Premier Christianity Podcast

Author, speaker and activist Brian Mclaren drops in for a wide-ranging conversation with our editor Sam Hailes. The pair discuss a range of theological, political and social issues, including the environment, Trump and the relationship between grace and good works. For more information about Brian see brianmclaren.net For a free sample copy of the latest issue visit premierchristianity.com/freesample  

The bestselling evangelical author Philip Yancey is coming to the UK this September for a tour with The Leprosy Mission. In this interview he talks about his writing process, reading habits and why he doesn’t own a smartphone. For Yancey, recent debates among Christians over the Trump presidency are a distraction from what really matters. “I believe our mission is to create pioneer settlements of the Kingdom of God,” he says. “We’re supposed to be presenting a united front that demonstrates to people the life that Jesus showed us is the best life for the world, and to attract them.” For more information about Philip Yancey’s UK tour with the leprosy mission visit bit.ly/FearfullyandWonderfully

Long-time listeners of the Premier Christianity podcast will no doubt have fond memories of our former cultural commentator and all-round funny guy Martin Saunders. Well, he’s back this week with a brand new book The Man You’re Made To Be (SPCK). In this episode, Martin talks to Sam Hailes about banter, Twitter, mental health, Jesus, (not) watching women’s football and the Swedish method of Bible reading.

Vicky Walker has spent years researching Christian perspectives on sex and relationships. She dropped into the Premier Christianity offices to chat to our editor Sam Hailes about the results, which are detailed in her new book Relatable. Their conversation covers everything from gender stereotypes to dating apps and singleness to robot brothels. Is the dominant Christian view of marriage influenced more by present culture than the Bible? Are the stories we hear about finding a Christian partner and living happily ever after, an exception which has been falsely represented as the norm? And what should we make of the fact that many Christians have been damaged by some of the Church teaching they've encountered on sex and relationships? For more information about Relatable visit vickywalker.info. Follow Vicky on Twitter @vicky_walker Click here to request a free sample copy of the latest print issue of Premier Christianity    

Matt Redman drops in to the Premier Christianity offices to chat about his involvement in Thy Kingdom Come, the Archbishop of Canterbury's call for Christians to pray for their friends to come to know Christ between Ascension and Pentecost. In his chat with Sam Hailes, the worship leader also reveals which worship leaders and preachers he's most inspired by, and explains the significance of making public declarations of praise in public places such as Times Square, New York City and Trafalgar Square, London.  Click here to request a free sample copy of the latest print issue of Premier Christianity  To find out more about Thy Kingdome Come visit thykingdomcome.global. To hear more from Matt Redman listen to the latest episode of Premier's YCW podcast.

What if doubt doesn't have to be the enemy of faith? Lisa Gungor and Nick Page join Sam Hailes to discuss the unexpected benefits of pulling apart and re-examining your beliefs on this week's edition of the podcast. 'Deconstructing faith' is our cover story this month and the article features a variety of voices on doubt, questioning and what happens when church just doesn't make sense anymore. We also hear from Joshua Harris about why he regrets writing his bestselling Christian book I Kissed Dating Goodbye Read this month's cover story on theological deconstruction Request a free copy of the latest issue of Premier Christianity magazine

The bewildered founder of 24-7 prayer, Pete Greig drops in for a chat with our editor Sam Hailes. The two discuss how to pray about Brexit, the wealth of different ways to pray and why Pete Greig believes revival has already begun in the United Kingdom. "Every single historical, theological and biblical marker - you can tick the box," he says. "We're seeing a massive increase in prayer - and that's always where revival begins, we're seeing extraordinary increase in Christian unity and almost anybody who plants a church now sees it grow. That wasn't the case a few years ago...Everywhere I go I'm meeting people who say people are responding to the gospel more than they used to..." Read Pete Greig's article on 'How to Pray' in the latest issue of Premier Christianity magazine. Request your free copy here

