The Profile

‘It's bonkers', ‘God is blowing my mind' ... Despite the dire statistics around church attendance in the UK, stories of God working miracles are proliferating, especially among young people. Emma Fowle is joined by four ministry leaders to discuss what's going on. In this special edition of the show, Jamie Price (Limitless), Josh Green (24-7 Prayer), Susie Aldridge and Zeke Rink (Dreaming the Impossible) share their encouraging stories.

Andy Peck chats with the Youth and Children's Ministry Consultant and manager and founder of Paraklesis, who has developed umpteen leaders, especially young people. They look at what attributes to seek in a potential leader, what red flags to look for and how to make sure our own ego doesn't get in the way The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe now from $1 per month

The motto of the London Olympics in 2012 was “Inspire a Generation”. For one eleven-year-old from Coventry whose disability meant she'd never been allowed to play sport at school, this slogan became a reality. Just four years later, Karé Adenegan would win three medals in the 2016 Rio Paralympics. In Tokyo, she added two more. Now 23, the softly spoken wheelchair racer is bidding for a medal in her third successive games. Ahead of her final preparations for Paris 2024, Marcus Jones asks if she can sum up her remarkable journey in one word. “Mind-blowing,” she says simply. In this interview you'll hear more about Kare's faith, including the one prayer she always recites on the startline. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. See subscription offers now at premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Andy Peck talks with the co-founder of Celebrate Church, Bradford about his transition from a Baptist Church to develop a different kind of church with distinct values that seek God's presence. They discuss his leadership of social enterprise projects which touch many hundreds locally and how to develop hope when we feel hope-less. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe now from $1 per month

Rev Dr Sam Wells has been described as one of the most influential public theologians in the world today. He's also the Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, which is situated opposite Trafalgar Square in central London. The church is well known for hosting many musical and cultural events, but it is also bucking the trend of decline in the Church of England. For Sam, the Bible is "all about poverty", and that belief has influenced the church's pioneering work among the homeless in London. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Rev Dr Wells opens up about his early life, and his disappointment that while his Christian friends seemed to be enjoying a "personal relationship" with Jesus, this seemed missing from his own life. This, along with his interest in poverty and apologetics, sent him on a lifelong journey of going deeper with God. Sam is visiting professor of Christian Ethics at King's College and the author of over 40 books, including Humbler Faith, Bigger God (Canterbury Press), which explores the key tenets of Christian faith while also engaging with common objections. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. For a half price subscription offer visit premierchristianity.com/podcast

Andy Peck talks to the author of 'Do Manage Lead: Essential Bible Tools for leaders', about how to assess our tasks in the light of a wise focus for living. They look at tried and tested time-management tools, the role of personality and how not to make the whole exercise too legalistic. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe now from $1 per month

Andy Peck talks with the founder of One Rock International about how to lead like Jesus, especially when the Gospels don't give us a detailed account of how he led. They look at what elements of Jesus leading were transferable and the all-important question of how to do it. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe now from $1 per month

Norman Stone began his career in television as the youngest producer/director at the BBC. Moving from documentaries, and a pioneering children's show, into popular drama, Norman later achieved international success with the BAFTA award winning Shadowlands, a film about the love and loss experienced by C.S. Lewis through the death of his wife from cancer. In this in-depth interview with Tony Wilson, Norman unpacks his Christian faith and explains why he believes most Christian productions - with the notable exception of Angel Studio's The Chosen - are 'awful'. With several projects in the pipeline, Norman remains as passionate about his role as a "storyteller" as ever and confirms he has no plans to retire. "I can't even spell it," he says.

Andy Peck talks to the former Baptist Minister and Principal of London School of Theology about how the idea of leadership evolved in the New Testament era. They discuss how this translates to the very different size and style of church today and consider if leadership scandals might be avoided if we followed biblical principles. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

In this engaging interview, the principal of Spurgeon's College, Rev Prof Philip McCormack reflects on his work as a miltiary chaplain in Afghanistan, for which he received an MBE. Talking about the strong influence of faith from an early age he shares memories of attending Sunday school and the profound impact of witnessing the genuine faith and scriptural knowledge of his coworkers in the shipyard. His decision to join the Ulster Defence Regiment was driven by a desire to serve his community during the tumultuous times of the early 80s. Despite the dangers, he found professionalism and dedication among his fellow part-time soldiers. Commenitng on Christian ethics, including the Just War thoery, Philip explores how to reconcile Jesus' teachings on loving our neighbours and enemies with the reality of armed conflict. The role of Christian pacifism is also explored as a vital ethical viewpoint that challenges the necessity and conduct of war. In 2017, Philip became principal Spurgeon's College, which was founded in 1856 by well known preacher Charles H Spurgeon. Spurgeon's was awarded a triple gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework and is now emphasising engaging with diverse worldviews and ideas, seeing it as essential for character development and the cultivation of a reasoned, resilient faith. For that reason, the future of Spurgeon's College involves welcoming both Christian and non-Christian students, says Phillip. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. For a half price subscription offer visit premierchristianity.com/podcast

