Purpose Driven Life has sold more than 30 million copies since its publication in 2002 and is the second most translated book in the world after the Bible. But in 2013 tragedy struck the Warren household as the couple's son Matthew, who had long battled depression, took his own life. In this interview with Premier's Justin Brierley, Warren opens up about how these events have impacted his faith.
Click here to read the written version of this interview in Premier Christianity magazine
Follow Rick Warren on Twitter @RickWarren
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]]>The writer of one of the bestselling works of Christian fiction of all time drops by the studio this week for a chat with Claire Musters. Redeeming Love has sold millions of copies and been translated into over 28 languages. Francine Rivers has won countless awards for her writing, but many of them are in a cupboard in her garage! "In the Christian world we shouldn't be raising one above the other", she says. In this in depth interview, Francine also opens up about her writing process and explains why she believes Christian works of fiction should always point the reader back to scripture.
Click here to read the written version of this interview in Premier Christianity magazine
Follow Francine Rivers on Twitter @FrancineRivers
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What would you say if a member of the Trump family asked you to put together an evangelical advisory board for the then presidential candidate? This was position Johnnie Moore found himself in. The long-time religious freedom campaigner decided to fulfil the request, but with certain caveats. In this interview he gives Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes all the details. Moore was visiting the UK partly to address a group of 37,000 Muslims (he believes Christians should care about religious freedom for all). Moore also explains how witnessing Christians in India take a 'Martyr's oath' had a profound effect on him: "I felt like I was standing in the book of Acts. These Christians were willing to die for a faith that I struggled so hard to live".
In the second part of today's show, Andrew Haslam drops in for a chat about church planting in London. Andrew began his ministry working alongside his father Greg Haslam at Westminster Chapel, a church which is famous for its previous leaders, including Martyn Lloyd-Jones and RT Kendall. But sensing a call from God, Andrew left that congregation in 2014 to plant Grace Church London. In this interview he explains why growing up in a pastor's home was a privilege rather than a burden, talks about why he felt drawn to the Waterloo area of London, and describes how the capital needs "thousands more churches".
Follow Johnnie Moore on Twitter @JohnnieM
Follow Andrew Haslam on Twitter @AAHaslam
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]]>Meet the man who turned up three hours late to his first date with his now wife, says he "crashed and burned" at university and had to endure 12 failed attempts at church planting. Tim Matthews is remarkably up front about the moments in his life which haven't gone to plan. But behind these tales is a much larger story of God's faithfulness. In 2014, the former accountant moved his family from London to Bournemouth to take on St Swithun's church. What began with a small team of just 11 adults is now a thriving church, regularly gathering 600 people on a Sunday. In this in depth interview, Tim recalls many of the highs and lows of his church planting experience with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes. For more from Tim, see his new book LOVE CHURCH: Join the adventure of hope (Hodder & Stoughton)
Follow Tim on Twitter @timjmatthews
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]]>Christians need to rediscover their heritage of creating, not complaining. That's according to David Stroud, the senior leader of Christ Church London. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, the pastor, who has been leading churches for over 25 years, explains his vision for the "spiritual, social and cultural renewal" of London and beyond.
David is married to Baroness Stroud and believes that while there isn't one single "Christian perspective" on Brexit or welfare, Christians should be engaged politically. One of his biggest passions is cultural renewal and he founded the Everything Conference in order to equip Christians to work toward the flourishing of their communities.
Explaining how the Church is growing faster in London than anywhere else in the UK, Stroud says there are good reasons to be optimistic about the future. But he's also aware that culture has changed dramatically in recent years, arguing we shouldn't assume people have much background understanding of Christianity.
In this in depth and wide ranging conversation, David also recalls the formative experience of ministering in Hong Kong alongside Jackie Pullinger and explains the reasons why Christ Church London is no longer affiliated with the Newfrontiers network. Finally, he describes social media as both a "hugely powerful thing we've unleashed", and something we haven't fully comprehended. It's led to a moment of "incredible opportunity" and "incredible danger" for society, he says.
Follow David on Twitter @MrDavidStroud
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For more information about the Everything conference visit everythingconference.org
]]>Steve Uppal is the pastor of All Nations, a growing multicultural church in Wolverhampton, and the author of ‘Rousing The Warriors’.
He tells Justin Brierley the story of his parents’ radical conversion from a Sikh background to Christian faith and his passion for seeing revival in the UK and beyond.
]]>When Hillsong first started in the UK, they attracted around 100 people to their Sunday services. Now a whopping 14,000 people turn up every week at the church's campuses across the UK. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity's editor Sam Hailes, the leader of the church explains how he's dealt with criticism along the way. He also pushes back against the assumption that Hillsong attracts a large amount of celebrities and young people. For Gary, the growth of Hillsong London might appear impressive, but he's aware the task of sharing the gospel is a monumental one - and it will take churches of various styles and denominations: "I know we’re not the only people on the planet, we’re not the only church in the nation, we’re not the only church in the city. All I know is we’re going to play our part in believing in our heart that this nation is going to turn its heart towards God."
Click here to read Premier Christianity's cover story on how Hillsong conquered the world
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]]>Bishop Joseph D'souza is the leader of the largest growing church movement in India, the Good Shepherd Church. He's also a human rights activist for the poor and marginalised people called Dalits, also referred to as untouchables. Premier Christianity's deputy editor Megan Cornwell met Bishop Joseph on his recent visit to the UK to find out more about his organisation The Dalit Freedom Network. The Bishop also explains why Christians need to be more careful with their use of language when it comes to talking about sharing their faith in Asia.
