Podcasts from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

In this latest episode of the PCI podcast, David Thompson, Secretary of PCI's Council for Congregational Life and Witness talks with Gary Millar, Principal of Queensland Theological College in Brisbane, Australia about his recent book called Both/And Ministry: Living and leading like Jesus'. Present is a denomination wide initiative inviting and encouraging congregations and their members to make themselves fully present to God who is ever present to us. Find out more and watch a video about the Present initiative here www.presbyterianireland.org/present

In this latest episode of the PCI podcast, Jonny McClune and David Thompson from PCI's Council for Congregational Life and Witness are joined by missiologist David Smith to explore what it looks like for congregations to be present in today's changing communities. Present is a denomination wide initiative inviting and encouraging congregations and their members to make themselves fully present to God who is ever present to us. Find out more and watch a video about the Present initiative here www.presbyterianireland.org/present

In this latest episode of the PCI podcast, David Thompson, Secretary to PCI's Council for Congregational Life & Witness, explores what it means to be an intergenerational Church family with Ruth Bromley, PCI Children's Development Officer, and Graeme Thompson, PCI's Youth Development Officer.  This podcast is part of the denomination wide Present initiative, inviting and encouraging congregations and their members to make themselves fully present to God who is ever present to us.

In this latest episode of the PCI podcast, Andrew Dickson, PCI's Congregational Life Development Officer, explores being present to God as we read the Bible with David McCullagh, Rosie Donaldson and Richard McChesney.  This podcast is part of the denomination wide Present initiative, inviting and encouraging congregations and their members to make themselves fully present to God who is ever present to us. Find out more and watch a video about the Present initiative here www.presbyterianireland.org/present

In this latest episode of the PCI podcast, Jonny McClune, PCI's Congregational Witness Development Officer, explores with Darin and Joy Stevens from the organisation Start to Stir, why sharing our faith with our friends can be so challenging.  We can see examples in the Bible of people who struggled to speak up for God like Moses and Jonah but we take time to explore on the podcast the things that are holding us back today and how we can have more confidence to share Jesus with those around us. This podcast also highlights the Stirring Spiritual Curiosity event happening on the morning of Tuesday 28 January 2025 from 10.30am to 12.45pm in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, at which Darin and Joy will be opening up this theme further.  Further details and booking can be found here: www.presbyterianireland.org/stir This event is free but you do need to pre-register.

Food insecurity is an issue that's affecting many parts of the world – it is said one in ten people in the world live in food insecurity. To discuss this important issue and to introduce this year's World Development Appeal, Rev Richard Kerr, Convener of PCI's Global Development Committee, hosts the episode with guests - Ruth Cooke (Christian Aid Ireland's Head of Fundraising and Supporter Engagement), Chris Thompson (Tearfund's NI Director) and Rev Liam Rutherford, PCI's World Development Agent and Convener of its World Development Appeal Task Group.  The 2024 World Development Appeal is entitled: “Hunger Pains: Scarcity to Abundance.” You can find more resources, including a promotional video, here: www.presbyterianireland.org/worlddevelopment

In this latest episode of the PCI podcast, Ruth Bromley, PCI's Children's Ministry Development Officer, hosts a conversation with Andy Frost, Director of Share Jesus International and contributor to the Kitchen Table Project, Caroline Bradley from Care for the Family and Andy Lamberton from Legacy, about sowing the seeds of a growing faith in the lives of our children.   This podcast also highlights the Starting Strong event happening on the evening of Thursday 14 November 2024 from 7.45pm to 9.15pm in High Street Presbyterian Church, Holywood at which Andy Frost is the keynote speaker. It will pick up and develop this theme, providing the opportunity to explore this territory further with others and be encouraged and envisioned in this crucial area of church life. Further details and booking can be found at www.presbyterianireland.org/startingstrong

This episode explores PCI's vision for church planting across Ireland. It considers why we need more churches on this island, and how that can be an effective way to reach new people with the good news of Jesus Christ. Tom Gilliam, an elder in Maynooth, and Josh McCance, church plant leader in Balbriggan, share their experiences and insights into church planting along with ways everyone can be involved. PCI is holding a Church Planting Taster Day in Maynooth on 16 November 2024. For more information and to register visit: www.presbyterianireland.org/churchplanting

