For some, the word "crusade" brings to mind evangelistic mission and the likes of Billy Graham. For others, it carries the weight of the medieval Crusades — where Christians engaged in persecution and violence.

So is it simply a word with two meanings — or one too loaded to keep using in ministry today?

Esther spoke to Dr Ian Birch from the Scottish Baptist College to unpack the history of the term and whether we're being overly sensitive if we ditch it in our churches.

Released on 9 Jun 2026