For more information about Dalit Freedom Network visit dalitnetwork.org
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Inderjit Singh Bhogal is a leading theologian and a former President of the Methodist Conference. Originally from an Indian Sikh background, he was just 11 years old when his family moved from Nairobi to the West Midlands. There were only two Sikh temples in the UK at the time, and Inderjit's nearest place of worship was a Methodist chapel. "I arrived in this chapel and was made to feel welcome," he remembers, finding the atmosphere to be "a real contrast" with school, where life was more challenging. After finding this place of belonging, he began to read the New Testament and found himself drawn to the story of Christ. "I was particularly captivated by the way he spent most of his time sitting with those who feel on the outside. I thought if that is what God is like, I want to know him more". Inderjit is now based in Sheffield. His work in interfaith relations was recognised with an OBE in the 2005 New Year’s Honours list.
For more information on Inderjit, visit his website inderjitbhogal.com
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Spurred on by her Christian faith, Baroness Caroline Cox has spent most of her political career drawing attention to the plight of persecuted people both at home and around the world. And she hasn’t been afraid to court controversy in the process. Most recently, she has argued the UK is prolonging the war in Syria and failing to acknowledge that Islamic State is far worse than the Assad regime. Previously, while president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), she was criticised for her policy of buying slaves their freedom in Sudan. Her 2009 invitation to Dutch politician Geert Wilders to screen his anti-radical-Islam film Fitna in the House of Lords led to the home secretary refusing the far-right politician’s entry into the UK. Cox described it as a blow for free speech. In this in depth interview with Premier's Justin Brierley, the founder of Humanitarian Aid and Relief Trust (HART) recounts the highs and lows of her fascinating career so far. Her work often places her in highly dangerous situations. She's observed wars, conflicts and atrocities around the world. So does Lady Cox ever feel afraid? "Yes," she responds, "I get scared stiff. But I love the phrase: 'Courage is a fear that has said its prayers.'"
For more information on Baronness Cox, visit her website baronesscox.com
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John Stevens is the national director of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), a family of 600 local churches who are "united by the gospel and by a common purpose". In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity's editor Sam Hailes, John explains how he first came to Christ and how early on in his Christian life, thought he might be ordained in the Anglican church. As time went on, John came to the realisation he "wasn't an Anglican". As well as explaining the theological and doctrinal reasons for this, he also clears away some common misconceptions regarding what FIEC believes and stands for. According to John, the spiritual situation in the UK is "desperate" with "no more than 3% of the British population" being "Born-again Christians". When challenged that other statistics show 11% of the country attends church, John argues that attending church doesn't make you a Christian, and that in his view, some churches are not remaining faithful to biblical instructions on topics such as same sex relationships. Looking ahead, he says evangelical Christians need to have a greater impact outside of London and the south east, and plant more churches in deprived and multi-ethnic contexts.
Follow John on Twitter @_JohnStevens. For more information on FIEC visit fiec.org.uk
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Some of Rachel Gardner’s first words during this one-hour conversation were a warning. “I’m going to bring plenty of sass to this interview.” She didn’t disappoint. Adjectives such as ‘bubbly’, ‘gregarious’ or ‘extroverted’ somehow feel insufficient when it comes to the president of Girls’ Brigade England & Wales. Sassy is a much better descriptor. Whether preaching, writing or campaigning, Rachel combines her determined, driven nature with dollops of grace and compassion.
Follow Rachel on Twitter @rachelgardnerRA
You can also read this interview in the latest edition of Premier Christianity magazine. Request a free copy here.
]]>Sarah Corbett is a professional activist, author and the founder of Craftivist Collective, a social enterprise which combines craft and activism to engage people in social justice issues "in a quiet, non-confrontational manner." The pioneer of "gentle protest" talks to Premier Christianity's Megan Cornwell about how deliberate, thoughtful actions can provoke reflection and respectful conversation instead of the aggression and division which can often dominate the public sphere.
For more information about Craftivism visit craftivist-collective.com
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We're in Scotland for this week's episiode! Sam Hailes travelled to Refuel! - a new Christian festival in the Highlands run by The Filling Station. In the first part of the show he meets Tim Cheshire, the frontman of Christian band Superhero who is now heading up The Message Trust's work in Scotland. Speaking about his passion for mission, Tim says: "It doesn't matter how bad the state of the church is here or anywhere else. The effectiveness and the power in the message of the Gospel remains absolutely the same."
In part two, Richard Fothergill introduces The Filling Station - a new informal way of expressing the Christian faith. He also explains how God called him out of a successful career in advertising to go into church ministry and why although he was initially sceptical about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, he became convinced that prophecy, words of knowledge and speaking in tongues are all gifts from God. He also reflects on his time at Holy Trinity Brompton where he watched the Alpha course grow from a local to a global phenomenon.
For more information about The Message visit message.org.uk
For The Filling Station see thefillingstation.org.uk. For Refuel go to refuelscotland.org.uk.
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Bazil Meade has been working in the music industry for over two decades. He is the founder and principal of the world famous London Community Gospel Choir. Under his direction and tuition some of the industry’s finest gospel and RnB singers have blossomed and found successful careers. Premier Christian Radio's John Pantry sat down with Bazil to hear more of his story.
Follow Bazil on Twitter @BazilMeade
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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In 1992 John Kirkby lost virtually everything he had. Finding himself with debts of £78,000 and nowhere to turn he had hit rock bottom. But fast forward to today and the Yorkshireman's life has changed dramatically. Not only did he turn his finances around, but he met God in the process and is now the founder of the award winning debt advice charity Christians Against Poverty Premier Christianity's Megan Cornwell hears the remarkable story.
Follow John Kirkby @JohnKirkby
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>JLS were one of the biggest boybands of their day. The group rose to fame after reaching second place on ITV's X Factor and went on to sell over 10 million records. In this in depth interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, JB Gill recounts the highs and lows of his time in the band and explains how he's gone from winning BRIT awards to presenting programes about faith and farming on the BBC. The 31 year old also opens up about how, although he's always believed in God, he's found it hard to live out his faith. But now he's resolute, explaining how his Christianity is "at the centre" of his entire life and career.