In this latest episode of the PCI podcast, Will Leitch interviews Rev David Thompson, Secretary of PCI's Council for Congregational Life and Witness, on the thinking behind and hopes for Present - the new, denomination wide, initiative designed to encourage congregations in this season of life and witness, launched at this year's General Assembly. The initiative will roll out over three successive church years, inviting and encouraging congregations and their members to make themselves fully present to God who is ever present to us. It offers a framework to encourage congregations to explore and express being present in four particular ways: Be present in this season of life and witness; Be present to God as his people; Be present for one another in God's family of the church; Be present where God has placed us to be his witnesses. Find out more and watch the introductory video here www.presbyterianireland.org/present

Neil Hudson is Senior Leader of Salford Elim Church, but is better known to us in PCI for his work on the Imagine Church project for the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. That is the project that birthed the Frontlines small group material which many congregations have used and found helpful, along with two books authored by Neil, Imagine Church and Scattered and Gathered. David Thompson is Secretary of PCI's Council for Congregational Life and Witness and brings extensive experience and qualifications in consultancy for ministry and mission.  This podcast also highlights the Leading for a change event happening on the morning of Thursday 17 October 2024 from 10.30am to 12.45pm in Assembly Buildings, Belfast. It will pick up and develop this theme, providing the opportunity to explore this territory further with others and be encouraged and envisioned in making space in our church life to adapt and respond to changing challenges and circumstances, new opportunities and options. Further details and booking can be found at www.presbyterianireland.org/leadingforachange 

The 2024 General Assembly opens on Thursday, 20 June and will run until Saturday afternoon, 22 June. In this episode four guests, each with different roles in next week's event, look ahead to the annual gathering of ministers, elders and other representatives from home and overseas. They are the Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev Trevor Gribben, Deputy Clerk, Rev Dr David Allen, PCI's Public Affairs Officer, Dr Rebecca Stevenson, and Rev Albin Rankin, Convener of the Council for Congregational Life and Witness. In a new departure, this podcast is in two bite-sized chunks, in which you will get a good overview of proceedings and insights from our guests to a number of the significant reports that will come before the Assembly. The podcast is hosted by PCI's Press and Media Officer, Mark Smith. Further information on the 2024 General Assembly, the reports that are discussed in this episode, schedule of business, and news stories, can be found here: http://www.presbyterianireland.org/ga24

The 2024 General Assembly opens on Thursday, 20 June and will run until Saturday afternoon, 22 June. In this episode four guests, each with different roles in next week's event, look ahead to the annual gathering of ministers, elders and other representatives from home and overseas. They are the Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev Trevor Gribben, Deputy Clerk, Rev Dr David Allen, PCI's Public Affairs Officer, Dr Rebecca Stevenson, and Rev Albin Rankin, Convener of the Council for Congregational Life and Witness. In a new departure, this podcast is in two bite-sized chunks, in which you will get a good overview of proceedings and insights from our guests to a number of the significant reports that will come before the Assembly. The podcast is hosted by PCI's Press and Media Officer, Mark Smith. Further information on the 2024 General Assembly, the reports that are discussed in this episode, schedule of business, and news stories, can be found here: http://www.presbyterianireland.org/ga24

In both good times and dark days, pastoral care is a vital ministry of the church. We all want to be confident to walk alongside and care well for those God has placed in our lives. But how do we do that? In this podcast, Andrew Collins (Director of the Certificate Course, Biblical Counselling UK), Marion Hadden (Family and Youth Coordinator and Elder, Terrace Row Presbyterian Church), and Rev Ben Walker (Minister, Saintfield Road Presbyterian Church) reflect on some ways we can build pastoral connection, hold quality conversations, and bring biblical and prayerful content into our pastoral care.  This podcast highlights the now sold-out Confident to Care three-week practical training course being delivered by Andrew Collins, in conjunction with the Council for Congregational Life and Witness, at Union Theological College in May. To find out more about similar events in the future, sign up to E-quip www.presbyterianireland.org/equip

