All Church articles – Page 3
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Opinion
I’ve never been uncomfortable with ‘the S-word’ in my relationship, but I believe it’s time to challenge its use in churches
Writer Amy Jo Stimson explains why she thinks the discourse around the word submission, particularly in conservative, complementarian churches, needs to be challenged. As she has heard preaching of submission for wives that thinly veils an exhortation to plain obedience.
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Opinion
The commitment of men to Christ is good news for single Christian women and it’s the responsibility of all of us to be praying
It’s no secret that women outnumber men in the church. Here Christian Vision for Men’s CEO, Nathan Blackaby, explains how they are trying to address the balance and what we can all do to support their work.
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Opinion
The Church can do more to support those living with long-term illness… and here’s how
Carolyn MacDonald was diagnosed with a chronic illness when she was a regular member of a church but she still found herself longing for more support from her community. Here, she explains how we can better come along side people and help them not to feel isolated.
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Opinion
This is how Christians can respond to the Queen’s death, we need to take this chance to demonstrate grieving with hope
As we grieve the death of Queen Elizabeth, Kate Patterson says that, as Christians, we can mourn differently to the rest of the nation.
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Opinion
In memory of the Queen at St Paul's Cathedral: ‘this nation’s unerring heartbeat’
At a special Service of Prayer and Reflection at St Paul’s Cathedral, London this evening, The Rt Rev and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London, spoke of the Queen’s life of service, as well as our need to grieve. We share her sermon here.
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Opinion
Female Christian leaders who founded and boosted the Alpha course are often overlooked but it wouldn’t be where it is today without them
When we talk about the global phenomenon of the Alpha course, we often praise the men who champion and promote it, but women were pivotal to its inception and proliferation. Here, author of Repackaging Christianity: Alpha and the Building of a Global Brand, Andrew Atherstone shines a light on three of these “Alpha Females” and explains that they deserve proper recognition for the significant parts they have played in the impact of this global evangelistic movement.
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Opinion
People think disability inclusion means wheelchair access, but we want churches where those with all kinds of disabilities can thrive
In their forthcoming book At the Gates, Naomi Lawson Jacobs and Emily Richards heard from many disabled Christians about their experiences of church. Here Emily explains the key things churches could consider to help them become places where disabled people thrive.
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Opinion
I’m a ’repentant mean girl’ I used to feel annoyed when church friends said I left them out but now I’m mindful of those on the outskirts
Writer Shakira Peronet felt challenged by God to look at her “mean girl” behaviour. Here she explains how she now feels that we are called to pray and encourage the weaker parts of the church body and be mindful of those on the outskirts.
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Opinion
If you’re heading to a Christian camping festival this summer, you’ll need these expert tips for getting a good night’s sleep in a tent
Feeling exhausted as you head home from a Christian festival feels like an inevitability, but sleep experts at MattressNextDay have a list of handy hacks for those who just can’t seem to get shut eye during the festivals – and they involve making just a few preparations and adjustments that could make all the difference.
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Opinion
Does your church have an unconscious ‘middle-class uniform’? It could be putting off potential newcomers
Jennie Riley couldn’t help but notice that all the men in her church were all wearing a ’uniform’ of checked or striped shirts with jeans. Here she explores whether a consistent ‘middle-class dress code’ could be putting people off joining your church.
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Opinion
Caitlin Moran stepped foot in a church for the first time last week and her observations were hilarious
Celebrated columnist, author and general larger-than-life personality Caitlin Moran is not a Christian and until last week hadn’t been to a church service. As with much of her writing, her observations were hilarious and often very relatable.
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Opinion
I write about the class divide in Church, a lot of people say it’s unnecessary but none of those people are working class
Natalie Williams, co-author of Invisible Divides, explains that as a new Christian from a working class background, the most daunting thing wasn’t learning about Jesus, it was learning how to fit in with a middle class church.
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Opinion
I’ve felt lonely in a crowded church and here’s how I think we can show Jesus’ love through building community
Churches are supposed to be places that are bursting with connection and community, but sometimes they couldn’t feel further from it. Writer Shakira Peronet shares her experience of feeling lonely at the Sunday service and how we can all do better.
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Article
Finding Jesus at festivals this summer
Christian festivals are not just about big numbers. These events are spiritual refilling stations where we lose ourselves in worship and teaching. Here, we take a peek behind the scenes of Creation Fest and David’s Tent
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Article
‘I dealt with racism every day’
Rejected from church because of her skin colour, unsupported by her father for being a woman, and surviving a suicide attempt has not stopped grandmother, Babi Dixon, 70, from seeing God at work in her life
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Opinion
Why we silence women who speak out about sexual assault and how the church can do better
Tiffany Bluhm, author of Prey Tell, explains to writer Lauren Windle how the church has become skewed in its attitudes towards women and what we can do about it.
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Opinion
Alcoholics anonymous is more church than church, explains a recovering alcoholic
Recovering alcoholic and writer Lauren Windle illustrates the many elements of an alcoholics anonymous meeting that she believes the church could learn from.
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Article
In conversation with a modern-day prophet
Emma Stark spoke to Jemimah Wright about being a prophet, and why she is passionate about the Church re-engaging with the Holy Spirit
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Article
Churches, don’t ditch the technology
In our rush to get back to ‘normal’, are we leaving behind the most vulnerable once again? Veronica Zundel asks
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Opinion
Why there aren’t enough men in your church and what we can all do about it
Author and chartered psychologist Annabel Clarke explains how fewer Christian men can affect individuals, families and the Church.