Follow JB Gill @JBGill
Read the interview in the latest issue of Premier Christianity magazine. Request a free copy here
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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After many years of alcohol abuse, Emma Heath was desperately lost. A decision to go into treatment and rediscover her faith led to healing and a role helping others in recovery. Sam Hailes hears the full story.
In part two, we talk to Neil O'Boyle - the national director of British Youth for Christ. He talks about his experiences ministering all over the world and explains why the Church needs to get serious about reaching young people today.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
Follow Emma Heath on Twitter @RecoveryTwo and Neil O'Boyle @NeilOBoyleYFC
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Ken Fish, founder of Kingdom Fire Ministries tells Justin Brierley about his life story and training in supernatural healing ministry under John Wimber, the founder of the Vineyard Church. Ken now ministers around the world and says he sees supernatural miracles on weekly basis. Nevertheless he saw his friend and evangelist Nabeel Qureshi die of cancer last year, despite Ken’s prayer ministry. He shares his story, experience and theology with Justin.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
For more information about Kingdom Fire Ministries visit kingdomfireministries.org/
]]>On the first part of today's show, Alex Williams meets Petr Jasek, a Christian worker who spent 450 days in prison in Sudan for offences including spying and inciting violence against the state. Petr always denied any wrongdoing, insisting he was in Sudan to document persecution against Christians there. Ostracised by other prisoners, he was beaten and found himself sharing a cell with Islamic State fighters. Wrangling by diplomats from numerous countries eventually secured his release last year. In this interview, Petr talks about life in prison and how his faith brought him through his harrowing ordeal.
In part two of The Profile, Sam Hailes sits down with Lois Tverberg, author of new book Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus. Lois shares her story of growing up in a Lutheran family, becoming a scientist and later discovering how studying the Hebraic background and context to the Bible can make the scriptures come alive in a fresh way. Lois speaks passionately about her life's work and shares a number of insights which will help Christians understand Christ's words in the New Testament. She also shares openly about the need to avoid dangerous excesses which can sometimes be found within the Jewish Roots movement.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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Sir Colin Humphreys was knighted in 2010 for his services to science. The Cambridge scientist tells Justin Brierley about his Christian faith, how he reconciles science and faith and his intriguing work looking at the scientific explanations for Old Testament events including the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus and the sun ‘standing still’ in Joshua.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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The pastor who conducted the wedding ceremony of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian dropped into the Premier studios just after speaking at the Alpha leadership conference at the Royal Albert Hall. In this in depth interview Rich Wilkerson Jr, who pastors VOUS church in Miami, Florida shares his testimony and introduces his new book Friend of Sinners: Why Jesus cares more about relationship than perfection. He also opens up about his friendship with Kanye West and comments on the need for Christians to follow Jesus and be full of grace and truth. In responding to accusations that he's sugarcoating the gospel, Rich is clear: "Yeah I am! If the medicine gets in, the medicine gets in. I'm going to do whatever I can! That's called being a good fisherman. Last time I checked Jesus said 'I'll make you fishers of men'. What is fishing? You're putting bait on a hook!"
Read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Rich on Twitter @richwilkersonjr
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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John Lawson lived a life of crime that resulted in a prison sentence. He still thought of himself as a good person until a passage in Ezekiel changed his life forever. Sam Hailes here's the full story on this special podcast-only episode of the show.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow John on Twitter @ifwicked
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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On The Profile this week, Premier Christian Radio's John Pantry meets the co-writer of 'In Christ Alone' Keith Getty, who believes Christians are living in "the most thrilling moment in history". In this in depth interview the writer talks about life growing up, songwriting and why he 'doesn't care' about winning awards for his music.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Keith on Twitter @gettymusic
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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It's a double-bill this week as Sam Hailes sits down with David Kinnaman and Ron Matsen.
David Kinnaman is a bestselling author and president of Barna - a research company working with churches and Christian organisations. According to David's research, many people's perception of Christianity is negative, with believers often being viewed as 'extremists' by wider culture. Although he believes the dominant culture, both in the US and UK could be described as 'spiritual Babylon', David is upbeat and explains why he's hopeful about the future of the Church.