We hear so much about how we are an increasingly aging society and an aging church. The focus often falls on the challenges that brings, but that reality also offers enormous possibilities for ministry and outreach through the local church if we have eyes to see them.  Alex Drew who leads the work of a ministry called Faith in Later Life and David Thompson, Secretary of PCI's Council for Congregational Life and Witness, which will be partnering with Faith in Later Life to bring an event called Age of Opportunity on this theme to Assembly Buildings, Belfast on 16 May 2024 discuss the untapped potential of this area of ministry and mission for the church.  Links to an upcoming event and resource mentioned in the podcast can be found below: Age of Opportunity - Presbyterian Church Ireland (presbyterianireland.org) All the days of my life

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) is holding a Ministry Taster Day on Saturday, 16 March 2024. The special open day is for men and women who have been thinking, and praying about, becoming ordained ministers in PCI and feel that God is leading them in this direction. The event will take place in Belfast at Union Theological College, PCI's principal body for the training of its ministers prior to ordination. In this BBC Radio Ulster interview, from 25 February, Audrey Carville interviews Reverend Professor David Leach, Professor of Ministry and Director of the Institute for Ministry, about the day itself. First-year ministry student, Christine Craig, and third-year student, Andrew Ferguson, also talk about their personal journeys to study for PCI's ordained ministry, and what studying for the ministry at Union is like.

All around the world, people are on the move, displaced from their homes by conflict, natural disasters, persecution, and land grabbing. In this podcast episode, Pip Florit, PCI's Mission Support Officer for Partnerships talks to Rev Richard Kerr, Convener of the Global Development Committee, and Ruth Cooke, Christian Aid Ireland's Head of Fundraising and Supporter Engagement about displacement and our response to it. Richard and Ruth share stories and reflections on their visit to Sierra Leone for this year's World Development Appeal, ‘Starting from Scratch' and talk about where we can find hope in a world of injustice.  You can find out more about the World Development Appeal here: www.presbyterianireland.org/worlddevelopment

Leading in the church today can bring lots of encouragements and joy – lives transformed, people growing as disciples, a sense of purpose and community. But leading in the church can also feel difficult. Emerging from the retreat and restrictions, limitations and loss, disruption and disaster brought by the last number of years, many leaders feel weary and lonely. Whether we are a minister, elder, other ministry staff member, or volunteer, it's important that we regularly take time to be encouraged, envisioned, and equipped as we continue to lead and serve.  To reflect on ways leaders across PCI can be refreshed and sharpened to fulfil their calling, we are joined by David Thompson (Secretary, Council for Congregational Life and Witness), Rev Angus Stewart (Minister, Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church), and Anne Dines (Clerk of Session, West Church, Ballymena).  This podcast also highlights two upcoming initiatives facilitated by CCLW:  Refresh – a series of one-off evenings to encourage, envision, and equip ruling elders in PCI.  Leading Edge, is a five-session programme offering ministers, elders, and other ministry staff the opportunity to come together with others to explore some key aspects of leading in the church today.   

The world today can be overwhelming. Culture wars. Constant connectedness. Covid's impact. A changing church landscape. Crisis after crisis local and globally. The list of challenges impacting how people faithfully follow Jesus goes on.  So, how do we craft a disciple-shaped life? And how can we shape aspects of local church life – our corporate worship, Bible engagement, and congregational community – to effectively equip members to follow Jesus with courage, commitment, and conviction in today's world?

The 2023 General Assembly opens on the evening of the longest day of the year, Wednesday, 21 June, and will run until Saturday afternoon, 24 June. In this episode, four guests, each with different roles in next week's gathering, look ahead to the annual gathering of ministers, elders, and other representatives from home and overseas. They are the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt Rev Dr John Kirkpatrick, Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev Trevor Gribben, Deputy Clerk, Rev Dr David Allen, and Karen Jardine, PCI's Public Affairs Officer. During this episode, you can get an overview of proceedings and insights into a number of the significant reports that will come before members. Dr Kirkpatrick also reflects on his year in office. The podcast is hosted by PCI's Press Officer, Mark Smith. Further information on the 2023 General Assembly, the reports that are discussed in this episode, the schedule of business, Assembly procedure, and news stories, can be found here: www.presbyterianireland.org/ga23

