Breakthrough rarely starts with strategy – it starts with prayer.
In Nehemiah, we see a leader move from comfort to calling through a simple but powerful pattern: Burden, Revelation, Examination, Agreement, Knock.
And the door will be opened…
Everyone builds a platform for their life.
Charisma won’t hold you.
Charm won’t sustain you.
Crowd-pleasing will tear you apart.
Only character lasts.
“You will always lead out of who you are.”
Leaders may like to think we’re independent thinkers and actors, but really we’re not. You are being formed every day – by who you spend time with, who you listen to, and what you give your attention to. Some people stretch you, strengthen and sharpen you, others dilute, distract, drain or may even be out to destroy you! Here’s a simple diagnostic to establish the truth about who is shaping your life: Nobody is a Stand-Alone Leader Leaders form communities, and we cannot be formed in isolation. We are shaped as we shape, in community – whether intentional or accidental. The question therefore is not if you are being shaped, it’s who is shaping you? And I think we need to be aware and intentional about that now, more than ever as that shaping includes: In a world of ‘influencers’ – some of the most influential “people” in your life may include some you’ve never actually met. Two Circles Every Leader Lives In We inhabit two communities: 1. Public Community These are the people who: This circle determines your influence. They are important. […]
UK Pastors shy away too often, but teaching about Stewardship is vital – and the Generosity Report 2026 shows that it grows rather than diminishes your leadership (if it’s done the right way).
Yesterday I had the privilege of attending – and contributing on a panel at – the launch of the Generosity Report 2026 from Stewardship in London.
‘AND IT CAME TO PASS’ – Used nearly 400 times. In Hebrew and Greek, it’s a narrative marker.
Something happens. (IT!) Then time passes. Then God moves the story on.
It never says:
It came to stay.
or
It came to define you forever.
IT came, whatever it is – (or now was, because, it passed).
Every suffering in Scripture comes with an expiry date – even if the length of that season is unclear at the time.
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.
A simple Christingle talk for families, rooted in John 1:1–5, exploring light, life and love at Christmas. Free to use in churches and schools.