The Profile

Following the news that Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks has passed away at the age of 72, we are re-airing this interview with him. The former chief rabbi and winner of the 2016 Templeton Prize spoke to Justin Brierley about Jewishness, Jesus and Richard Dawkins. 

Jonathan Viera has performed across the globe in a variety of roles and musical styles from Mozart through to John Adams. He's also well known in the Christian community for his Christian and gospel albums. In this interview with Premier's Simon Tuck, Jonathan chats about his upbringing in the Plymouth Brethren, how his faith has developed over time and his recent health struggles. Speaking from experience, he also says many church leaders need to stop worrying about their sermons and start prioritising pastoral care. Reflecting on his long, varied and successful career, he says, "Someone like me doesn't normally end up in opera...I remember standing in Downing Street thinking my father could never have conceived of this". But fame comes and goes, and he says it's something he's learned to hold onto lightly. The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month

It's a double bill of The Profile this week as Premier's Simon Tuck sits down with two Christian music stars. Chris Eaton has written many classic songs including Sir Cliff Richard's 'Saviour Day' and Amy Grant's 'Breath of Heaven'. In part two, Simon meets the Gospel star Jekalyn Carr to find out more about her early rise to prominence, at just the age of 11, and the story behind her songs, including her 2016 hit single 'You're bigger'. The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month

The legendary guitarist and Christian singer-songwriter Bryn Haworth has released over 20 albums and toured the length and breadth of the UK over the course of his four-decade-long career. In this interview with Premier's Simon Tuck, Bryn tells the story of how he and his wife Sally were saved out of a classic 1960s 'sex, drugs and rock and roll' lifestyle and into what became known as the 'Jesus movement'. He also talks about his prison ministry, how Covid-19 has effected him and perhaps most importantly, what snacks he'd take on a road trip. The Profile is brought to you in association with Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month

It could be argued X Factor launched his career, but Jahmene doesn't share that perspective. In this in-depth interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, the singer explains why he wouldn't recommend the show to upcoming singers. He also opens up about the horrific abuse he received as a child, and how God revealed himself in the midst of his pain. He also talks about his determination to stay true to himself - and his faith - even when faced with outside pressures, including that of past record labels he was associated with. Having released his first Gospel EP independently, which includes hit song 'Father to the Fatherless', Jahmene is feeling confident in who he is. But citing what he calls the "politricks" inside churches, he believes God is calling him "outside of the church".  You can also read this interview in the latest issue of Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe now for £4.95/month

He might be one of America’s biggest entertainers, but life hasn’t always been rosy for the larger-than-life celebrity. Steve Harvey says his rags to riches story is entirely down to the grace of God. In this exclusive interview with Premier's Muyiwa, Harvey describes quitting his job in pursuit of a career in stand-up comedy as a “leap of faith”. It landed him homeless for three years, living in his car, travelling the length and breadth of the USA searching for gigs. Eventually his big break came. But success is a double-edged sword, and it would take him down a path away from the values of his childhood. It was many years before he rediscovered that the God he'd turned his back on was waiting with open arms.   You can also read this interview in the latest issue of Premier Christianity magazine

Northern Irish worship leader Robin Mark is the writer of much-loved worship songs 'Days of Elijah', 'Revival' and 'Take us to the river'. In this look back on his career with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Robin explains his songwriting process and reflects on whether or not his longing for revival in Belfast has been fulfilled. The pair also discuss the remarkable moment we're living in, with singing in churches banned due to Covid-19. And listen out for the exclusive on Robin's forthcoming album, available later this year...   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/

Iona has represented Great Britain in speed skiing and holds the title of Ladies British Overseas Champion and New Zealand Ladies Champion. She successfully represented Ireland in the World Equestrian Games and the World Championships. But despite medals and acclaim she always felt something was missing, In this in-depth interview, Iona shares some of her greatest challenges - including a horrific ski injury that changed the course of her life - and describes how she met Jesus one day in her kitchen.   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/  

Leroy Logan is a Christian, a black man and a police officer. And he sees no contradiction between any of these aspects of his identity. The former superintendent played a significant role in the Metropolitan police, which he served in for 30 years. He is a former chair of the Black Police Association and was involved in the investigation of the murder of Damilola Taylor. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Leroy explains how despite his father being attacked by the police, he was resolute in following his calling. He also reveals how his wife leaving him kickstarted his journey to faith and an experience of being 'born again'. Part of his life story is due to feature in an upcoming BBC One film 'Small Axe' where John Boyega (Star Wars, Pacific Rim, Attack The Block) will play Leroy. 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/

Ari Sorko-Ram has had a varied life and career which has included working as a professional Rugby player in France, an actor in Hollywood and a church leader in Israel. In this in depth interview with Premier Christianity’s Sam Hailes, Ari explains the theology behind Messianic Judaism and takes on popular and sometimes controversial misconceptions about Israel and the Bible. The founder of charity Maoz Israel is adamant that “all Israel will be saved”, as stated in Romans 11. In explaining his interpretation of this verse, Ari also comments on the state of the Church in Israel today, and explains why he is a supporter of both Jews and Arabs in the land.   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/