Over the past few weeks, much attention has been drawn to the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement with many visiting dignitaries and special events across Belfast and further afield.  In this podcast episode, Karen Jardine (PCI's Public Affairs Officer) is joined by Rev Dr Tony Davidson (Convener, Peace & Reconciliation Panel and recently retired from First Armagh), Rev Dr Marty McNeely (Ballykeel), and Jack McQuillan (Eglinton) to reflect on the unfinished work of peace 25 years on from the Agreement. Together they will explore the role of PCI in peace and reconciliation across the island of Ireland, and whether peace-making is still part of the mandate of the church today – as a denomination, in congregations, and as individual members.

The world is a different place now than it was three years ago. Church is not the automatic place to come to for community and relationship building. No longer does the mantra of “if we open the doors, they will come” hold true. There are many children and families who have connections with our congregations and come to organisations during the week but are not part of our Sunday morning church family. There is a growing realisation that new approaches are needed to reach and develop relationships with those on the fringe of church life. There are many challenges involved in imagining and implementing this creativity in the midst of busy church calendars, but these days are a new beginning and give us the opportunity to try new things. In this podcast episode, Ruth Bromley (PCI's Children's Development Officer) is joined by Rev Corrina Heron (Dunmurry Presbyterian), Rev Stuart Morrow (Portstewart Presbyterian), and Rev Jimmy Warburton (High Street Holywood Presbyterian) to talk about how their congregations have tried different approaches to connect with children and families in their communities and encourage them to be a part of the church family on a Sunday.

Ahead of Presbyterian Women's Annual Conference, this podcast considers the conference theme, Being Transformed which is based on Romans 12:2 - “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”  We want to consider ways in which we can be transformed in Christ as we study God's Word, take it to heart and put it into practice.   We will think about how can we get into God's Word for ourselves and what are some of the obstacles and pitfalls.  We also want to think about how we can live transformed lives that make a difference in our broken world. Contributors: Ali Calvin, Esther Parker, Louise Davidson and Pauline Kennedy (PCI's Women's Ministry & PW Development Officer)

In Matthew 4:19, Jesus calls his first disciples: “follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”. Since this first invitation to follow, be transformed and commissioned into the mission of Christ, billions more people have sought to follow Jesus. Featuring Rachael Gamble (Discipleship Facilitator, Sloan Street PCI), Colin Neill (Waringstown PCI) and Trevor Reaney (First Holywood PCI), this podcast explores key principles and practices that can help both individuals and local congregations towards living a life of faithful discipleship in the 21st century. This episode also highlights a number of Discipleship resources from PCI for use personally and in small groups, including:  Inspirations – a resource for women's ministry filled with engaging, relevant and thought-provoking content. Essentials – a multi-session small group or midweek course that aims to help followers of Jesus reflect on and live out the essentials of discipleship. Expressions – an eight session film series that seeks to connect themes from Scripture with the real lives of church members to open up conversations on how their faith expresses itself in everyday life and witness. Proximity – these three booklets exploring relevant and challenging content on “Seasons of Life”, “Life in God's Story” and “Habits of a Lifetime” are ideally suited for one-to-one discipleship or small groups.  Tides – a daily devotional delivered straight to your inbox containing a section of God's word to read, a short reflection sharing what this could mean for your life, and a simple way for you to respond.

The first podcast episode of 2023 explores how many Presbyterians have a deep relationship with Christ but find themselves tongue tied in talking about their faith with friends, colleagues and neighbours. Philip Houston (Ballykelly Presbyterian), Phyllis Linton (West Church, Ballymena) and Neil Harrison (Congregational Witness Development Officer) explore the challenges for evangelism today and share some suggestions to grow in confidence in talking about the good news in everyday life.

