The Profile

Andy Peck talks with the co-authors of ‘The Hopeful Activist: discovering the vital change you were made to bring’ about developing biblically based understanding of initiating political and social change. Rich has co-led Tearfund's policy and advocacy work on plastics and waste. Rachel has worked in communications for an international Christian charity and is now Parish administrator at St Andrews’ Church in Islington, north London. How do we discover what God is calling us to do? The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

As part of mental health awareness week, Sam Hailes talks to Patrick Regan, founder of Christian mental health charity Kintsugi Hope on mediating between Jamaican gang leaders, facing criticism from fellow Christians, and why the Bible is full of wisdom on mental health. You can also read this interview on premierchristianity.com The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Visit premierchristianity.com/podcast for a HALF PRICE offer just for podcast listeners

Andy Peck speaks with Jamie Phear, former Professor of English in the US and now writing full time and helping women develop their calling. They discuss how calling may change over time and why having a regular retreat is so beneficial. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Andy Peck chats with Stephen Dempster, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Crandall University, New Brunswick, Canada about his recent book, Return of the Kingdom: a biblical theology of God’s Reign. They discuss how an understanding of the kingdom in the Bible informs the leadership of Christians today, look at why the Hebrew order of the Old Testament books is preferable, and how Jesus’ style leadership is the model for all believers. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

These 47 words changed Dr Aaron Edwards’ life and career, potentially forever: “Homosexuality is invading the Church. Evangelicals no longer see the severity of this [because] they’re busy apologising for their apparently barbaric homophobia, whether or not it’s true. This *is* a ‘Gospel issue’, by the way. If sin is no longer sin, we no longer need a Saviour.” That post on Twitter (now X) went viral within minutes, with many Christians calling for Dr Edwards to remove it and apologise. Among those who objected were his employers, a Methodist Bible college, who told the lecturer to take it down. When he refused, he was suspended and ultimately sacked. Is the case an example of "lefward drift" in evangelical institutions, as Dr Edwards alleges? Or is it simply a case of poor judgement and lack of wisdom on his part? In this interview, the former lecturer explains why he still stands by the tweet, and why he's decided to take Cliff College to employment tribunal. Cliff College were given sight of this interview prior to it airing, and offered an opportunity to respond to the claims made. They declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation. You can also read this interview here The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity. Subscribe now and receive Patrick Regan's new book FREE premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Andy Peck speaks with Matt Hatch, founder of Mosaic Church Leeds, and a leader of one of the congregations, about his book: Metamorphosis: Unlocking your spiritual transformation through healthy discipleship’. They talk about how his church approaches discipleship and the importance of the church leader remaining connected with people, and open to God’s direction if a culture of discipleship is to develop amid the many other claims on time and energy. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Jonathan Evans, Baron Evans of Weardale has worked in espionage since the 1980s, eventually becoming the director general of MI5 (2007-13). In this interview with Tony Wilson, we hear about Lord Evans' Christian faith and how it has sustained him during difficult moments. A crossbench peer since 2014, Lord Evans also comments on what threats the UK might be facing today, and speaks about standards in public life. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity. Subscribe for more interviews, news and analysis at premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Andy Peck speaks with Marcus Culverwell, head teacher of Reigate St Mary’s Preparatory and Choir School about his call to lead a school. They discuss how much influence a school might have on a child, and consider some themes from his book, ‘Would God go shopping’ and how he is able to help young people consider the wider world and their place in it. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson believes she’s proof that the world isn’t as antagonistic towards Christians as many assume. In this in depth conversation with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, she explains her love for Calvinism, why she's written a commentary (of sorts) on the book of Genesis and reveals how her theology has changed over time.

Andy Peck speaks with two men committed to Christians bringing the whole of their lives into the workplace, including their faith. Dave Law is an analytical chemist with Thames Water and Julian Shellard a lawyer with a global pharmaceutical company. They talk about how recent legislation actually encourages Christians to form Christian groups in their workplace and why scare stories about faith challenges at work are by no means the norm. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month