When Jackie Hill Perry utters the words "I used to be a lesbian", she knows a backlash is coming. "When someone comes out saying: 'Hey, I used to be gay,' they are slaughtered, they are called bigoted," she says. In this interview, the author of Gay Girl Good God responds to her critics and shares the story of how God turned her life around.  You can also read this interview in the latest issue of Premier Christianity. Subscribe for HALF PRICE at premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Christians know self-control is important. But why is it so difficult? How can we train ourselves to be more disciplined and form better habits? And what's the key to keeping those New Year's Resolutions? Drew Dyck delves into all these questions (and more) in his new book Your future self will thank you: Secrets to self-control from the Bible and brain science. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Drew unpacks the surprising results of his research and gives practical tips on how we can make 2019 our best year yet. For a free sample copy of Premier Christianity magazine visit premierchristianity.com For more on Drew, see his website drewdyck.com    

A new documentary is exploring reconciliation in Northern Ireland from the perspective of Christians who lost loved ones during The Troubles. The Kickstarter-funded Guardians of the Flame film was inspired by Lord Rabbi Sacks' words: "Religion is like fire and like fire it warms, but it also burns. We are the guardians of the flame." In this episode Premier Christianity's editor Sam Hailes talks to the film's producer and presenter Jonny Clark about justice, forgiveness and the complicated role Christians have played in both conflict and peacemaking in Northern Ireland.  For a free sample copy of Premier Christianity magazine visit premierchristianity.com For more information about the film visit guardiansoftheflame.org  

Everyone's favourite bearded worship leader chats with Sam Hailes about his new album I Know a Ghost. You can also read this interview in the forthcoming edition of Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for half price here  

After years spent in a Pakistani prison awaiting a death sentence for the crime of blasphemy, Asia Bibi is finally free. James Mildred joins Premier Christianity's editor Sam Hailes to discuss this story, plus two other significant religious freedom cases which have dominated headlines in recent weeks. Plus, the writer of this month's cover story on '5 Hebrew words every Christian should know', Melissa Briggs explains how the ancient language revolutionised her walk with God.  Get 12 issues of the print mag for HALF PRICE, plus get entered into a prize draw to win £200 worth of new Christian books. Simply visit premierchristianity.com/subscribe

The son of the world's most famous evangelist, the late Billy Graham visited Blackpool last month and saw hundreds make commitments to Christ. Premier's head of news Marcus Jones was at Franklin Graham's Festival of Hope and shares his reflections not only on the event, but on his recent interviews with this somewhat controversial leader. Plus, as Elfed Godding finishes his 19 year stint heading up the Evangelical Alliance in Wales, we talk to him about the highs and lows of his ministry thus far and Liz Grier shares her open and honest perspective about pioneering a congregation for unchurched young people in Devon.  Get 12 issues of the print mag for HALF PRICE, plus get entered into a prize draw to win £200 worth of new Christian books. Simply visit premierchristianity.com/subscribe Beginning Unlimited: The Diary of a Church Plant by Liz Grier (Instant Apostle) is out now  

16 months ago the popular Christian author and blogger Adrian Warnock was diagnosed with a slow growing form of blood cancer. In this candid interview, Adrian opens up about how his faith has been tested since receiving the news, what he thinks about healing and why he believes every Christian must prepare for times of suffering.  Plus, the Christian musician and singer-songwriter Paul Bell subjects himself to a barrage of silly questions as part of our new series of 'Quick Fire!' interviews.  And Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes introduces a new special offer for new subscribers. Get 12 issues of the print mag for HALF PRICE, plus get entered into a prize draw to win £200 worth of new Christian books. Simply visit premierchristianity.com/subscribe Follow Adrian Warnock on Twitter @adrianwarnock and Paul Bell @paulbellmusic      

Does the Bible teach predestination? How can we best reach out to our Muslim friends? Why does God seem so violent in the Old Testament? These are just a few of the many questions hurled at three Christian speakers in a live Q&A during Refuel Festival in the Highlands of Scotland. Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes was there and recorded the hour-long conversation. Hear it in full on this special edition of the podcast. For more on Andy Bannister visit andybannister.net. For Bruxy Cavey visit bruxy.com and for Fred Drummond visit eauk.org/scotland/meet-the-team.cfm To find out more about Refuel Festival see refuelscotland.org.uk Get a FREE copy of our latest issue of the print mag View our special HALF PRICE subscription deal (limited offer)