Being a parent of a teenager has never been easy, but many parents are seeing additional challenges and stresses for their young people and may wonder how to do the best job of supporting them at this time. This podcast begins with the voices of young people, sharing their challenges and opportunities, and what they most appreciate about their parents. Then Graeme Thompson is in conversation with people from three different perspectives - teaching, youth work, and psychology – about what is going on for young people these days from educational, emotional, relational, and spiritual perspectives. The conversation concludes with some practical thoughts on how parents of teenagers can walk with them and support them most effectively.

Children's discipleship is nothing new but in light of the last two years and looking to the future, it is something that we need to prioritise more in the months and years ahead. Teaching children Bible stories, facts about God, and how to behave in church is important but it is not enough to help them to live out their faith from Monday to Saturday, at home, in school, and with their friends. We need to help them understand how to apply what they know about God to their everyday life. In this podcast episode, Ruth Bromley (PCI's Children's Development Officer) is joined by Rev James Rogers (Ballynure Presbyterian) and Aisling Pitt (Scripture Union NI's E3 School's worker for East Antrim) to talk about how as congregations we can disciple our children well and about how we can support them and understand more of the opportunities and challenges as they live their faith out in school.

We are in a strange, kind of, in-between moment just now. On the one hand we feel like we have edged well out from the worst days of the pandemic and the lockdowns and the restrictions on what we were able to do. Whilst on the other we find ourselves asking questions about getting back together again ­– rebuilding the worshipping and fellowshipping community of the church among members – and getting going again – in terms of our organisations and activities aimed at connecting to our local community and reaching out to others.  To reflect on the steps congregations can take to get their life and witness back to more regular patterns as we edge out from under the shadow of the interruption of the pandemic, we are joined by David Thompson (Secretary, Council for Congregational Life and Witness) and Neil Harrison (PCI's Congregational Witness Development Officer).  The podcast also highlights a short booklet around being Back Together Again (available for purchase here), a series of blog posts on Getting Going Again, as well as some upcoming events and training programmes:  Youth Ministry Clinic Webinar on Thursday 10th November at 7.45 pm.  RESTORED: Tending the soul in the wake of the pandemic in Assembly Buildings on Tuesday 15th November at 7.30 pm. Sharing Faith Evangelism Training in-person and online in Spring 2023. Stepping Forward: Stepping Up training for new and younger leaders, in-person and online in Spring 2023.

The last two and a half years have been hard on all of us. Since the emergence of Covid-19, Presbyterian churches across Ireland have been faced with the significant challenge of how to biblically and pastorally respond well to the avalanche of psychological, emotional, and spiritual traumas experienced by many church members of all ages. As we recommence more regular rhythms of church life, how can we continue to tend the souls of ourselves, our young people, and those on the fringes of our congregations? To reflect on this, we are joined by Dr Angela Minion (CEO, The Big House Ireland), Catherine Hillcox (General Secretary, Bible Society NI), and Neil Harrison (PCI's Congregational Witness Development Officer). The podcast also highlights an upcoming PCI event, RESTORED: Tending the soul in the wake of the pandemic in Assembly Buildings on the evening of Tuesday 15th November 2022. Sign up here: www.presbyterianireland.org/restored 

Ministry in urban centres and housing estates presents unique challenges and opportunities for the church to show and share the love of Christ to a community in need. PCI's Urban Mission Network seeks to support and encourage those ministering in these areas. To explore this we hear from Felix Aremo (Training Manager, London City Mission), Rev Richard McIlhatton (Christchurch, Dundonald) and Jason Sime (Community Outreach Worker, Alexandra). At the end of this conversation is a short interview with Mary Leshi from PCI's congregation in Galway, who was part of PCI's Impact programme in August which sent teams to serve different urban churches around Belfast.

Even though the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact have slipped down our news feeds with the cost of living crisis, the appointment of a new UK Prime Minister and the death of the Queen, and the Accession of King Charles to the throne, its effects are still felt by many and the task of pastoral follow up continues.      To reflect on this we are joined by Andrew Dickson (PCI Congregational Life Development Officer); Michael Rutledge (Minster, Abbotts Cross PC), Mark Kernohan (Lifeline Counsellor and member of 1st Ahoghill PC). The podcast also highlights a helpful Bible study resource, Daring to Hope: Experiencing the grace of Lament, produced by Bible Society NI, and an upcoming PCI morning conference Another look at pastoring our congregations with guest speaker Tim Witmer (author of the Shepherd Leader) in Assembly Buildings on Wednesday morning 5 October 2022. 

