2024 Spring

Is it enough to talk about our faith, or do we need to demonstrate it by the ways we care for others? At the end of the first article in this magazine, Mike Abbott explains why he and his wife Chrissie believe that what they are doing in their community is an essential outworking for their love for a God who loves them and all people. Cathy Rhodes takes a wider view, arguing that care for the whole of creation both honours the Creator, and helps make life better for millions of others today and in the future. Three more examples of love for neighbour are described by Mike Tricker, who is a Street Pastor; Imogen Clout who relates how her church became a welcoming, creative space for the community last summer; and Nel Shallow whose dream of serving her community through a second hand shop and centre for companionship has become a reality. This part of the magazine concludes with an article by Sam Colbourn Leach on the work of Christians Against Poverty (CAP UK).

Other articles in this issue cover a variety of topics. Catherine Price writes about the joys and challenges of lay ministry and urges us to be encouraged. Richard Laugharne sees John the Baptist as a great role model, especially when times are dark. Richard Appleton tackles that difficult question – why is life not fair? David Fuller highlights the challenges of preaching in the wake of natural disasters, and Ruth Mason shares her experience of moving from being a Reader with an active ministry to becoming a home-based carer. In our book feature, Adrian Roberts shares some thoughts about the afterlife and urges us to share our hope.

The next issue of our magazine will look at the importance of looking after ourselves – physically, mentally and spiritually – as we navigate the often choppy waters of ministry. The deadline for this is almost upon us, so do contact me if you have advice or experience to share. After that we will be exploring the links between the Old and New Testaments – particularly how Jesus is foretold and prefigured in the earlier scriptures, and how first century Christian writers draw upon the texts they have grown up with. The last issue of the year will take a broad look at vocation – what is it? How do we recognise it? Is one type of vocation more important than another? We would love to hear your views.

Please do get in touch with me on: editor@transformingministry.co.uk

Richenda