Opinion

Beijing sets its sights on Hong Kong
Because so much of the Christian activity in China flows through Hong Kong, an assault on Hong Kong is rightly seen as part of the larger war on Chinese Christianity.

Longing for a return to church
I realise, after yet another Zoom call or YouTube viewing, that the technology â wonderful though it is â is making me yearn increasingly for the real church experience.

The heart of church growth
A return to the Bible and proclamation of the Gospel was at the heart of the greatest revival ever.

Dominic Cummings, Church of England bishops and righteous anger
When we feel angry and want to blame, and are just tempted to lash out, let's first pause.

What people in the Bible can teach us about getting through Covid-19
I've spent a little time thinking about a few Biblical characters who experienced various forms of lockdown, too, because I believe they have something to teach us even if we do not have a personal faith in God.

How a pastor found healing and peace when he forgave his wife's killer
Rev Anthony Thompson's wife was one of the nine African Americans who died when Dylann Roof opened fire at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston five years ago. He speaks to Christian Today about how God helped him to forgive in spite of his huge loss, and why he's dedicated to helping others do the same.

Jesus's plea to Russell Brand
The comedian/commentator Russell Brand is a stimulating and fascinating cultural icon. This week I was so moved by one of his vlogs that I sent him the following letter

Despite its flaws, God continues to use the Church to bring healing and hope
For all its faults, the church offers us an opportunity to experience the presence of the transcendent, powerful, life-changing God.

How the Church is fighting fake news & Covid-19 in South Sudan
There are not many places less able to deal with a pandemic than South Sudan.

In memory of Ravi Zacharias
I am very grateful that I learned two big things from Ravi.

The heart of communication
Care for the Family founder Rob Parsons speaks to Christian Today about his new book, The Heart of Communication, and the methods he's gleaned from years of practice that can help any public speaker.

The Church cares about the unborn, but what about the elderly?
It is noticeable and sad how many churches have pulled out of care home provision.

How much are we paying our pastors?
It's clear that a minister's job has many intrinsic motivators, not least receiving an eternal reward, so money really shouldn't be a key motivator, but alongside historic underpayment, an opposite but equally worrying trend has emerged.

What Psalm 44 teaches us about speaking to God
The Psalmist was learning a painful lesson, one that countless people can identify with today.

Jesus the master storyteller
Christian, we do not just have a message to share; there is another's story we must understand first. If we don't, that person will never be able to grasp the beauty of God's story.

Lag Be'Omer and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale
May 12 is a very important date in the Jewish calendar. It is known as Lag Be'Omer, the 33rd day of counting the Omer between Pesach and the receiving of the Torah 7 weeks later at Mount Sinai on Shavuot.