This episode is Part 1 of an amazing conversation I had in Birmingham, England, with Dr Ash Barker. He is an "immersed urban Christian activist", originally born in Australia, now living in Birmingham. Prior to moving to the UK, he and his family spent 12 years living in one of Bangkok's poorest slums. Ash is the author of 3 books, which discuss their experiences in Bangkok, and reflect on the realities of urban theology and mission in our current multi-cultural, increasingly ethnically-diverse, and globalized world of today. Ash has an amazing story to tell, and in this episode we talk about God, mission, theology, the church, and so much more. Be sure and listen in--you won't want to miss this episode, or Part 2 next time!

If you are a Christian, and attend church regularly (or even semi-regularly), why do you go? What is the purpose of church, anyway? Does church exist to serve the people that attend, or do the people serve the church--and maybe get to be involved in some ministry on the side?  If these questions resonate with you, then be sure and listen in to the second half of my conversation with Ryan Warren. We get into these topics and more in this episode of the "British Accents" series on The Preacher's Forum Podcast.  

How do you understand your own identity? Is it from your accomplishments in life, and the the skills and abilities you have? And where do you gain a sense of value? Is that found in what you do--or who you are? Do you judge people on their appearance and belief systems? Or can you learn to "see beyond the veil of humanity?" In this and the next episode of my podcast series "British Accents," I'm bringing you the first half of a great conversation I had recently with a good friend: Ryan Warren. The founder of the DadsApp resource for dads who want to be better fathers to their children, Ryan is a person who is above all else a servant who not only cares deeply for people, he seeks to serve them in a wide variety of ways. These are some of the topics we get into in this first half. Be sure and tune in next Friday for Part 2, where we discuss things like Ryan's experiences of church, God, and spirituality.

"If I go down a blind alley, it's only because I went there looking for more of God. If I don't find him, I'll come back out and keep going!" Wise words from Mr Gary Hayes, describing what it means to have a "theoclasm." Listen in to Part 2 of our conversation, where Gary describes his transition out of a cult-like fundamentalist church experience in London--where he was one of the leaders, no less--and into new and challenging understandings of God, theology, and Christianity.

"I'd rather that an unsafe building be torn down, and rebuilt, than carry on living in it--just because I don't want change." Wise words from Gary Hayes, this week's "British Accents" episode on The Preacher's Forum podcast! What's a "theoclasm"? Have you had a "theoclastic experience" yourself? And what does all this have to do with the teachings of Father Richard Rohr? If you don't know what those terms mean, or what the connection with Rohr might be about, then please listen in for Part 1 of my conversation. It was recorded live from the Root Coffee Shop in downtown Liverpool, England, with Gary Hayes, a teaching colleague and friend.

What happens when you begin to "run out of road" on the spiritual path you're on? When the faith you were brought up to believe in no longer works for you? Listen in to find out what happened to Keith Rycroft, who transitioned from a fundamentalist upbringing and now is a Quaker....who doesn't believe in God?!

What in the world is a "non-theistic Quaker"? What happens when you begin "to run out of road" on the path you're on in life? I'll let my friend, Keith Rycroft, begin to explain in this first half of my conversation with him. In this episode, we explore some of the history of the Quaker movement, which began in England in the 17th century amidst a time of religious, political and economic upheaval following the English Civil War. Keith then begins to talk about his own faith journey, and how he began to explore alternatives to his fundamentalist upbringing.

Are you a spiritual misfit? Don't fit into the mainstream church? Don't want to have anything to do with organized religion? Then this conversation is designed for you. How do you stay true to who you are, yet at the same time continue to grow and explore the path to spirituality and personal wholeness? Join us for this interview, and along the journey also. "Nurture the good that's already within you...and show people God's love that way." Sage advice from rough and tough Scouser (someone from Liverpool!) Jamie Edwards. Listen in to hear the second half of our discussion about God, spirituality, "the church of the homeless," and much more.

I'm excited to bring you this first edition of a brand-new series of podcasts I'm launching called "British Accents." It's my chance, as an American living in the UK for nearly 12 years, to interview and converse with British men and women about their faith journeys, spirituality, God, experiences with church, and so much more. Join me on this journey...this episode is the first half of an interview I did with my good friend, Jamie Edwards, of Chester, England. He doesn't pull any punches, but tells it like it is...enjoy.  

This podcast is something very, very special. My wife, Lisa Heacock, shares her story of when she had an abortion at age 17. Attending a Christian high school at the time only made things worse...find out what happened, and also how she was able to discover wholeness, healing, forgiveness, restoration and recovery on her journey. This is an open, honest, and inspirational story that will affect you on many levels. To be clear: this episode is not about arguing the politics or ethics of abortion. Without denying the events of the past, we want to celebrate recovery and healing. This is a hugely important issue that needs to be discussed openly and honestly, and this is exactly what you'll hear in this podcast. Abortion (and miscarriages too) affect not just the woman involved, but the father of the baby just as much. This story is for everybody. It's heartbreaking, yet heartwarming at the same time. Email: preachersforum@gmail.com Twitter: @preachersforum Like on Facebook: The Preacher's Forum Instagram: preachersforum