Ron Matsen is the CEO of Koinonia House (K-house) a Christian ministry founded by Chuck Missler - a much loved Bible teacher who passed away earlier this year. Ron discusses much of Chuck's teaching and legacy (including his occasional focus on aliens and the paranormal!) and explains what the next steps will be for the ministry of K House. He also shares some of his own story of attending Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa during the height of the Jesus People movement and later pastoring a small church in Portsmouth, UK.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow David on Twitter @davidkinnaman
Follow K-house on Twitter @koinoniahouse
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>Although he grew up in a Christian family, Graham Tomlin hasn't always believed in God. His teenage rebellion was a little unusual. "It wasn't sex, drugs and rock and roll," he says, "it was reading Nietzsche!" In time and through the help of Christian friends who stuck by him, he came to see the version of Christianity he'd rejected was "a childish" one. Now he's the President of the UK's largest 'vicar factory' St Mellitus, a host of the popular Christian podcast GodPod and the Bishop of Kensington. What draws these things together? His calling to explain how the Christian faith makes sense of life. Speaking one year on from the Grenfell Tower disaster, Bishop Graham also reflects on how the churches he oversees sprang into action in the hours following the fire. He also urges the media to be "responsible" as the one year anniversary draws near, pointing out how many local people are still distressed by the events of 14 June 2017.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Bishop Graham on Twitter @gtomlin
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>Lucy Peppiatt is Principal of Westminster Theological Centre. She talk to Justin Brierley about how she came to faith, being a charismatic and a theologian and her extensive work uncovering the real meaning of what Paul wrote about women and worship in 1 Corinthians.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Lucy on Twitter @lucepeppiatt
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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Andy Kind is best known for his work in the world of comedy. The award winning comedian has taken his stand-up shows to bars, clubs and churches across the country. But it seems that era might be drawing to a close. Explaining the reasons for his retirement from popular Christian summer festivals such as New Wine, Andy opens up about how he believes God is calling him to preach. This week's interview was conducted by Premier Christianity's editor Sam Hailes, who met Andy in an Eastbourne pub just hours before the comedian's stand up performance across the road at a local church. Andy would perform his stand up set that Saturday evening then preach the following morning. It's become a new pattern in his already eventful career which has seen Andy play thousands of gigs, write a number of books and even run a Christian conference centre. In opening up about past failures (and he isn't afraid to be honest, describing one project as "a big mistake"), Andy reflects on lessons learned, why Christian comedy doesn't have to be second rate and why he's "more relaxed" than ever. He even gives us an insight into what he calls his "gardening phase" and reveals the one word stand up comics can never say.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Andy on Twitter @andykindcomedy
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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The most prominent religious freedom defender for China, Bob Fu explains how he went from an atheist to being imprisoned for leading an underground church. After severe persecution for his Christian faith, Fu fled China to the United States and founded China Aid. The charity brings attention to China’s religious and human rights violations, while also providing legal help for Christians facing injustice. In this in depth interview, Fu shares harrowing stories of persecution demonstrating why the crackdown on Christians in the country is the worst it’s ever been. But he also shares testimonies of how the Church in China remains victorious as the Christian population continues to rapidly increase despite suppression.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Bob Fu on Twitter @BobFu4China
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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It's a double bill on this week's show! Claire Musters talks to the well known leadership coach and popular speaker Jo Saxton ahead of her appearance at New Wine this summer. Jo has Nigerian roots but grew up in London. She explains how she faced many battles against racist attitudes and negative stereotypes and now seeks to minister to women and “build their confidence so they can be unleashed”. In part two Sam Hailes talks to the musician and singer-songwriter Tom Read. Tom spent many years working for a church in Hong Kong. He now lives in Oxford and has released a new EP titled 'Lament'. In opening up about his own mental health struggles, Tom explains why he believes we need a diverse range of worship songs to sing in church. He also reveals how he's gone through a recent process of deconstructing his faith.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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A bumper edition of the show in which Justin Brierley speaks to four significant Christian leaders across science, theology, church and culture. Hugh Ross and Ken Samples join Justin at Unbelievable? The Conference 2018 on Sat 19 May. More info and tickets at www.premier.org.uk/justask
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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If you thought Jesus Culture was just a band then think again. It's actually a global movement with a mission to "awaken hearts to worship and demonstrate the love and power of God". In this in depth interview, the group's founder Banning Liebscher explains how Jesus Culture was birthed out of Bethel Church's youth group. When the worship band's cover of 'How He Loves' was (illegally!) uploaded to YouTube, their music suddenly went viral. Today, the band continue to release songs which impact the global Church and Banning laughs as he recalls often being mistaken for the soundguy. In sharing his message for the UK Church, he also explains why he's so optimistic about the future of Christianity in Europe.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Banning on Twitter @thebanning
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>As the daughter of Billy Graham, Anne Graham Lotz grew up in a devoutly Christian family. In this in depth interview, she tells Charmaine Noble-Mclean how her faith has grown and changed since the early days. Her late father once called her "the best preacher in the family", but Anne says she doesn't view herself as "exceptional" but aims to simply take life one day at a time.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Anne on Twitter @AGLotz
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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It's thanks to an "annoying Christian girl" who kept pestering Tim Chaddick to go to a Christian event that the now pastor is where he is. The teenager drove two hours to San Jose - a city the Los Angeles based Chaddick "hated" to see a Christian band he also "hated". But everything changed when the gospel was preached. "I was undone. I was weeping...I knew in that moment Christ had paid for all of my sins". In this in depth interview with Sam Hailes, Tim shares his testimony in full, explains why he's so committed to church planting and reflects on the differences and similarities between ministry in the USA and the UK.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Tim on Twitter @timchaddick
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>Christian pastor, teacher and scholar Dr John Andrews was enjoying what he describes as "a blessed life". The popular speaker and author was ministering across the world and pioneering churches in the UK. "You want to believe in God's blessing and prosperity and everything is going to be good," he says, adding "And we had a very blessed life." But in May 2015 everything "dramatically changed" when John's son was arrested and charged with a serious crime. In this in depth interview, John opens up about the worst moments in his family life and how God brought them through the other side. In talking about both the high points and low moments in his ministry John also answers questions about how Christians should engage with scripture, the unique challenges of pastoring small congregations and why there's a time to be honest and admit that God's plan doesn't make sense to us.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow John on Twitter @drjohnandrews
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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Sam Hailes travels to the oldest Pentecostal church building in the world to meet the Christian musician, singer-songwriter and rabble-rouser Dave Griffiths. The former pastor has recently been through a process of deconstructing his faith and questioning previously long-held doctrines. The Bournemouth-based artist has emerged more certain than ever that God's love is real and with a greater sense of his own calling. In this in-depth and wide-ranging interview Dave also charts his musical journey, including how he formed the popular Christian bands BOSH and Chaos Curb Collaboration. He also opens up about his personal struggles related to mental health, theology and the UK Church.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Dave on Twitter @davegriff
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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Thousands listen to her upbeat talks every week. But TV preacher Joyce Meyer has plenty of critics too. Maria Rodrigues met her to find out who she is off-screen.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Joyce on Twitter @JoyceMeyer
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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Justin Brierley meets the bio-ethics and future technology expert Nigel Cameron. In this in depth interview the President of the Centre for Policy on Emerging Technologies in Washington DC explains how he became a Christian and why he's written his latest book: The Robots are Coming. Nigel believes robotics and the advances of artificial intelligence provide both opportunities and challenges for modern societies. But he says rather than preferring simple issues, Christians should delve into these complicated subjects because they really matter.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Nigel on Twitter @nigelcameron
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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On The Profile this week, we meet two Christians with amazing testimonies. Kathy Gilbert was a drifter searching for meaning in the USA's hippie scene through drugs and new age beliefs. She tells Justin Brierley how she met God. In the second part of today's show, Sam Hailes meets Joseph Steinberg - chief executive of Christian Witness to Israel. Joseph explains how despite his parents telling him otherwise, he became convinced that Jesus Christ really was the Messiah.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Kathy @kathygilbert7 and Joseph's ministry on Twitter @cwisupporters
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>The US-born musician who is now part of !Audacious Manchester’s creative team, Chip Kendall speaks to Ruth Jackson about growing up in Israel, young people’s difficult questions and how music can reach people on the fringes of faith.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Chip on Twitter @chipkendall
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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Billy Graham passed away on 21 Feb 2018 at the age of 99. Justin Brierley traces the life and legacy of the famed evangelist speaking to friends, relatives and ministry colleagues who knew him personally.