Andy Peck talks with Mark Arnold, the Additional Needs Ministry Director for Urban Saints and the co-founder of the Additional Needs Alliance. They discus the neurodiversity language, how leaders can better lead those with additional needs and whether local churches are improving in their provision. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

The apologist and spoken word poet Preston Perry speaks to Emma Fowle about growing up in gangs, finding Christ and how God convicted him about his old approach to evangelism. Preston is the author of new book How to Tell the Truth: The story of how God saved me to win hearts – not just arguments (Hodder). You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazineThe Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity. Subscribe for half price at premierchristianity.com/podcast]]>

Andy Peck talks with the executive director of the Railway Mission about his oversight of chaplains who serve across the mainland UK Rail Network. They discuss the current dispute between ASLEF and the Government, consider the challenges of fatalities that occur on average every 30 hours, and why the Mission's work is such ‘good value for money'. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

The bestselling Christian author Sarah Bessey gives us a glimpse into her "evolving faith" in this week's edition of The Profile podcast. In reflecting on her spiritual journey thus far, Sarah explains how she's been able to hold onto faith during periods of turmoil, and why she retains a respect for a variety of church traditions and expressions. As she once wrote, "I'm an Anglican-influenced charismatic, postevangelical with a strong pull toward Anabaptist theology. Say that three times fast. I speak in tongues and I pray the hours. I dance and clap at church, but I also sit in silence and meditation. I place my hands on people when I pray for them, and I light candles. I follow the Church calendar observing Lent and Pentecost, Advent and ordinary time, but I worship in community with believers who do not - and likely never will - and I belong there." Sarah is the author of a number of books. Her most recent is entitled 'Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith'. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. For a special half price subscription offer visit premierchristianity.com/podcast

Andy Peck talks with the youth and student co-ordinator at Kintsugi Hope, a charity that was set up to support those with mental and emotional health challenges. They look at why we are all on a spectrum when it comes to mental health and how we can wisely have conversations that can assist young people and students who are finding things especially challenging. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

On this week's episode, Emma Fowle speaks to the Christian writer and broadcaster Sheridan Voysey. The Pause for Thought contributor shares about giving up his career as a club DJ and how he and his wife dealt with infertility. He also tells his personal story of leaving a Christain cult and updates us on his research into loneliness and friendship. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity. Subscribe now and receive Patrick Regan's new book FREE premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Andy Peck talks with the president of Westmont College, a Christian Liberal Arts College in Santa Barbara, California about his book: The Crucibles that Shape Us: navigating the defining challenges of leadership. They discuss the 7 crucibles he outlines, the tumultuous times faced by the College, and which of the crucibles might be especially apt for a church leader. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Andy Peck talks with the author of ‘Mindful Formation: A Pathway to Spiritual Liberation' about Christian mindfulness. What is the biblical backing for the idea? How might it function in a Christian leader's life and be an antidote to extreme stress and anxiety? The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Andy Peck talks with Bishop Emma Ineson about her book, Ambition: What Jesus Said About Power, Success and Counting Stuff. They discuss when ambition is good and when it's bad, how we serve before an ‘audience of one' and why statistics can help the Church if used wisely and humbly. This was originally broadcast in 2019. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Shaun is a West End veteran, having played Mufasa in the Lion King for over 16 years. He's also a soul and RnB artist who has recorded six critically-acclaimed solo albums, and sung with stars including Beverley Knight, Angie Stone and Erykah Badu, as well as touring with Michael Ball and Alfie Boe. On today's podcast, he shares his story of getting into the creative arts industry via his old school friend, Idris Elba, how his Christian faith keeps him grounded, and the importance of having a sure and certain identity in an ever changing world

Andy Peck talks with the co-authors of ‘The Hopeful Activist: discovering the vital change you were made to bring' about developing biblically based understanding of initiating political and social change. Rich has co-led Tearfund's policy and advocacy work on plastics and waste. Rachel has worked in communications for an international Christian charity and is now Parish administrator at St Andrews' Church in Islington, north London. How do we discover what God is calling us to do? The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

As part of mental health awareness week, Sam Hailes talks to Patrick Regan, founder of Christian mental health charity Kintsugi Hope on mediating between Jamaican gang leaders, facing criticism from fellow Christians, and why the Bible is full of wisdom on mental health. You can also read this interview on premierchristianity.com The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Visit premierchristianity.com/podcast for a HALF PRICE offer just for podcast listeners