On this week's show Rachel Held Evans introduces her new book on the Bible, responds to the claim she's "the most polarising woman in evangelicalism" and explains the strengths of writing as a layperson, rather than an academic. Rachel, who grew up in America's Bible Belt, believes Christians need to stop treating biblical interpretation as a "zero sum game where there are winners and losers", instead opting to view scripture as "a conversation starter".  In the second part of today's show, our editor Sam Hailes takes a peek inside the oldest Methodist building in the world. The New Room in Bristol has recently been rennovated and now houses John Wesley's chapel as well as a museum and archive.  Follow Rachel Held Evans on Twitter @rachelheldevans For more on The New Room, visit newroombristol.org.uk Get a FREE copy of our latest issue of the print mag

Who is Jordan B. Peterson and why is he attracting such a huge audience? Justin Brierley met the man himself and reports back on his first impressions of the Canadian psychologist who is taking the world by storm. Plus our deputy editor Megan Cornwell explains how the Pope's comments on divorce and communion are causing a stir in the Vatican. Finally, Sam Hailes meets worship leader Tom Eccleshall to discuss KXC's debut worship album, which was part funded by Spotify! Get a FREE copy of our latest issue of the print mag    

Rob Bell has gone from being a megachurch pastor to talking about Ecclesiastes in LA's comedy clubs.  In one sense nothing has changed. In another sense everything has. There's a "massive world of people who are spiritually hungry", he says, "but they can't stomach the Christian packaging they've encountered around Jesus".  Enter: the new Rob Bell. Few would consider him part of the Christian mainstream. Yet he's reaching a new audience with an ancient message.  In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Rob opens up about his views on church, explains why the sermon is an art form and answers questions about his definition of the Gospel. To request a FREE edition of Premier Christiantiy magazine visit premierchristianity.com/freesample    

The founder of Soul Survivor drops in this week to explain the full story behind Soul Survivor's shock announcement that their summer festivals will end after 2019. Mike goes into detail on how this decision came about and says he's confident that other Christian organisations will fill the gap and run their own future events. Commenting on the state of youth work today, he suggests although much hasn't changed, youth leaders do need to have hard conversations about sexual ethics with their young people, while at the same time holding the subject in healthy balance with the rest of biblical teaching. He also introduces his new book Lifelines, co-written with Andy Croft which is due out this summer and available "wherever good Christian books are sold".  To request a FREE edition of Premier Christiantiy magazine visit premierchristianity.com/freesample

Societal attitudes to women have changed drastically in recent years. Does the Church need to change too? Editor Sam Hailes and our new deputy editor Megan Cornwell talk to Katie Harrison about her cover story 'A Woman's Place'. Plus, Rob Parsons explains why he's written his latest column on avoiding "divisive Christians".   To request a FREE edition of Premier Christiantiy magazine visit premierchristianity.com/freesample  

Sam Hailes is joined by the editor of Youth and Children's Work magazine Ruth Jackson to discuss Soul Survivor's shock announcement that their events will finish in 2019. Plus Luke and Anna Hellebronth drop in to discuss Worship Central's new project Stir A Passion. Follow YCW on Twitter @ycwmag and Worship Central @worshipcentral To request a FREE edition of Premier Christiantiy magazine visit premierchristianity.com/freesample Hear more interviews with leading Christians on The Profile podcast    

In this wide-ranging conversation with Premier Christianity's editor Sam Hailes, the much loved speaker, sociologist and author Tony Campolo argues Christians need to drop the 'evangelical' label. He also comments on the new film Leaving My Father's Faith - a documentary about how his son left Christianity. The former spiritual advisor to Bill Clinton also reveals why he has a problem with much of today's worship music and claims that contrary to popular belief, the Bible doesn't teach that "God is in control" of everything.  To request a FREE edition of Premier Christiantiy magazine visit premierchristianity.com/freesample Hear more interviews with leading Christians on The Profile podcast

1 in 4 people in the UK experience a common mental health problem. But is the Church as welcoming toward those struggling with mental ill health as it should be? Speaking ahead of Mental Health Awareness week, Claire Musters gives her view. Plus, Heather Tomlinson introduces us to Identity Politics and assesses whether Christians should get involved in it. Finally, our editor Sam Hailes talks to the popular Christian band Kings Kaleidoscope about why they've dropped 'The F Bomb' in one of their new songs.  To request a FREE edition of Premier Christiantiy magazine visit premierchristianity.com/freesample Hear more interviews with leading Christians on The Profile podcast