You can also request a FREE Billy Graham Tribute edition of Premier Christianity magazine at premierchristianity.com/billygraham
For more tributes to Billy Graham visit premier.org.uk/billygraham
]]>In this interview with Premier's Justin Brierley, the former Bishop of Oxford Rt Rev Richard Harries explains how he became a Christian and was called into ministry. The 81 year old was once described by Rowan Williams as "that rarity, a Christian public intellectual" and is now a life peer in the House of the Lords. Harries talks about how he came into conflict with other Christians over his views on stem cell research and introduces his latest book The Beauty and the Horror which looks at issues of theology and suffering.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>The Briscoes' Telling The Truth ministry began in 1971 while Stuart served as senior pastor of Elmbrook Church in Wisconsin, which grew into the largest evangelical church in the state. It started as a simple tape duplication ministry in a home basement, using a reel-to-reel tape recorder linked to a dozen smaller recorders to duplicate the Briscoes' teaching. In the late 90s it became the first minstry to air on Premier Christian Radio, and continues to do so to this day, as well as being available as a podcast. In this in depth interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Stuart and Jill share their testimonies, answer questions about the differences between the UK and America, and recall both good times and bad from a lifetime of ministry.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Stuart on Twitter @stuartbriscoe and Jill @jillbriscoe
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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The son of the legendary evangelist Billy Graham tells Marcus Jones why he's determined to come to the UK and preach the gospel. Franklin Graham is controversial in some circles for his previous statements about Islam and homosexuality. With a campaign now underway to ban him from preaching in the UK, Franklin answers his critics, explaining he has good news and a message of love to bring.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Franklin on Twitter @Franklin_Graham
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>The co-founder of one of America's largest churches has a passion for honesty and authenticity. In this in depth interview Kay Warren speaks openly about her past struggle with porn, difficulties in her marriage to Rick Warren and how she is continuing to deal with the overwhelming grief of losing her son Matthew to suicide in 2013. Kay also answers questions surrounding her latest book, Sacred Privilege: Your Life and Ministry as a Pastor’s Wife (Revell).
Click here to read the written version of this interview on Premier Christianity. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Kay on Twitter @KayWarren1
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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"As I look back over my shoulder it's a bit like a train wreck," Doug Williams says when asked about his upbringing. "My Dad had three wives - in Nigeria, in Sierra Leone and then my Mum in London." The Pastor is open and upfront about his early years, telling stories of growing up in institutional care and the many challenges that brought. Today he's pastoring a diverse congregation in the East End of London - Emmanuel Community Church International. He believes Christians need to have courage and stand up for the truth in our increasingly secular society, but he's optimistic about the future of the UK Church and passionate about raising up the next generation. Emmanuel have even opened a school and are reaching hundreds of young people through various projects. The musician and international speaker also recalls his time in the chart topping and pioneering 80s band 'Paradise' and explains how mentoring has played a vital role in his discipleship and ministry.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Doug on Twitter @DougCW
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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RT Kendall doesn’t look like a heretic. He doesn’t sound like one either. But in the mid 80s he almost lost his job leading one of London’s most famous churches when he was accused of antinomianism: the claim that Christians are not obliged to follow God’s moral law. The controversy centred around a book he had written called Once Saved, Always Saved, in which he wore his Calvinist theology on his sleeve: that salvation is by sheer grace and not because of anything we do. Kendall laughs when he recalls the episode, saying that it was the testimonies of those who read the book that rescued him. "They said it made them want to be more godly," he shares. This wasn’t the only controversy Kendall would weather in 25 years of eventful ministry at Westminster Chapel. By the end of it, he saw himself as much a Brit as an American and, through his speaking and books, was regarded as a statesman of the UK evangelical Church by the time he retired in 2002. Justin Brierley hears the full story.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Click here to read the interview with RT at Premierchristianity.com
Follow RT on Twitter @DrRTKendall
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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In this brutally honest interview, worship leader Aaron Keyes explains how he's trying to reform the 'worship industry' from the inside.
The writer of 'Sovereign Over Us' believes the worship world is "too male and too pale", cares more about production than presence, and lacks honesty in its songs, especially when compared to the Psalms. Admitting that as every year goes by his own songs become "less relevant and more cheesy", the 39 year old says he's desperate to invest in the next generation of leaders, teaching them not just to be worship leaders, but disciples. Why? Because the world doesn't need more people singing songs, it needs more spiritual leaders.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Aaron on Twitter @aaronkeyes
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine talks to Justin Brierley about faith, doubt and Strictly Come Dancing. The popular broadcaster opens up about his career, what he's learned from his listeners and why he'd be "the worst evangelical ever".