Andy Peck speaks with Jamie Phear, former Professor of English in the US and now writing full time and helping women develop their calling. They discuss how calling may change over time and why having a regular retreat is so beneficial. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Andy Peck chats with Stephen Dempster, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Crandall University, New Brunswick, Canada about his recent book, Return of the Kingdom: a biblical theology of God's Reign. They discuss how an understanding of the kingdom in the Bible informs the leadership of Christians today, look at why the Hebrew order of the Old Testament books is preferable, and how Jesus' style leadership is the model for all believers. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

These 47 words changed Dr Aaron Edwards' life and career, potentially forever: “Homosexuality is invading the Church. Evangelicals no longer see the severity of this [because] they're busy apologising for their apparently barbaric homophobia, whether or not it's true. This *is* a ‘Gospel issue', by the way. If sin is no longer sin, we no longer need a Saviour.” That post on Twitter (now X) went viral within minutes, with many Christians calling for Dr Edwards to remove it and apologise. Among those who objected were his employers, a Methodist Bible college, who told the lecturer to take it down. When he refused, he was suspended and ultimately sacked. Is the case an example of "lefward drift" in evangelical institutions, as Dr Edwards alleges? Or is it simply a case of poor judgement and lack of wisdom on his part? In this interview, the former lecturer explains why he still stands by the tweet, and why he's decided to take Cliff College to employment tribunal. Cliff College were given sight of this interview prior to it airing, and offered an opportunity to respond to the claims made. They declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation. You can also read this interview here The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity. Subscribe now and receive Patrick Regan's new book FREE premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Andy Peck speaks with Matt Hatch, founder of Mosaic Church Leeds, and a leader of one of the congregations, about his book: Metamorphosis: Unlocking your spiritual transformation through healthy discipleship'. They talk about how his church approaches discipleship and the importance of the church leader remaining connected with people, and open to God's direction if a culture of discipleship is to develop amid the many other claims on time and energy. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Jonathan Evans, Baron Evans of Weardale has worked in espionage since the 1980s, eventually becoming the director general of MI5 (2007-13). In this interview with Tony Wilson, we hear about Lord Evans' Christian faith and how it has sustained him during difficult moments. A crossbench peer since 2014, Lord Evans also comments on what threats the UK might be facing today, and speaks about standards in public life. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity. Subscribe for more interviews, news and analysis at premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Andy Peck speaks with Marcus Culverwell, head teacher of Reigate St Mary's Preparatory and Choir School about his call to lead a school. They discuss how much influence a school might have on a child, and consider some themes from his book, ‘Would God go shopping' and how he is able to help young people consider the wider world and their place in it. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson believes she's proof that the world isn't as antagonistic towards Christians as many assume. In this in depth conversation with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, she explains her love for Calvinism, why she's written a commentary (of sorts) on the book of Genesis and reveals how her theology has changed over time.

Andy Peck speaks with two men committed to Christians bringing the whole of their lives into the workplace, including their faith. Dave Law is an analytical chemist with Thames Water and Julian Shellard a lawyer with a global pharmaceutical company. They talk about how recent legislation actually encourages Christians to form Christian groups in their workplace and why scare stories about faith challenges at work are by no means the norm. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Andy Peck chats with Paul Friend, CEO of SWYM (South West Youth Ministries) about his book, ‘Fierce Humility: leading in the way of Jesus'. They discuss why Paul wrote the book, which elements of humility are toughest to explore and why humility stands against the self-promotion seemingly required in our social media age. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Andy Peck chats with Simon Holley, the senior leader of Kings Arms Church Bedford and a leader of the Catalyst strategy team with Newfrontiers. They reflect on whether he still stands by his book, ‘Sustainable Power: creating a healthy culture of the supernatural in the church today', ten years on; how he has stayed motivated working in the same church; and his new coaching ministry: ‘therawleader.com' The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