In celebration of the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's translation of the New Testament into everyday language, Union Theological College is organizing a series of events called Bible for All to tell the story of how God's Word in Scripture has come to us today, and equip people with resources and skills to get the most out of reading the Bible. To share more about this we are joined by Rev Gordon Campbell (Principal and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological College), Joy Conkey (Librarian at Union Theological College), and Rev Lesley-Ann Wilson (PCI Chaplain at Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre).

In the last episode before a summer break, regular podcast hosts Rick Hill and Neil Harrison take the chance to chat together. Their conversation focuses around the general theme of helping disciples of Jesus express their faith within every-day life, before the focus on introducing a new resource coming soon from PCI. The resource, Expressions, is an 8 session film series that seeks to help those meeting in a variety of church settings to connect themes from different passages of Scripture and open up conversations on how their faith expresses itself in everyday life and witness. The resource is a mix of downloadable on-screen Bible teaching, and stories from members of PCI, along with questions for discussion provided in this booklet. It will be available by mid-August from www.presbyterianireland.org/expressions

As annual events retake their familiar place in the calendar, next week the General Assembly meets in Belfast, from Wednesday, 22 to Saturday, 25 June. It will be the first time since 2019 that it has been able to meet in its usual month and manner, following a smaller in-person meeting last October. In this episode we look ahead to next week's gathering of ministers and elders with guests the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt Rev Dr David Bruce, the Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev Trevor Gribben, the Convener for the Council for Global Mission, Rev Dr Liz Hughes – who also gives us a glimpse of who we can expect from overseas and why their presence is so important - and Moderator Designate, Rev John Kirkpatrick, who will succeed Dr Bruce. This episode is hosted by Karen Jardine, PCI's Public Affairs Officer. Further information on the General Assembly, each day's business, and media relations activity, can be found here: www.presbyterianireland.org/ga22  

This episode was recorded at the church planting conference, ‘A time to plant', organised by the Council for Mission in Ireland that took place earlier in May in Dundalk. The conversation captures much of the energy, enthusiasm, and spirit of the day including some short reflections from a few individuals as well as an interview with keynote speaker Scotty Smith from Nashville Tennesse, and Tom Gilliam who is the co-convener of PCI's Church Planting Panel.

If you find yourself asking, 'Where have all our leaders gone?' then this conversation is worth a listen. Here, Rick Hill chats to David Thompson from the Council of Congregational Life and Witness and Christine Craig, elder elect in Kilbride Presbyterian and together they discuss themes like personally approaching people to serve, developing a leadership pipeline, and helping younger leaders to grow. Much of David's input offers a big picture view of volunteering in church service at this time, while Christine shares some more personal insights of what this has looked like both in her life and in her congregation. A PCI resource called ‘Opening up to God' is also pointed to towards the end that might be helpful to Kirk Sessions in the coming months.

It is increasingly apparent that there is a growing generational gap within women's ministry that makes it more and more difficult to build an effective ministry to women of all ages. How can we think differently about women's ministry and what approaches can we adopt to help us grow deeper together? To give an insight into how we, both individually and corporately can do this better, we draw learning from experiences of women's ministry in this conversation with Pauline Kennedy, Amy Summerfield the guest speaker at the forthcoming PW Annual Conference, Deborah Sloan, a member of Orangefield Presbyterian in Belfast, and Linda Beattie from Joymount  Presbyterian in Carrickfergus.

This week's episode seeks to shine a light on the experience of refugees in Ukraine and the response on the ground by the Hungarian Reformed Church. We hear from Rev Nigel Craig, PCI Global Mission Worker in Hungary and Réka Gilicze who works with Hungarian Reformed Church Aid. In addition, the Moderator Rev David Bruce, shares a number of ways congregations can respond including supporting the Moderators Appeal for Ukraine which was launched recently. This episode is hosted by Neil Harrison, PCI Congregational Witness Development Officer.

