A Santander UK survey of 2,000 UK residents revealed that 75% of Gen Z aspire to be entrepreneurs rather than work traditional 9-to-5 jobs. With job satisfaction in the UK being among Europe's lowest with only 64% reporting happiness in their roles. So is entrepreneurship more aligned with the bible than standard employment? Author and entrepreneur Chris Spicer, Executive & Behavioural Change Coach Dr. Lanre Olusola, and Wonderful Group Founder & CEO Dan Maudhub discuss this with Esther Higham.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his "true shock" at the condition of the prison system left by the former administration. Over 1,700 inmates were prematurely released in England and Wales to mitigate prison overcrowding. In light of these dire circumstances, Luke Carson, the Team Leader for Prisons and Resettlement at London City Mission, discussed with Esther Higham the impact on prison ministry work.
Should churches should aim for multicultural congregations like we see in the book of Revelation? Or does catering for multiple languages and cultures create too many practical issues? Esther Higham spoke to Reverend David Tomlinson, the vicar of St Paul's in Birmingham, Arman, part of the church's Farsi-speaking community and Dr Yinxuang Huang, Research Manager at the Bible Society.
Social media influencer Isabella Smugge portrays a life of perfection on Instagram, yet it all starts to unravel. She then starts a journey of faith thanks to a Christian friend, and through Isabella's eyes we see what the life of faith looks like when it’s all completely new. Author Ruth Leigh sat down with Esther Higham to delve into Isabella's character and the impact of her story on non-Christian readers.
The average person in the UK spends 6 hours and 8 minutes looking at screens, according to Data Reportal. Have you tried cutting down your screen time? What about ditching the Bible apps and going back to digital-free quiet times? Youthscape director Martin Saunders and Rev Dr Pete Phillips, Head of Digital Theology at Spurgeon’s College, spoke to Esther Higham about 'malevolent' tech leaders, phone addiction, and distracted devotionals.
Is there ever a period without news of war or conflict? Recently, Russia issued a war threat to NATO over the potential use of long-range missiles by Ukraine, supplied by the UK and US. Could disarmament be the solution to global peace? Major General Tim Cross and Peace Campaigner Inderjit Bhogal discuss this with Esther Higham.
Sara Ward is the founder and owner of Hen Corner in Brentford and the author of Living the Good Life in the City. She spoke to Esther Higham about getting the best out of your garden, the art of fermenting, and her next steps in becoming a vicar.
On the heels of riots and protests in Ferguson, Missouri, American preacher and activist Jonathan Tremaine Thomas initiated 'Spiritual First Responders'—individuals ready to be at the forefront during times of unrest. A decade later, his organization, Civil Righteousness, is inspiring others to follow suit. He joins Esther Higham to discuss how we can do the same.
Fr Nael Abu Rahmoun, Vicar of Nazareth, joins Esther Higham to reflect on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, his hopes for a ceasefire, and why we're only beginning to understand the war's devastating impact.
Research from the University of Barcelona indicates that completing the renowned Camino de Santiago leads to a "significant reduction in stress and emotional discomfort." So, should Christians embark on pilgrimages more often to seek God in these holy places? Reverend Eryl Parry, who guides pilgrimages in the Welsh countryside, and Emma Fowle from Premier Christianity Magazine, recently back from the Camino Lebeneigo, explore this with Esther Higham.
Emma Fowle, the Deputy Editor of Premier Christianity, recounts her first-time experience as a pilgrim journeying through the Camino Lebeneigo in Northern Spain. This historic pilgrimage culminates at the monastery of St Toribio, said to house a relic of the cross. Despite not being Catholic, she shares her unique perspective on the trek. Here are her insights.
Aside from the world of celebrity and showbiz, does the church have a problem with nepotism? It's quite common to see famous worship leader’s children following in their footsteps or high-profile leaders passing the ministry baton onto their sons and daughters. But what’s the difference between nepotism and God blessing a family lineage? Reuben Williams, a theologian whose family have run Home Church in Torquay for 3 generations, and political commentator Suzy Stride spoke to Esther Higham.
Death by suicide claims over 6000 lives every year in the UK. As Christians, how can we be more aware of the red flags to help our family and friends get vital support when they need it? Esther Higham spoke to Dr Rob Waller, a Consultant Psychiatrist, and Rachael Newham, a writer specializing in the theology of mental health. If you need prayer support: www.premierlifeline.org.uk. For more info on suicide support and prevention: https://www.mindandsoulfoundation.org/Groups/424321/Suicide.aspx
Is it time to bring back the 'fire and brimstone' preaches about hell and God's wrath? Or should we stick to focusing on the Gospel message of grace and love? Dr Abel Damina, TV preacher and Senior Pastor of Powercity International spoke to Esther Higham about finding the balance.
Recently, a thorough investigation of the Grenfell Tower fire released its findings, exposing a series of failures by the government, private sector, and London Fire Brigade. Churches were present when the disaster occurred. So, how did their presence and intervention make a difference then and how does it continue to affect those impacted? The Bishop of Kensington, the Rt Rev Emma Ineson, and Rev Gareth Wardell discussed this with Esther Higham.
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