The Profile

Natasha Hemmings has spent her career smashing stereotypes. Can you be a Christian and a Miss England star? Can you be a classically trained vocalist who makes pop music? The answer, it seems, is 'of course!'. Speaking to Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Natasha shares her testimony, which includes her never-before-told story of encountering "a warm glow" in her bedroom, which she knew to be the presence of Jesus. Natasha also shares honestly about her struggle to find her place in church and introduces her new single 'Invisible'.   Natasha is currently touring with Ronan Keating. Her new single 'Invisible' is out now, ahead of her forthcoming album I AM. For more information visit natashahemmings.com   The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Subscribe now and receive Rob Parsons' new book free of charge http://premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Nia-Cerise Conteh was living a life of pleasure and idol worship before an encounter with the Holy Spirit in her kitchen changed the trajectory of her life. In this episode of The Profile Nia-Cerise tells Premier Christianity's Megan Cornwell how God has been using her story to bring thousands of non-believers to a knowledge of Christ.  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/

As London Community Gospel Choir celebrates its 40th birthday, their founder explains why he’s still intent on making music for the masses. Rev Bazil Meade MBE is no ordinary septuagenarian. The 71-year-old co-founder of Europe’s leading gospel choir has played in front of some of the highest profile international audiences, and continues to perform with extraordinary energy, exuberance and flair. In this interview with Charmaine Noble-Mclean, the musician reflects on his early life and upbringing, as well as the state of Gospel music in the UK today.    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

The beheading of 21 Coptic Orthodox Christians in Libya by Islamic State in 2015 brought worldwide attention to a Church that has endured persecution throughout its 2,000- year history. The first Coptic (the word means ‘Egyptian’) Orthodox Archbishop of London, Archbishop Angaelos, said he forgave the killers, and in the same year was awarded an OBE for his work as an advocate for religious freedom. Today, he continues that work, as well as overseeing the 35 Coptic Orthodox parishes in the UK. Abi Thomas met Archbishop Angaelos at the Cathedral of St George, part of the Coptic Orthodox Centre in Hertfordshire. The building, which was completed in 2006, contrasts many modern elements (including the large sports hall under the same roof) with an abundance of traditional Coptic icons dedicated to past saints. The pair spoke about a range of issues including Thy Kingdom Come, a prayer initiative begun by the Church of England but now supported by a range of denominations, including the Orthodox Church.  The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Enjoy full online access plus the print magazine delivered to your door for just £4.95/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Franklin Graham is in good spirits when he meets Premier's head of news Marcus Jones in London's Hyde Park Corner. He's excited to be visiting Speaker's Corner, the place where many evangelists have preached and debated over the years. Many there have faced fierce opposition because of the message they preached, something Graham himself can sympathise with. The US based evangelist, whose father was the renowned Billy Graham, is in the UK for the God Loves You Tour. The tour was due to take place in 2020 but every venue he'd booked to preach in cancelled him after complaints were made about past comments he'd made about homosexuality and Islam. He would later take successful legal action against some of the venues, meaning the tour is back on, stopping off at Liverpool, Newport, Sheffield and London. Hear their conversation in full now on this special bonus episode of The Profile podcast. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe to the UK's leading Christian magazine in print and online for just £4.95/month. http://premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Rev Dr Israel Olofinjana, an ordained Baptist minister with a 'tough' family background, talks about his experience as a reverse-missionary in the UK and emphasizes the need to discuss race within the UK Church. He discusses the challenges and importance of building multi-ethnic churches, the importance of true diversity in churches, equipping church leaders for racial diversity, and exploring the intersection of racial and climate justice. He also explores the lessons that UK churches can learn from Nigerian churches in terms of suffering, lament, and environmental justice.

Shermara Fletcher might be the Principal Officer for Pentecostal, Charismatic and Multi-cultural Relations at Churches Together in England, but she's also learned to appreciate - and even embrace - other Christian traditions. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Shermara explains how Anglo-Catholic spirituality is nourishing her right now. She also opens up about her experience ministering alongside the homeless in Birmingham and London, and reflects on how her deeply Christian upbringing has shaped her life. Shermara, who has been invited to address politicians on the impact of Brexit on homeless women, says: "We don't worship politics, but the reality is policy governs and shapes our lives and the decisions we're able to make. The text talks about praying for leaders who are in charge, so I don't think we can detach from the political conversation. We should be pointing to morality and showing a different way, but not disengaging from the conversation altogether." The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. Enjoy full online access plus the print magazine delivered to your door for just £1/month at premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Ahead of his UK debut at Big Church Day Out, the trailblazing worship leader (Bethel Music, Maverick City) and fashion model (Tommy Hilfiger) talks to us about breaking boundaries, hearing from God and why he’s ‘traumatised’ by the thought of being a Christian celebrity.    You can also read this interview on premierchristianity.com. Subscribe now for just £1

Dami Okeke sits down with the popular singer and Gospel artist Mandisa to hear about her journey to faith. Mandisa first shot to fame after appearing on American Idol. Her new book is Out of the Dark: My journey through the shadows to find God's love   The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity. Subscribe to the UK's leading Christian magazine from just £1

When Rhys Stephenson joined Strictly Come Dancing, most people over the age of twelve would have been forgiven for not knowing who the CBBC presenter was (the 28-year-old has spent the majority of his professional life interacting with a puppet dog called Hacker!) But the prime time BBC One show has propelled the presenter to new heights, and in this conversation with Premier Christianity's Emma Fowle Rhys reveals how a 'desperate' prayer and the support of his church family led him into his chosen career. Rhys also explains why he feels so strongly that Christianity gets a bad rap in the media. He worries this has led many Christian young people – and adults – to feel embarrassed about expressing their faith. The star narrowly missed out on the final, but says if his Strictly journey helped others to “feel seen… feel represented”, that’s the real prize. You can also read this interview on premierchristianity.com. Subscribe now for just £1