DEAR THEOPHILUS

As we approach the subject of holiness I’m reminded of the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16). Different groups of workers are hired at different times throughout the day. Then, at the end of their labour they’re all paid the same. Clearly there is understandable shock for those who did a full day’s work under the burning the sun – they are aggrieved by the injustice.  In our day the union would call a strike, and everyone would be out. As with other par

I think ‘leadership’ became something of a buzz word at some stage during my 35 years of church-based ministry. It seemed that on one side you had accomplished managers bringing their insights (from secular publications and university courses) to the table enhanced with Bible proof-texts to enhance the Christian context. Then in the other corner, seasoned church pastors, modelling their ministry on Christ’s servant-leadership role as expressed and depicted in the Gospel narra

Where to start? Though I'm planning 12 monthly sessions across the coming year, where should I start? Can you place aspects of personal spirituality and ministry gifts into a logical order? Do you need LEVEL 5 Discipleship before sharing your faith? And what is LEVEL 5 Discipleship? Because I just made that term up! So, over the coming months there'll be a mix of handouts, covering ministry skills and personal spirituality. Remember, His gifts can only be sustained where His

Introducing the Finally…  Series for 2026 Perhaps this is what spiritual maturity is all about? Back to basics, but deliberately raising the bar! Church ministry is, wonderfully rich, beautifully complex, and—at times—overwhelming. Whether you are new to serving, stepping into leadership, or returning to areas of ministry after a season away, the landscape can feel vast. Even those who have walked with Christ for decades discover there is always more to learn, more to refine,

Mature – it’s how I like my English Cheddar. ‘Aged’ is not quite the same concept. Though wine can age well, people rarely do, and fresh...

Which old dilemma? Sovereignty, Freedom & the Incarnation   As I continue to assemble the manuscript to my School of Ministry book, I’m...

school of ministry | the serialisation | part 1 As I embark on the fourth book in this series, I thought I might blog some short extracts...

Where’s the Fight?   Not that I’m particularly looking for one. Nevertheless, there’s a verse (and opening paragraph) in Judges 3 that...

So last month and for most of this month I’ve reduced my screen time and become far more analytical of what I’ve been watching and what...

I once was wisely told by a fleeting mentor, early on in my now decades of discipleship, a helpful tip when in a boring prayer meeting....

"The writing of many books is endless, and much study wearies the body." Ecclesiastes 12:12.   I haven’t written a blog in quite a...

A new book from Simon Rennie. While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his...

Did I read somewhere that this month marked the first anniversary of the Asbury revival? For just over two weeks an almost endless meeting flowed out from a regularly scheduled chapel service at Asbury University, in Wilmore, Kentucky. Students stayed in the auditorium to pray, after the morning meeting on February 8th, 2023. They then continued to pray and praise into the evening, although some eventually headed home, the overnight low in attendance was still estimated to be

or, Why Does Our European Thinking Limit Our Ministry? Compartmentalisation is a very long word – can you spell, it? I’ve often used the...

The third of three blogs. I started to be given two-hour worship slots. Led Zeppelin regularly did two-hour concerts. They’d start with...

The second of three blogs. Welcome back, so, after last time, let's start with another question, When did we start grafting portions of...

The first of three blogs. Okay, let’s try and get this down on paper. I’ve probably only mentioned this on two previous occasions to...

As I said in post 5/7 The Kingdom Strikes Back , it was often said by his friends that Godfrey Birtill was writing the soundtrack to the present season – from 1997 through into the twenty-first century. I love music. As a teenager I had my clear preferences, but then with age and broader friendships I became far more eclectic. I’m part of a generation that has memories marked by music - and I love it! For most of my church-based ministry I’ve also been a worship leader. In ea

A few months ago the phrase ‘ Charismata VI – Humanity’s Flaws ’ came to mind. I understood the notion of Charismata I, II and III , the...

Welcome to Charismata V – the Kingdom Strikes Back Pentecostal-Charismatic spirituality had often been criticised by observers for being...