It comes down to this. More than the splendid oratory, more than the signs and wonders, more than the public declarations and stories of the miraculous. More that all of that, can this faith be trusted? Is it for real? The gatherings involve real experiences that people find genuinely moving. Often, however, they can appear […]
Read More Truth and the Christian Way: AuthenticityThis is an inspired tune. The whole point of being in the light is to be able to have every part of life available. No need to cover anything up and play games. The first place that starts is the relationship between God and I. Developing that ability to be vulnerable, honest and transparent is […]
Read More CD Songs: Real With U by TonexAuthenticity is at the very heart of intimacy with God and each other. It’s also the hardest thing to consistently practice because of the tendency to play a role. Notice the quest is not for Christian perfection or everything being right doctrinally. It is to come across authentic Christian fellowship. This is not to suggest […]
Read More The Ongoing Quest for Authentic Christian FellowshipToday is my wife’s birthday. I have been a witness to 15 of these now and on some of these occasions I have left a note on here about her. It felt right to do so again because of one overwhelmingly endearing aspect of her character. Among the many reasons why I love this beautiful […]
Read More AuthenticityIt is very interesting considering how we have been conditioned. Sometimes I hear people speak in such a way as to suggest that their way of thinking, believing and behaving is objectively correct. Such is their ignorance to the way in which they have been conditioned by society, the oblivious way in which they hammer […]
Read More Being AuthenticA Disclaimer: God’s Mysterious Sovereignty God works how He wants to work. Some scandalous, bizarre, crazy situations have been a part of His plan all along. Some of the most dubious characters have been the means by which He chooses to speak to His people. The discerning spirit is so important so as not to […]
Read More It’s Not All About Technique: Real Power in Real Broken VesselsAfter the meal was taken another two songs were sung and for a moment there was very real possibility that genuine celebration and excitement might burst forth from those in attendance. Obviously that didn’t happen because this was a church built on safe tradition. Laughter at the funnies – yes. Spontaneous applause and shouts and […]
Read More Something That Would SatisfyWhat I love about community and what I love about family is the opportunity you have to sit down over a cup of a beverage of your choice and be real with each other. I remember going through a tough stage in Stoke-on-Trent and my dear friend Andy opened his home up to me. Indeed […]
Read More The Church, Community and IdentityWhen I was at secondary school, I had a brilliant teacher who taught me both Music and English in the first and second years. Arguably more than any individual, she turned me onto the power of words especially in performance. Through her I developed an interest in drama, English writing and that kind of thing. […]
Read More Presenting and ProducingIn a recent blog on the issue formality and spirituality regarding clothing, I was questioning the big deal we make about clothing and its relation to ‘church services’. (Read it again, it’s worth while to get the context on where I’m coming from with what follows.) There is something of a conceit with the whole […]
Read More It’s A Formality – Part Two
Life With CD 