The Profile

Andy Peck chats with Paul Friend, CEO of SWYM (South West Youth Ministries) about his book, ‘Fierce Humility: leading in the way of Jesus’. They discuss why Paul wrote the book, which elements of humility are toughest to explore and why humility stands against the self-promotion seemingly required in our social media age. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Andy Peck chats with Simon Holley, the senior leader of Kings Arms Church Bedford and a leader of the Catalyst strategy team with Newfrontiers. They reflect on whether he still stands by his book, ‘Sustainable Power: creating a healthy culture of the supernatural in the church today’, ten years on; how he has stayed motivated working in the same church; and his new coaching ministry: ‘therawleader.com’ The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

"Low grade, slow grade, slow cooked church changes you in ways you can't imagine." That's according to experienced church planter, author and cultural commentator Stephen McAlpine. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Stephen argues that regular, habitual church attendance is vital. "If you say, 'we'll go to this service, but next week we won't go, and the week after that we have a sporting event...' don't be surprised that your teenagers don't end up Christian." Born in Belfast, Stephen has experience ministering across many nations including Northern Ireland, England and Australia, where he is now based. He's the author of Being the bad guys: How to live for Jesus in a world that says you shouldn't and most recently Futureproof: How to live for Jesus in a culture that keeps on changing (The Good Book Company). Much of Stephen's work is designed to help Christians in the West share the good news with a world that is increasingly antagonistic towards faith. The appropriate response to Christians being perceived as the 'bad guys', is not for us to become angry or dismayed, argues Stephen. "Let's own our stuff. We have divergent views from the mainstream culture about what human flourishing is about, and what sex and gender are about." It may be uncomfortable, but we're called to stand firm. After all the Gospel is "suffer now, glory later", he says. "You can't get away from that," he adds. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Enter 'PODCAST' at checkout for a half price offer premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Andy Peck talks with Christian Szurko, the National Co-ordinator, DialogCentre UK who has been serving victims of spiritual abuse for over 50 years. They talk about why Christians in leadership fall into temptation, how we can guard ourselves and how we might help someone who has been spiritually abused? The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Premier Woman Alive's deputy editor Jemimah Wright engages in a profound conversation with renowned author, radio host, and disability rights advocate Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni discusses her journey of living with quadriplegia for almost 57 years and how she's learned to avoid bitterness and instead rest in God's sovereignty. Trusting in God's plan brings a sense of calm and relief from anxiety, she says, emphasising the importance of trusting in God's ability to transform suffering into hope. She shares insights into her life's work, the importance of stewarding influences faithfully, and offers advice for single individuals. The discussion also navigates complex cultural issues facing Christians today, encouraging a return to biblical guidance. Despite battling cancer twice and having covid-19 her faith is stronger than ever. This is a must-listen episode filled with wisdom and inspiration! For more from Premier Woman Alive, visit womanalive.co.uk

Andy Peck talks with Yvonne Tulloch, the founder and CEO of the charity At a Loss. She is a former Canon in the Church of England, and served as the Bishop’s Officer for clergy bereavement for Southwark, who faced the challenge of the very sudden death of her husband. They discuss how the charity was born and why caring for the bereaved is becoming an essential ministry in many local churches. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Debra Green OBE was planting churches, preaching and pioneering social action work when few female leaders were moving in those spaces. Ahead of Mother’s Day, she’s joined by son, Josh Green, who leads youth ministry for 24-7 Prayer, to discuss prodigal sons, working in ministry and what happened when the police arrived on their doorstep. You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity. Subscribe for half price at premierchristianity.com/podcast

Andy Peck talks to evangelist Scott McNamara, director of evangelism at Nations Church in Orlando, Florida about the tool, ‘Jesus at the Door’ which he developed in his time as evangelist at Causeway Coast Vineyard Church, Coleraine, Northern Ireland. How was the tool birthed and used and how can local churches be ‘reapers’ as well as ‘sowers’? The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

The leader of Prayer Storm speaks to Premier Christianity's Emma Fowle about wimpish prayers, speaking in tongues with his ten-year-old and the incomparable joy of learning to commune with God. You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine. Subscribe for half price at premierchristianity.com/podcast

Andy Peck talks to Chris Curtis of Youthscape and Nathan Mlandin of Theos, both part of the AI Christian Partnership (www.aichristian.org) about the possible impact of AI: in ministry to young people; the work place; and our personal privacy. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month