"Low grade, slow grade, slow cooked church changes you in ways you can't imagine." That's according to experienced church planter, author and cultural commentator Stephen McAlpine. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Stephen argues that regular, habitual church attendance is vital. "If you say, 'we'll go to this service, but next week we won't go, and the week after that we have a sporting event...' don't be surprised that your teenagers don't end up Christian." Born in Belfast, Stephen has experience ministering across many nations including Northern Ireland, England and Australia, where he is now based. He's the author of Being the bad guys: How to live for Jesus in a world that says you shouldn't and most recently Futureproof: How to live for Jesus in a culture that keeps on changing (The Good Book Company). Much of Stephen's work is designed to help Christians in the West share the good news with a world that is increasingly antagonistic towards faith. The appropriate response to Christians being perceived as the 'bad guys', is not for us to become angry or dismayed, argues Stephen. "Let's own our stuff. We have divergent views from the mainstream culture about what human flourishing is about, and what sex and gender are about." It may be uncomfortable, but we're called to stand firm. After all the Gospel is "suffer now, glory later", he says. "You can't get away from that," he adds. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Enter 'PODCAST' at checkout for a half price offer premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Andy Peck talks with Christian Szurko, the National Co-ordinator, DialogCentre UK who has been serving victims of spiritual abuse for over 50 years. They talk about why Christians in leadership fall into temptation, how we can guard ourselves and how we might help someone who has been spiritually abused? The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Premier Woman Alive's deputy editor Jemimah Wright engages in a profound conversation with renowned author, radio host, and disability rights advocate Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni discusses her journey of living with quadriplegia for almost 57 years and how she's learned to avoid bitterness and instead rest in God's sovereignty. Trusting in God's plan brings a sense of calm and relief from anxiety, she says, emphasising the importance of trusting in God's ability to transform suffering into hope. She shares insights into her life's work, the importance of stewarding influences faithfully, and offers advice for single individuals. The discussion also navigates complex cultural issues facing Christians today, encouraging a return to biblical guidance. Despite battling cancer twice and having covid-19 her faith is stronger than ever. This is a must-listen episode filled with wisdom and inspiration! For more from Premier Woman Alive, visit womanalive.co.uk

Andy Peck talks with Yvonne Tulloch, the founder and CEO of the charity At a Loss. She is a former Canon in the Church of England, and served as the Bishop's Officer for clergy bereavement for Southwark, who faced the challenge of the very sudden death of her husband. They discuss how the charity was born and why caring for the bereaved is becoming an essential ministry in many local churches. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Debra Green OBE was planting churches, preaching and pioneering social action work when few female leaders were moving in those spaces. Ahead of Mother's Day, she's joined by son, Josh Green, who leads youth ministry for 24-7 Prayer, to discuss prodigal sons, working in ministry and what happened when the police arrived on their doorstep. You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity. Subscribe for half price at premierchristianity.com/podcast

Andy Peck talks to evangelist Scott McNamara, director of evangelism at Nations Church in Orlando, Florida about the tool, ‘Jesus at the Door' which he developed in his time as evangelist at Causeway Coast Vineyard Church, Coleraine, Northern Ireland. How was the tool birthed and used and how can local churches be ‘reapers' as well as ‘sowers'? The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

The leader of Prayer Storm speaks to Premier Christianity's Emma Fowle about wimpish prayers, speaking in tongues with his ten-year-old and the incomparable joy of learning to commune with God. You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for half price at premierchristianity.com/podcast

Andy Peck talks to Chris Curtis of Youthscape and Nathan Mlandin of Theos, both part of the AI Christian Partnership (www.aichristian.org) about the possible impact of AI: in ministry to young people; the work place; and our personal privacy. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

In this episode of The Profile, the Grammy-nominated Australian songwriter Mia Fieldes (Hillsong, Bethel, The Belonging Co) shares her incredible journey of faith and resilience with Woman Alive's deputy editor Jemimah Wright. Despite facing significant health challenges and fertility issues, including the removal of one of her ovaries, Mia held steadfast in her belief in God's promises that she would be blessed with a child. From grappling with multiple surgeries to overcoming the odds to conceive naturally, Mia explains how she's been able to face life's challenges with hope and gratitude. As a child, Mia found solace in writing letters to God every night expressing her faith and trust in him (and she still has boxes of those letters!). She met her husband through Hillsong Church in Sydney, before moving to Nashville where she now resides. She also recounts how she prayed in faith for a husband and then waited, trusting in God's promises. Her experience of receiving prophetic words and signs, and even dreams from friends about her future marriage, helped her to keep believing. Today, she characterises her journey as being one marked by miracles and an unwavering belief in God's goodness. In every hard thing, there's an opportunity for an upgrade, she says. Read the full story in an upcoming issue of Premier Woman Alive magazine. See the latest subscription offers at womanalive.co.uk The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for half price at premierchristianity.com/podcast

Andy Peck talks to Alun Leppitt, the European regional representative for Global Awakening- a network of churches which came out of a move of God in Toronto in 1994 – known as ‘the Toronto Blessing'. They look at how as a pastor of a church in Southampton, he was thrust into a wider ministry, what an ‘apostolic network' is, and why he values corporate worship so highly. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Robert James Rogers, Baron Lisvane, is a crossbench peer and former Clerk of the House of Commons (2011-2014). He's also chairman of the Royal College of Organists and, married to a Church of England priest, has a deep love for church music. In this interview with Tony Wilson, Lord Lisvane explains the inner workings of the houses of parliament, recalls how traditional chapel services were central to his life as a youngster and recounts a memorable lunch with the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe for a reduced rate at premierchristianity.com/podcast