Sam Hailes introduces a special edition of the Premier Christianity magazine podcast which this month features Justin Brierley’s documentary: Billy Graham: A life well lived. To request our special Billy Graham tribute edition of the magazine visit premierchristianity.com/freesample

In the March edition of the Premier Christianity magazine podcast editor Sam Hailes interviews Tom Wright (aka NT Wright) about his brand new biography of Paul: Who was he? What did he look like? And what would he say to the Church today?  Read Tom Wright's article for Premier Christianity magazine Find out about Tom Wright's event in London this summer Take advantage of our special offer - subscribe to Premier Christianity magazine and get a FREE gift, full online access and our special 100-page Billy Graham tribute edition    

It's farewell to Justin Brierley as he reflects on his final edition of Premier Christianity mag after nearly four years at the helm.  Justin, Sam and Claire also discuss the front cover feature on Christians fighting London's knife crime epidemic, whether evangelicalism can survive the era of Trump, what to do when God doesn't heal.  Plus we hear from Kay Warren, wife of megachurch leader Rick Warren, on lessons learned from the joys and struggles of their decades of marriage. Subscribe at https://www.premierchristianity.com/subscriptions/purchase Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity magazine, or Subscribe Via iTunes

Justin, Sam and Claire open up the pages of the January 2018 edition as they review highlights from the past year, hear how broadcaster Jeremy Vine lost and found his faith again, profile 3 of the UK’s fastest growing churches, and hear about Claire’s experience of spiritual practices that may help others connect with God in 2018. Subscribe at https://www.premierchristianity.com/subscriptions/purchase Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity magazine, or Subscribe Via iTunes

It's a bumper Christmas-y edition as Sam, Claire and Justin debate the best time to put up your tree and hear from funny man Paul Kerensa about why he's written a book about Christmas traditions. Plus we look at amazing dreams that led people to Christ and hear from pastor to sceptical millennials John Mark Comer. Claire tells her personal story of taking off her mask and Rob Parsons wraps things up with a Christmas story. See the full Dec edition at https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2017/December-2017 Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity magazine, or Subscribe Via iTunes

New team member Claire Musters joins Sam and Justin on the podcast as we debate how parents should treat Halloween, ask  “Is it time to pray for Revival again?” in light of Terry Virgo’s cover feature, investigate how evangelicals took over the CofE, hear about how C4’s Eden TV show turned into a living hell and hear an exclusive interview between Guvna B and Matt Redman on the worship leader’s new album. See the full Nov edition at https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2017/November-2017 Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity magazine, or Subscribe Via iTunes

Sam and Justin open the pages of the Reformation anniversary magazine, with tons of features commemorating the idea and key players. Nick Page talks to Sam about the pros and cons of the Reformation, we look at why Bart Campolo (son of Tony) lost his faith and hear form Christy Wimber on what happens when people don’t get healed. See the full August edition at  https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2017/October-2017 Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity magazine, or Subscribe Via iTunes

It’s a sad goodbye to Katie as she’s off to vicar factory, but she joins the team one last time to discuss our Sep cover feature, marking the 100th anniversary of the first woman to be ordained to ministry in a UK denomination. We also revisit the Jesus People Revolution 50 years on from 1967’s Summer of Love, hear how a KGB spy became a Christian church planter, and some of Katie’s Profile interview with ‘America’s best theologian’ Stanley Hauerwas. See the full September edition at  https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2017/September-2017 Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity magazine, or Subscribe Via iTunes

Sam, Katie and Justin are back to talk about the latest mag, featuring tips on how Jesus triggered his listeners’ brains, how to be brave when the world is warzone, an amazing story of a child captive in Uganda, Katie’s interview with Parliamentary chaplain Rose Hudson-Wilkin and Sam’s blog on Eugene Peterson’s U-turn on gay marriage (read it here: https://www.premierchristianity.com/Blog/Pity-Eugene-Peterson-the-latest-victim-of-social-media-s-theology-wars )    See the full August edition at https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2017/August-2017 Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity magazine, or Subscribe Via iTunes

Katie and Justin bring highlights from the July mag, including Glenn Paauw’s article on how to get Christians reading their Bibles again, a rare interview with Eugen Peterson,  Katie’s piece on church response to prostitution, Justin’s book and also talking about the Grenfell Tower fire. See the July edition at https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2017/July-2017   Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity magazine, or Subscribe Via iTunes

In this month's edition of the podcast, the team discuss the latest cover story which asks 'Should Christians be patriotic?' Justin, Sam, Malky and Katie also share their thoughts on this month's culture column about Grime music and hear from Argentinian evangelist Carlos Annacondia. All that, plus we take a closer look at Emma Scrivner's article on mental health and the Church. And make sure you listen right to the end to hear what Malky had for breakfast this morning... 

