Dave Ferguson"A short but insightful read that can change lives forever – Anthony proves again that deep truths don’t have to be complex."
Carl Beech"Anthony is the real deal, a leader full of keen insights into how to unlock the gift and calling God has placed in you. Read this, then get hold of a bunch for your friends."
Dr. Krish Kandiah"Anthony Delaney is a gifted communicator and leader. He has an infectious passion for God and is making an outstanding impact in his community."
The Independent“Delaney is 'above all' a follower of Jesus: he has successfully utilised his engaging, measured manner to grow Manchester's Ivy Church to more than four times its size since he joined as leader five years ago. So significant today is the congregation, that events are now held several times a week at venues across the city, including Cineworld, a warehouse and even a nightclub...”
Dave Ferguson“Anthony Delaney is one of those amazing leaders who loves Jesus, loves the mission and is truly authentic in his faith. I love how Anthony is impacting his community and putting into place a network of reproducing churches to reach the UK. I'm truly inspired by his get-it-done attitude while totally depending on God.”
Mike Breen“Anthony is a rare kind of man. He’s a great leader but he’s honest about his weaknesses. He’s a charismatic personality, but he’s surprisingly self-effacing. He comes from an ordinary background but has never settled for mediocrity. He’s a strong man with a tender heart.”
Tim Morfin“So many people talk leadership theory but are not leading in significant ways. What Anthony brought to the TLG managers was so directly from his personal leadership experience. We were inspired to bring who we are to the leadership opportunities we have, to overcome opposition and build passionate teams who are focused on achieving goals. Inspirational and practical – a great combination!”
Christian growth is not automatically produced by information, imitation, or religious effort. Drawing on 30 years of church leadership, this guide explores how to grow as a Christian through the rhythm of Knowing, Growing, and Going – shaping faith that is rooted, resilient, and lived out in everyday life.
As the year opens, John 15 reminds us that vines grow through seasons, not constant progress. Pruning can feel brutal, tough soil can feel like the wrong place, and winter can feel empty – but the Father is the vinedresser. Hard ground doesn’t mean you’re misplaced -it may be preparing you for fruit still to come.
If disappointment isn’t dealt with at the end of the year, it doesn’t disappear – it comes with us. Here’s a biblical way to close one chapter before opening the next.
Some say AI will destroy the future of work.
Paul says ministry was never a job to begin with – it was a grace to steward.
AI can do admin.
It can’t administer God’s grace.
That distinction will matter – more than ever.
Something is stirring in our culture for those with eyes to see it. It’s an answer to prayer. It’s not a loud movement or a headline-grabbing revival, but a quiet turning of hearts. We are seeing people who would never call themselves religious asking deeper questions, reading the Bible, and finding themselves drawn toward Jesus. The story of the Magi reminds us that this kind of searching is not new. Long before they were imagined to be riding camels on Christmas cards and in carols, ancient seekers followed a faint light in the darkness, trusting there was more to life than what they could see. Their journey helps us understand why curious moderns today are finding God in remarkably similar ways.
The questions is not, ‘Do we run systems?’ We all will. Even chaos is a system!
The question is ‘Are the systems healthy?’
Delegation and empowering others is a vital aspect of effective leadership that can prevent burnout and promote a thriving ministry.
Leadership development is a journey that requires intention, planning, and a willingness to invest in others.
As I studied John 1 again, I noticed a pattern — a progression, that mirrors how someone comes to know God, grow in His love, and go out to make a difference. And I’m not saying this is like The Bible Code to start some conspiracy, but…
It matches perfectly with Ivy’s Discipleship Pathway!
DISCOVER → DELIVER → DEVOTE → DEVELOP → DEPLOY
Let’s walk through the passage and see how this unfolds.
Plans are better than goals
Pretty much everyone sets goals. We’re fast headed toward New Year’s Resolutions time which are just goals you make with a Christmas paunch or hangover.
But a goal without a plan is just a daydream.
So let me ask you a simple question:
What’s your plan to develop as a leader this coming year?
Fear tells you tomorrow is something to panic about.
Fear whispers that God won’t come through.
But Jesus says: “Do not be afraid, little flock.”
“It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
That means:
Nothing you face tomorrow surprises Him
Nothing comes without grace attached
No trial lacks the provision to overcome it
No need will find Him unprepared