In part two, Sam Hailes meets the leader of Catholics in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols. Cardinal Nichols shares his life story, comments on Pope Francis' influence on perceptions of the Catholic Church and argues the evil of human trafficking can and must be stopped.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Jeremy on Twitter @theJeremyVine. Follow Cardinal Vincent Nichols @CardinalNichols
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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Bruxy Cavey is teaching pastor of The Meeting House in Toronto, one of Canada’s largest churches. He talk to Justin Brierley about his unusual journey to being a pastor, his anabaptist theology, how his wife proposed to him in front of their church congregation and his new book Reunion: The good news of Jesus for seekers, saints and sinners.
Paul Wilbur is a leading songwriter and worship leader in the Messianic movement (made up of Jews who recognise Jesus as the Messiah). He tells Sam Hailes how he found God and shares his view on how Gentile Christians should relate to Jews and the nation of Israel. He is the writer of many worship songs in both Hebrew and English including 'Kadosh', 'Shalom Jerusalem' and 'Baruch Adonai El Shaddai'.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Bruxy on Twitter @Bruxy. Follow Paul @paulwilburmin
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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Justin Brierley interviews Andy Crouch, the former editor of Christianity Today magazine in the USA and the author of best-selling books including Culture Making and his most recent title The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday steps to putting technology in its proper place.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Andy on Twitter @ahc
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>Greg Koukl is a Christian apologist, radio show host, author, speaker, and founder of Stand To Reason. In this interview with Justin Brierley, Greg shares his testimony and passion for apologetics. In part two, Ruth Jackson meets the daughter of the Archbishop of Canterbury Katharine Welby-Roberts to talk about her new book I Thought There Would Be Cake, her battle with depression and why Church culture around honesty and openness needs to change.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Greg on Twitter @gregkoukl. Follow Katharine on Twitter @kwelbyroberts
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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The bestselling author of The Island, Victoria Hislop tells Ruth Jackson how she became a born again Christian aged 15 to annoy her atheist parents. Victoria also explains how her faith has changed over time and become more questioning. In part two, Dave Rose meets Terry Storch - the founder of the YouVersion Bible App, which has been downloaded over 280 million times. Terry also opens up about his own failures as well as successes and shares his remarkable testimony.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Victoria on Twitter @VicHislop. Follow Terry on Twitter @TerryStorch
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>The pastor who has been dubbed ‘the orthodox Rob Bell’ tells Sam Hailes how he’s reaching millennials in Portland - one of America's most secular cities. The 37 year old describes himself as an “introverted, melancholy, bookish reader/writer/teacher” but when it comes to theology he defies categories, admitting his church is “an interesting enigma”. The pastor holds traditional beliefs on the authority of scripture. But he’s critical of fellow conservatives who appear reluctant to dialogue with those who hold different views. In this in depth interview he explains why believes the Pope is "a rockstar", technology can harm your prayer life and why he's written a book on "the most quoted verse in the Bible, by the Bible."
You can read an extract of this interview on the Premier Christianity website. Or for a free sample copy of the print issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow John Mark Comer on Twitter at @johnmarkcomer
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>Glen Scrivener has a track record of producing videos which go viral online. In this in depth interview, he discusses past projects and reveals his upcoming #MeetTheNativity series which is designed to communicate the true message of Christmas this December. Glen, who is often described as an 'evangelist', says he has mixed feelings about the term. He also tells the heartwarming story of how despite being deported back to his native Australia (and praying a very "cheeky" prayer), he managed to woo his now wife Emma. He also discusses why "the call" to ministry isn't as dramatic as some assume and recalls learning from John Stott while training at All Soul's Langham Place. In addressing an increasingly secular society, Glen argues the problem is not confined to "the nasty world out there" but an unfruitful Church.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Glen on Twitter at @glenscrivener
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>Luke Barnes is an Australian astrophycist and expert on the 'fine tuning' of the Universe. He talks to Justin Brierley about his faith, life and work.
The Profile is sponsored by Premier Christianity magazine. If you'd like to request a free sample copy visit premierchristianity.com/freesample.
For more information about Luke Barnes visit physics.usyd.edu.au/~luke/blog/
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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This week on The Profile, Sam Hailes interviews author and speaker Chick Yuill and Dami Okeke meets the multi award-winning Nigerian Gospel singer Sinach.
Chick is a popular speaker at various Christian events including Spring Harvest and the author of recently released novel Rooks at Dusk. In this interview, Chick explains how CS Lewis' Screwtape Letters changed his life and recounts some of the controversies which led to him quitting the Salvation Army after decades of ministry. An evangelist at heart, Chick also explains how his novel is intended to reach those outside of the Church.
