The Profile

The first black woman to be ordained as a vicar in the Church of England speaks to Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes about her life and faith. Earlier this month, Canon Eve, 72, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pride of Birmingham Awards, in recognition of her anti-racism work and service to the wider community. It was the culmination of a calling which began at a very early age - when God called her to ministry as a young child. "I found myself alone in a room and heard a voice calling me...My grandmother said don't tell anyone, God will reveal his promise when it's the right time for you," she remembers. Canon Eve also recounts going to church from a very early age - regardless of whether her parents accompanied her, and explains why she refuses to "romanticise" the Windrush Generation. She wants to be defined as a "priest who happens to be a woman and happens to be black", adding "I am a vibrant, gorgeous human bring who sets her sights high and is grateful for this gift of priesthood."   The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now and receive 3 issues for £5 at premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Andy Peck talks to Bobbi Kumari, founder of 'Living in Light', and the Sexposed conference and author of 'Sacred Sexuality: Rewire Your Desire Towards True Intimacy'. They talk of the challenge of launching a fashion brand and how she felt the need to start to educate today's youth on what the Bible says about sexuality.  The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month 

Craig Greenfield moved his family to a Cambodian slum. But don’t call him a missionary. The New Zealand-born social entrepreneur has made his home among some of the most disadvantaged people in the world, and learned some huge lessons along the way. Having served cross culturally for more than two decades, the 49-year-old is reflecting on the changing landscape of overseas mission, and how we share our faith with others. In this interview with Premier Christianity's assistant editor Emma Fowle, Greenfield explains how he's aware of negative perceptions around “pith helmet-wearing colonialists – forcing their culture and religion on people who don’t want it”. The pair also discuss what it means to empower local leaders, and what "subversive mission" (the title of Greenfield's latest book) can look like. You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe from $1 at premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Andy Peck talks to William Wade, pastor of Life Church, Cuffley, Hertfordshire. He has a wide experience, serving in international churches in Germany and the Netherlands, and believes that self-promotion has no place in Gospel focused ministry. They also take about creating sustainable working patterns for the long haul.  The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month 

What began as a small side project, leading a Christian exercise class during the height of the 1980s aerobics craze, has morphed into an international speaking and writing ministry for Beth Moore. Known as Living Proof, Moore's ministry enabled her to address thousands in packed-out stadiums across America at a time when women in her denomination - the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) - were encouraged to be stay-at-home mothers and wives. Her books and Bible studies went on to sell in their millions. In more recent years , it has been her condemnation of what she feels is “rotten” at the core of American evangelicalism that has seen her hitting headlines. In this interview with Claire Musters, Beth speaks candidly about the childhood abuse she experienced, the growth of Living Proof and why she left her "beloved" denomination behind.  Beth Moore's memoir All My Knotted Up Life (Tyndale) is available now You can also read this interview at premierchristianity.com. Subscribe now from just $1/month

Andy Peck talks to Jordan Whitmer, the US founder of the 'How to Life' Movement, a movement of Gen Z students reaching their peers that is active in 47 US states and 40 countries around the world. Josie Galopin heads up the How to Life UK, and provides a UK perspective.  Jordan talks of his own visit to the outpouring at Asbury College, Kentucky and how God seems to be reaching more and more Gen Z students today.  The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month 

Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries is the former Bishop of Oxford and a life peer in the House of Lords. A renowned clergyman, broadcaster and Christian thinker, he talks to Justin Brierley about his life, faith and ministry in the Church of England. His autobiography ‘The Shaping Of A Soul: A life taken by surprise’ is available now https://www.johnhuntpublishing.com/christian-alternative-books/our-books/shaping-soul-life-taken-by-surprise   The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month 

Andy Peck talks to Sharon Dirckx, adjunct lecturer at The Oxford Centre for Apologetics and author of 'Broken Planet: if there is a God why are there natural disasters and disease?' In the light of the Turkey/Syria earthquake on February 6th, they discuss ways to think about natural disasters and disease and how to best handle people who question the goodness of God.  The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month 

Two weeks ago, a handful of students at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky stayed behind after their regular chapel service to pray and confess their sins. Within hours, more and more students on campus were flocking to the chapel inside the Hughes building. Fast forward 16 days, and thousands from across the globe have joined in with 24-7 non-stop prayer, worship and confession. Many are reporting a tangible sense of the presence of God. Premier's North American correspondent Kathleen Durham has been on site at Asbury University. In this special edition of The Profile you'll hear her conversation with university staff member Jennifer McChord, and four of the students who have been experiencing the revival first hand.  For more coverage on the Asbury Revival, including articles from UK church leaders, visit premierchristianity.com

Andy Peck talks to Anna Randall founder of 'The Speaker's Coach, and one time expert on GNB news, on how you can take your verbal communication to groups to the next level. They look at how you can be yourself as you communicate, what kind of speaking notes you might need and how to look the part. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month