This conversation flows out of a recent event held in Assembly Buildings for young adults called NOW. This evening event focused on the themes of discipleship, church engagement, and friendship to help the 18-25-year-olds present reflect on these important issues. Two of the speakers from that event, Zara Miskimmin (Made for More) and Chris McBurney (Christian Unions Ireland) shared with Rick Hill some of what they spoke about, as well as reflected more generally on wider themes of ministry to young adults. This might be an episode to share with young adults in your own congregation!

The world of education has been increasingly in the spotlight, with all that the last couple of years has brought compounding and exacerbating existing challenges. Education is also part of PCI's DNA – through the role of transferor governors and boards of management alongside the people in our pews who serve as school leaders, teachers, classroom assistants, support staff and other roles.   In this podcast Dr Andy Brown (2nd Broughshane PC and Convener PCI's State Education Committee), Colin Berry (The Mall PC, Armagh and Principal Markethill High School) and Ruth Dalzell (2nd Comber PC and SUNI E3 worker for North Belfast & Newtownabbey) talk to Karen Jardine (PCI Public Affairs Officer) about why local church engagement with schools matters, and how it can be done.  

The pandemic has taken its toll on all our young people, with some tough times when hope has been scarce. In April, a brand new type of youth event ONWARD: Journeying together in hope will help young people reflect on the Hope of the Gospel. This podcast features the two speakers of ONWARD, Nicola Clarke and Carl McManus, who talk to Graeme Thompson (PCI Youth Development Officer) about their expectations of the event in the context of youth work at this time. Four young people also share their honest reflections on their experience of the past two years and their hopes for the future. You can find out more about ONWARD at www.presbyterianireland.org/onward

The podcast continues its ‘RENEW' theme by turning attention to how we might be able to help renew our all-age worship. Children's Director Nicky Bradley (Knock Presbyterian Church), Kidzone Leader James Cousley (Bloomfield Presbyterian) and Schools Ministry Manager and former children's worker Mark Moorhead (SUNI) join Ruth Bromley to discuss thinking about why we do all-age worship and also some great ideas about how to include all ages in worshipping together and being challenged in our faith. Listen out for some great ideas and stories of how all-age worship has worked well and also some findings on research into all-age discipleship and the impact it can have on a whole church family.

The podcast continues its ‘RENEW' theme by turning attention to how we might be able to help renew those who serve as volunteers within our congregations. Discipleship Facilitator Rachael Gamble (Sloan Street) and Clerk of Session Paul Elliott (Carnmoney) join Rick Hill (PCI) to discuss encouraging those who serve, drawing others into leading, carrying an equipping mindset in their roles, and being sustained in their own service.  Also, have a listen to discover a great acronym for the word KNOW!  If you want to access any other helpful resources at this time, visit www.presbyterianireland.org/refined

It is increasingly apparent that there is a growing cultural gap between church and society across Ireland that makes it more and more difficult to reach new people with the gospel. To give an insight into how we as Christians, both individually and corporately can do this better, we draw learning from experiences of global mission in this conversation with Donna Jennings from Evangelical Alliance NI and James Cochrane, PCI Global Mission Worker in Porto, Portugal.

For our first episode of a new year, Rick Hill hosts a conversation about Refreshment and Renewal. Rev Sam Finlay, Minister of Redrock and Druminnis Presbyterian Churches in County Armagh, along with Paul Bowman, Youth Worker in Fitzroy Presbyterian reflect on coping with the challenges associated with leading in the church. They talk about sustainable ministry, counting blessings, finding our restorative niche as well as still being self-sacrificial while also paying attention to self-care. Also, listen along to find out more about sinking wells and building walls!