Sinach is a multi-award-winning international singer-songwriter based in Nigeria. She is responsible for some of the praise and worship anthems of recent years including ‘I know who I am’ and ‘WayMaker’. While on her WayMaker world tour Sinach speaks to Premier’s Dami Okeke about the passion that has driven her music for the last three decades - her Christian faith. The Worship Leader also highlights the power of music in a testimony she shares about a woman, who overcame depression listening to her songs.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Sinach on Twitter at @sinach
Follow Chick on Twitter at @chickyuill1
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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Diarmaid MacCulloch is Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford, the author of numerous books including A History of Christianity and an award winning broadcaster. He talks to Sam Hailes about his life and career and explains why he believes the Church of England's position on gay marriage is wrong. The historian also unpacks why history should matter for Christians today, and reveals how his own Christian faith has changed over the years.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy, visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>This week on The Profile, Justin Brierley meets Brian McLaren. The speaker, activist and public theologian is the author of numerous books including A New Kind of Christian, The Secret Message of Jesus and most recently The Great Spiritual Migration. In 2005 Time magazine listed the former pastor as one of the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America. In this in-depth interview Brian explains why he's a passionate advocate both for “a new kind of Christianity” and the truth of the scriptures.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Brian on Twitter @BrianMcLaren
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>Trevin Wax is the Bible and Reference Publisher for LifeWay - one of the largest providers of Christian resources in the world. In this in-depth interview Trevin, who is now based in Nashville, explains how living and working in Romania changed his view of the USA. Introducing his latest book This Is Our Time, Trevin says our smartphones are lying to us, and says Christians must be careful to avoid aggressive worldliness when it comes to cultural engagement. The pastor and managing editor of The Gospel Project also comments on why so many white evangelicals continue to support Donald Trump and reveals how his love for the work of the 'Prince of Preachers' Charles Haddon Spurgeon brought him to the UK.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the special Reformation issue, visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
Follow Trevin on Twitter at @TrevinWax
For more interviews with leading Christians visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
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Shawn Bolz is a prolific contemporary prophet in the charismatic movement. In this wide ranging interview with Premier's Tony Aris, Shawn explains how he teaches Christians to operate in the prophetic gift. Shawn is the founder of Expression58 church which is situated in the heart of Hollywood and reaching everyone from film stars to the homeless.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy of the special Reformation issue, visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Christy Wimber is a significant leader in the USA Vineyard church movement. In this edition of the show she tell Katie Stock why she took the decision to close down her church in Yorba Linda, California and why Christians who believe in miracles and healing also need to develop a theology of suffering.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. To request a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>On this week's show Sam Hailes meets one of the USA's leading thinkers on Christianity and culture. Greg Garrett shares his story from growing up as a Southern Baptist to now identifying as an Episcopalian. He also talks about working with the late great Brennan Manning, discusses whether Christians should watch Game of Thrones and introduces his new book: Living with the Living Dead: The Wisdom of the Zombie Apocalypse. Explaining he's attracted to the big questions of life, Greg also discusses his study of the Holocaust and tackles the age-old question of how an all powerful, loving God can allow suffering.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. To request a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Popular Christian apologist and former Muslim Nabeel Qureshi died on Saturday 16th September after after a year-long battle with stomach cancer. He was 34. As tributes pour in from around the world, Premier Christian Radio are re-airing Justin Brierley's Profile interview with Nabeel. In this in depth interview, Nabeel shared his remarkable testimony and explained why he no longer believed Islam is a religion of peace.
The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. For a free sample copy visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Alistair Begg is an internationally renowned preacher and host of the popular 'Truth for Life' radio program and podcast. In this in depth interview, Alistair talks about life growing up in Scotland, his subsequent move to America, why he believes the Bible is inerrant and what made him get involved with the forthcoming 'Spurgeon Study Bible'. Although he's known as a 'Reformed' preacher, Alastair explains why he's never used the label himself and addresses issues surrounding evangelism and Western scepticism to the Christian faith.
]]>The Telegraph columnist and historian Tim Stanley explains how he went from evangelical Baptist to atheist, before converting to Anglicanism and finally Roman Catholicism. Tim, who regularly appears as a political commentator on CNN and Sky, also recalls the experience of having a front-row seat for Trump's inauguration and comments on why he still believes Brexit is best for Britain. Following Jacob Rees Mogg's grilling over his views on abortion on Good Morning Britain, Tim says journalists can lack imagination when asking interesting questions about faith.
The Profile is sponsored by Premier Christianity magazine. If you'd like to request a free sample copy visit premierchristianity.com/freesample.
For more information about The Profile visit premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
]]>'America’s best theologian' Stanley Hauerwas talks to Katie Stock about why he believes the Church in the West has lost its way. You can also read the interview in this month's edition of Premier Christianity magazine. Request a free sample at premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Premier's political editor Martyn Eden talks to one of the UK's top social entrepreneurs. Chris Mould, who is best known for his role as chair of The Trussell Trust (which operates food banks across the UK) has led over 15 start-ups and mergers. In this interview he shares his testimony and explains what he's learned from his years of experience in professional development, skills and employment.
]]>Justin Brierley interviews David Hutchings and Tom McLeish about their new book 'Let there be Science: Why God Loves Science and Science needs God'. David is a physics teacher and Tom McLeish is professor of Physics at Durham university and chairs the Royal Society’s education committee.
]]>Even before he was born, it was evident that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. Against doctors’ recommendations to terminate the at-risk pregnancy, his parents chose life after God intervened, sending the family pastor to reassure them that this child would be “born to serve the Lord.” His mother gave birth and lived to see him surrender his life to the Lord in 1964 at age 16. Since then, Youssef has gone on to launch his international ministry 'Leading the Way'. Dave Rose hears the full story.
]]>The most senior black female cleric in the Church of England tells Katie Stock how she became chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons. To read the print version of this interview request a free copy of the latest issue of Premier Christianity magazine. Just visit premierchristianity.com/freesample
]]>Justin Brierley interviews Christian apologist and Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University, Alister McGrath.
]]>Justin Brierley meets George Verwer, the founder of Operation Mobilisation - one of the world's best known mission organisation.
]]>In part one of this week's show Sam Hailes interviews Mike McHargue about his remarkable testimony from committed Southern Baptist to secret atheist then back to faith again. In the second half of the show Stephanie Rose meets Mike Weaver - the lead singer of Big Daddy Weave.
