Advent Sermon Idea – Ready for CHRIST?

Thought I’d throw out my recent sermon about why Advent is about more than waiting for Christmas – it’s about watching for Christ. Are you ready for Christmas?Probably not. Join the club. Are you ready for CHRIST?I hope so. From Bethlehem to the Beginning We all know the first Christmas happened at Bethlehem, but the truth is it was promised from the very beginning. Before the foundation of the world, God – who has good plans and purposes for us – knew we would need a Saviour. All of the Old Testament is the story of how He prepared the world for Jesus’ first coming. But Advent doesn’t begin at a manger.It begins with a message: He will come again. Every year at Ivy we like to do things a little differently, so we will talk about the second coming of Jesus before we rush to the Nativity, because we need to remember where the story is going: forward, not back. Knowing who Christmas is about helps us avoid going mad at Christmas. No need to plunge into the December debt spiral. Rein it in […]

Thoughts On Hearing That My Friend Eric Delve Has Gone Home To Be With Jesus.

I believe Eric was the finest preacher to reach ordinary people that the nation has produced in his generation. He was also my spiritual Dad, and not just by his message but his mentoring, prayer and support.
I loved his laugh, and shared many of his heartfelt tears too as he prayed for the people. He was incredibly open as a Pastor to care deeply for people

Reaching Older People With the Gospel – Before It’s Too Late (New Podcast Episode)

Whether you’re a church leader, part of a congregation, or just someone who cares about family and community, this conversation will inspire and equip you to take steps towards ministering more effectively to older people.

Pete Greig: Prayer that’s Faithful, Faith-Filled, and Fully Awake.

I was privileged to attend this year’s Wildfires event. My first reflection is no wonder it’s grown every year. I was invited in previous years and thought ‘it’s too far from Manchester’ but I’ve realised it’s not going to get any closer just because I moan about it and it was definitely worth the drive.

This summer, the tent was bigger and the hunger greater, and I was so glad to be one of the 4000 adults (plus 2000 children and young people) who attended and actually it was fantastic NOT doing anything but receiving and worshipping. On the first night Pete spoke and my notes are below – brilliant stuff!

Leading Like Jesus Not Jezebel: Recognising the Spirit That Destroys From Within

I see a lot of posts floating around about ‘The Jezebel Spirit’, many of which don’t seem to have a clue. This is not a definitive word on this terrible assignment the enemy loves to send but looking back on 30 years of church leadership rather than sound triumphant – I can show you the scars from my wounds.

I GET IT! WHY YOU NEED MORE THAN ANOTHER CHURCH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE.

INTRODUCING LAUNCH – COMMUNITAS! What if you could surround yourself with a tribe of leaders who are just as committed to growth, health, and mission as you are?Introducing LAUNCH Communitas: Church Leadership Consulting, Coaching, Courses & Connection

This is more than a membership group or ministry network. It’s a place for leaders at every level of seniority or experience to grow in intimacy, stay healthy relationally, and multiply their mission exponentially through Content, Coaching and Community