Here in Niddrie, we have found the following questions to be very helpful (from a local church perspective) when considering if and when we should receive outside ‘teams’ of young people who come to Niddrie Community Church for a 2 week ‘mission trip’. Obviously, they need to be contextualised to every situation, but they are more […]

This is a popular question when I speak in churches or with those who have an interest in mercy ministries or social justice issues. Here’s my own personal response to this: 1. Is the person saved? In other words, have they believed and understood the saving gospel of Jesus Christ and are now producing fruit […]

“We may cut off our aid only if it is unmerciful to continue it. It is unmerciful to bail out a person who needs to feel the consequences of his own irresponsible behaviour. Sometimes we may have to say, ‘Friend, we are not withdrawing our mercy, just changing its form. We will continue to pray […]

How has 20schemes become so linked to 9Marks? That is probably one of the most popular questions I get on my travels. The answer, in short, is down to our shared convictions on the role of the local church within the world. Here is their mission statement: 9Marks exists to equip church leaders with a biblical […]

There is lots of talk around at the moment about ‘cultural defeaters’ (a la Keller) and ‘common grace bridges’ when it comes to talk about the ‘Post-Christian’ West. Personally, I think we need to be more careful about what we mean by using the term ‘Post-Christian’, because we certainly wouldn’t want to confuse it with […]

In the interests of full disclosure, this is a book written by a pal of mine. We’re not best mates or anything, but I have met the guy a few times and I like him a lot. He writes a blog here and he is also the new Director of the Council for Biblical Manhood […]

Is it possible to live a faithful Christian life without being a faithful part of a local church? I’ve heard many people make the argument that it is indeed possible—especially if there are no good churches around. I disagree. At the bare minimum, there are forty different commands in the New Testament to live life […]

I love books. I whizz through them no bother at all. When a book grabs me, then I positively crunch through it. A couple of hundred pages doesn’t take me longer than a couple of hours. I have a few personal rules when it comes to reading. The title needs to be interesting, the concept […]

This is the second of 12 books I am studying and discussing with my Assistant Pastor and 20schemes Ministry Apprentices over the course of the next year. I have been waiting to read it with high expectations. I must admit to receiving vague threats concerning my review of this book, which I have tried not to […]

“Women participate equally with men in the priesthood of all believers. Their role is crucial, their wisdom, grace, and commitment exemplary. While Scripture teaches that a woman’s role is not identical to that of men in every respect, and that pastoral leadership is assigned to men, it also teaches that women are equal in value to men.” […]