Tune in for a festive special on the Moderator's theme of, Hope at Christmas. Host Sarah Harding, editor of the Presbyterian Herald, is joined by Rev Richard Kerr, minister of Templepatrick PC, Olivia Elwood, member of Bloomfield PC, and Ilona Veres, PCI global mission worker. This episode explores how the World Development Appeal will bring hope to people living in Haiti and Ethiopia, get an update on the work of Illona and her husband Csaba in Romania during the pandemic and it will also reflect on the outcomes of COP26.  You can find out more about the World Development Appeal here: https://www.presbyterianireland.org/worlddevelopment Read more about the Hope at Christmas campaign here: https://www.presbyterianireland.org/hopeatchristmas

While so much of life was disrupted and so much church activity was paused last year, it could be argued that one thing that couldn't be stopped by any restrictions was prayer. We can always approach God, and perhaps we found a greater emphasis on prayer or a freshness in how we prayed with others. Rev David Cupples (Enniskillen Presbyterian Church) and Lucy Hill (24/7 Prayer) join Rick Hill to talk about prayer, reflecting on the need for both personal rhythms and corporate models of prayer.  If you want to find out more about the resources Lucy mentioned, you can email lucy@24-7prayerireland.com

Christian parents who want to actively help their children follow Jesus may find that this role changes as their family gets older. In this episode, Dr. Gareth Crispin (Cliff College, England and father of 3) and Gillian Spiers (mum of 4 from First Dromara Presbyterian) are in conversation with Graeme Thompson (PCI Youth Development Officer) about how parents can disciple their young people. They discuss the privileges and challenges of parenting, the daily patterns and habits of Christian families and how they can partner with the church in this critical process. Some of the resources mentioned in the discussion are: “Together with God: An Introduction to Family Worship” (2016) Gareth Crispin & Ed Mackenzie; “The Generative Church” (2019) Cory Seibel (Ed) – Chap. 4 “The Relationship between Church and Home” (Gareth Crispin); The One Conversation Model (by Axis); and “The Pop Culture Parent: Helping Kids Engage Their World for Christ” (2020) Ted Turnau

The 26th UN Climate Change Conference known as COP26 is currently meeting for twelve days of talks in Glasgow. To give an insight into why we as Christians, both individually and corporately should be concerned about climate change and suggest some practical ways we can respond, this episode hears from Rachael Thomas, a member of Knock Presbyterian and Gareth MacLean, minister of Orangefield Presbyterian.

Ministry to children and families has been seriously impacted by the pandemic and we may have lost momentum that we had in this ministry previously. So, what are some of the things we need to think about as we restart children's ministry for this season? For this conversation, Ruth Bromley is joined by Rev Mark Johnson (minister, St Andrew's Bangor), Hazel Kyle (volunteer, Glengormley) and Stephanie Houston (Children's Associate, High Kirk) to share stories and ideas on restarting children's ministry. They discuss how the pandemic affected children's ministry, how things look different in this new season of restarting and share stories and encouragement of what is important to hold tightly to in this season of sharing the Gospel with children and families. The two resources – updated guidelines and the Simple ways back to children's ministry video clip – can be found here 

This isn't an easy time to be a leader. The newness of the moment, the need to learn new skills, the pressures of decision-making among the vast array of opinions alongside constant changes and the need to generate momentum. So, what are we learning about leadership?  For this conversation, host Rick Hill is joined by Rev David Thompson (Secretary, CCLW), Rev Kathryn Viner (Minister, Malone) and Trevor Long (Clerk, North Belfast Presbytery) to offer a breadth of perspectives.  They discuss developing a shared ethos of leadership, the need to ask good questions that helps generate reflection, building teams of leaders rather than relying on individuals and the benefits of empowering leaders of all ages.  The Kirk Session resource ‘Opening up to God' is mentioned and can be found here: Opening up to God

The General Assembly is meeting next week for the first time since June 2019. This episode looks ahead to the practicalities of what to expect and some of the themes being discussed this year as we are joined by the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rev Dr David Bruce, the Clerk of the General Assembly Rev Trevor Gribben and the Secretary for the Council for Global Mission Rev Uel Marrs. This episode is hosted by Neil Harrison, PCI's Mission Development Officer. Further information on the General Assembly and each day's business can be found here: www.presbyterianireland.org/Events  Rev Gribben also refers to Climate Sunday, a suite of resources available to help congregations focus on God's creation and humanity's responsibility to be good stewards. Download the resources here: www.presbyterianireland.org/stewardshipofcreation