]]>American Pastor Jeffrey Brown shares with Premier's Northern Correspondent Ian Britton the lessons he learned working with street and drug gangs in the inner city of Boston, Massachusetts and his larger work across America bringing together conflicting groups to work together for the good of the community.
]]>Sam Hailes meets the musical husband and wife duo Seth & Nirva. The pair talk about their hit song 'Brother', their experience working with TobyMac and Kirk Franklin and their reaction to the shock 'Jesus Freak Cruise' announcement by DC Talk.
]]>Randall Wright is the director of the upcoming documentary 'Summer in the Forest'. He and Chris Asprey talk to Justin Brierley about 'L'arche' the subject of the film - a community founded by Jean Vanier to support those with learning and mental disabilities.
In the second part of the show, Justin Brierley meets Craig Hazen - the founder and director of a Masters program in Christian Apologetics at Biola University.
]]>The evangelical charismatic Church is growing exponentially in Latin Aermica. Justin Brierley speaks to one of the most influential figures behind the movement.
]]>The former chief rabbi and winner of last year’s Templeton Prize talks to Justin Brierley about Jewishness, Jesus and Richard Dawkins.
]]>Justin Brierley interviews Jeremiah J Johnston, president of the Christian thinkers Society and author of Unanswered: Lasting truth for trending questions.
]]>Musician Mike Brown talks to Charmaine Noble-Mclean about his life and faith
]]>Theo Hobson talks to Justin Brierley about his life, faith and new book God Created Humanism
]]>On this week's show, broadcaster and theology professor Robert Beckford tells Justin Brierley why he's on a mission to show that Christianity isn't about a white, Western Jesus. In part two, Sam Hailes talks to Nick Spencer, the research director of the Christian think tank Theos about his new book: The Almighty and the Mighty: How political leaders do God
]]>Discover how the modern worship movement was born as Premier's Sam Hailes talks to the producer of the UK's biggest worship albums - Les Moir. In this week's show, Les shares the stories behind some of the Church's most-loved songs.
]]>As the Church marks 500 years since the Protestant reformation, Catholic broadcaster and author Peter Stanford tells Sam Hailes why Martin Luther matters today. Peter also explains why he's a Catholic, how he got into journalism and what happened when he went to visit Myra Hindley in prison. Peter's latest book Martin Luther: Catholic Dissident (Hodder & Stoughton) is out now.
]]>Michael Franzese is a former New York mafia boss. He tells his amazing story of transformation in Christ to Justin Brierley.
]]>Sam Hailes meets Moby - the skinny, teetotal, vegan DJ with a Christian faith who conquered dance music. And in the second part of this week's show, Sam interviews former Muslim Fyaz Mohammed about his life and testimony.
]]>The General Director of the Evangelical Alliance Steve Clifford talks to Sam Hailes about what it means to be an evangelical Christian, unity in the Church and the human sexuality debate.
]]>This week on The Profile, Justin Brierley meets two leaders both involved in multicultural ministry. Malcolm Patten is a Baptist minister in Walthamstow, London. His doctoral thesis was on multicultural ministry and his latest book is Leading a Multicultural Church (SPCK). In the second part of today's show, Justin interviews Israel Olofinjana - a Baptist minister from Nigeria and a black minister to a predominantly white congregation.
Both men are quoted in this month's Premier Christianity magazine cover story 'The great divide: Can we reunite a segregated Church?' Visit premierchristianity.com/freesample to request a free copy of the latest issue.
]]>Justin Brierley meets bestselling author Adrian Plass to talk about his new book The Shadow Doctor. Plus, Malcolm Guite drops by to share his life story and talk about his poetry.
]]>Sam Hailes meets 'Glam Vicar' and former prison chaplain Sharon Grenham-Thompson. Sharon shares her 'dramatic' conversion story and explains what its like to minister to convicted criminals in high security prisons.
]]>Sam Hailes interviews poet and spoken word artist Alysia Harris about her life and beliefs. Alysia also performs one of her poems, explains why she believes Christians should support Black Lives Matter and encourages the Church to talk more openly about sexuality.
]]>Justin Brierley speaks to the international author and evangelist Becky Pippert, who wrote the best selling book, Out of the Saltshaker & into the World and developed the DVD discipleship course Live, Grow, Know. In this wideranging interview, Becky talks about her life, conversion to Christianity and ministry today.
]]>The world's most influential New Testament scholar joins us on the Profile this week as Tom Wright talks to Justin Brierley about his latest book. And stay tuned for Justin's conversation with the bewildered founder of 24/7 prayer, Pete Greig.
]]>Premier's political editor Martyn Eden talks to Lord Alton about his life, faith and career. Lord Alton has sat as a crossbench member of the House of Lords since 1997 and his interests include religious freedom, international affairs and ethical issues.
]]>Founder of Soul Survivor, church leader and international speaker Mike Pilavachi sits down with Sam Hailes for this indepth look at his life and faith.
]]>Michael Wear was President Obama's "ambassador to America’s believers" and one of the youngest people to ever work in the White House. He talks to Sam Hailes about his fascinating career.
]]>Paul Weston is pastor of New Generation Church, Sidcup and part of the Spring Harvest teaching team. He tells Justin Brierley about his ministry and conversion story as a teenager. After failing to chat up a young Christian girl Paula, an extraordinary series of events led to his coming to Christ.’ Click here to read a condensed version of this interview in Premier Christianity magazine.
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Young Hearts Run Free' singer and house music pioneer, Kym Mazelle, talks to Muyiwa about fame, hearing God's voice and how sharing the gospel with the Royal Family.
]]>18 November 2016 marked the 25th anniversary of Terry Waite’s release from captivity, after being held hostage by Islamic extremists in Beirut between 1987 and 1991. He tells Premier’s Sam Hailes how his faith kept him going.
| The Profile Interview in association with Premier Christianity
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En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.