The Profile

"Christianity isn't about rules, it's about a relationship." It's a common phrase said by many Christians, but it isn't true. That's according to Bible teacher Jen Wilkin. In this in depth interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, which was recorded on location at The Village Church (Dallas, Texas) Jen reveals the deeply personal reason behind her passion for Bible literacy among women. She also explains why she's never had a typical "quiet time", comments on the best way church leaders can handle the 'deconstruction' movement and unpacks some of the teaching contained in her popular books.  The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Get the next 3 issues for just £5 premierchristianity.com/subscribe For more on Jen Wilkin, visit jenwilkin.net

In her student days, Cole Arthur Riley was an atheist eagerly searching for peace, in what she now smilingly describes as a "grand search for ultimate truth". Reflecting back, she thinks that journey turned out to be a mask to placate her own discomfort with mystery. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, the author of the critically acclaimed book This Here Flesh and founder of Black Liturgies unpacks how she ultimately found faith.  The Profile is sponsored by Premier Christianity magazine. Receive the next 3 print issues for just £5. Visit premierchristianity.com/subscribe

The British entrepreneur and founder of Vitae London is our guest on The Profile podcast this week. William Adoasi sits down with Sam Hailes to explain how profits from the sale of every watch funds a school uniform for a child in sub-Saharan Africa. Given that he has been mentored by Richard Branson, the company has generated £1.1m of revenue and celebrities such as Paloma Faith and Emeli Sandé have been spotted wearing Vitae timepieces, you’d think it would be mission accomplished for William. “It has been an amazing journey,” he agrees, “but I would say we’re just getting started.” You can also read this interview in the latest issue of Premier Christianity. Receive the next 3 print issues for just £5. Visit premierchristianity.com/subscribe  

In this special episode, Tim Bechervaise catches up with the Australian church leader and cultural critic, Mark Sayers. Mark is the author of A Non Anxious Presence and a leading Christian commentator on world events.    Read Mark Sayers' cover story on finding peace in the age of anxiety in Premier Christianity magazine   You can also read this interview at premierchristianity.com

Speaking ahead of the release of his Channel 4 documentary on grief, the Rev Richard Coles talks about losing his partner David, and how that bereavement effected his faith. In this special edition of the podcast, Richard also shares his view on the Lambeth Conference, and the ongoing discussions and disagreements in the Anglican Communion on LGBT issues.   You can also read this interview at premierchristianity.com   Good Grief airs at 10pm on Monday 8 August on Channel 4

He may be retiring from leading the largest Anglican Church in England, but Nicky Gumbel has huge plans ahead of him. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Emma Fowle, Nicky reveals what's next... You can also read this interview in the latest issue of Premier Christianity. Receive the next 3 print issues for just £5. Visit premierchristianity.com/subscribe

John Sutherland joined the Metropolitan Police in 1992, having dreamed of being a police officer since his teens. Rising quickly through the ranks, he experienced all that is extraordinary about a life in blue: saving lives, finding the lost, comforting the broken and helping to take dangerous people off the streets. But for every case with a happy ending, there were others that ended in desperate sadness, and in 2013 John suffered a major breakdown. In this interview with Premier's Esther Higham, John reveals how his Christian faith was torn apart and rebuilt again. "I'm less certain of more things than I've ever been in my life," he says, "but I do believe that God is love." The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Enjoy 3 issues for just £5 now at premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Ex soldier Eric Maddox pioneered an interrogation technique which led to the capture of one of the world's most wanted men. But if it wasn't for hearing the voice of God, he never would have joined the military. The Profile is brought to you in association with the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe to Premier Christianity now for only £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe/

In this exclusive interview, the British-Nigerian novelist opens up about her unexpected conviction for money laundering, and explains how the love and support of her church family helped keep her faith alive while her husband was in prison   Hope and Glory by Jendella Benson is out now You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine   Subscribe and receive 3 issues for just £5 now at premierchristianity.com/subscribe

The daughter of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu speaks to Megan Cornwell about apartheid, the legacy of her famous father and how her gay marriage led to a break with South Africa’s Anglican Church.    You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe to the UK's leading Christian magazine in print and online for just £4.95/month. http://premierchristianity.com/subscribe