Sam and Justin bring you a selection from the May magazine and blog, including: Les Moir's feature on how UK worship music went global; the hounding of Christian political leader Tim Farron; how Christians should be involved in politics; Robert Beckford on doing black theology; and what we can learn from the Very Hungry Caterpillar when we have a mid-faith crisis... See the May edition at https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2017/May-2017 Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity magazine, or Subscribe Via iTunes

This month Sam, Katie & Justin are joined by elusive designer Malky and the not-so-elusive Ruth Jackson to talk about fake news, hear about Pete Portal's amazing Cape Town mission work and discuss RT Kendall's end times article. We also hear from chart topping dance DJ Moby about his Christian faith and debate Princeton Seminary's decision to rescind a theology prize for Tim Keller. See the April edition at https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2017/April-2017 Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity magazine, or Subscribe Via iTunes

This month Justin delves into why the church is split along racial lines, Katie talks about her research into why Muslim asylum seekers are converting to Christianity, we review a blog titled “Why Christians should think twice before boycotting Disney’s ‘gay Beauty and the Beast”, plus Sam interviews ‘jail-bird-glam-vicar’ Sharon Grenham-Thompson. Enjoy! See the March edition at https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2017/March-2017 Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity magazine, or Subscribe Via iTunes

The team are back to talk about the real life world of exorcism and deliverance ministry in the February edition. Ahead of Marriage Week we look at an article by former family law court judge Paul Coleridge on why marriage is always the best option for children. What are the 6 lies that modern worship music tells us? Plus we look at the life of French theologian-activist Simone Weil and hear from bible scholar supremo NT Wright See the February edition at http://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2017/February-2017 Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity Magazine, or Subscribe Via iTunes

Happy New Year! We’ve packed a lot of good stuff into the January 2017 edition. Sam, Katie and Justin discuss the conversation we hosted between comedians Milton Jones, Sally Phillips and Paul Kerensa. We’re all a bit worried about Sam after he went to a new age fair, Joe Ogborn has an atheist friend he takes to church every Sunday and we hear how Rev Richard Coles went from 80s popstar to media missionary. See the January edition at http://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2017/January-2017 Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity Magazine, or Subscribe Via a href=“https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/premier-christianity-podcast/id959882582?mt=2”>iTunes

With Christmas approaching, Justin, Sam and Katie look at how tor refresh your church’s annual festive offerings, plus Katie surprises the team with some fake beards! There’s also some serious stuff too – Jessica Kelley’s article on how she dealt with the question raised by the death of her 4 year old son to cancer and the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. See the December edition at www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2016/December-2016 Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity Magazine, or Subscribe Via a href=“https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/premier-christianity-podcast/id959882582?mt=2”>iTunes

Justin, Sam and Katie talk Trump as they look at Skye Jethani's article on why the US election is dividing evangelicals. Tony Campolo lays his cards on the table over Hillary Clinton and same-sex marriage. Plus Mike Pilavachi on everyday miracles, and we review Sally Phillips' BBC2 documentary 'A World Without Down's Syndrome'. Justin also sings a bit of Yazz. See the November edition at http://www.premierchristianity.com/past-issues/2016/November-2016 Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity Magazine, or Subscribe Via a href=“https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/premier-christianity-podcast/id959882582?mt=2”>iTunes

New team member Katie Stock joins Sam and Justin to look through the latest edition of the mag. U2 have turned 40 (do you feel old now?). Why we are addicted to true crime documentaries. 65% of UK Christian say they’ve experienced the supernatural and Justin hears from Eric Metaxas on his controversial support of Donald Trump. See the October edition at www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2016/October-2016 Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity Magazine, or Subscribe Via a href=“https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/premier-christianity-podcast/id959882582?mt=2”>iTunes