If you want to know what’s going on in the UK Church, read Premier Christianity magazine. We don’t believe that any one ‘tribe’ has the answer, and that it’s good to keep talking to each other. To that end, you will find articles on theology, biblical interpretation, interviews, debates and trends within the Church scene from a whole range of people.
The Christian life is not easy, but it is good. We want to help you through the difficult times and cheer you on in the good. We cover prayer, hearing from God, pastoral issues, spiritual disciplines…anything which we think might encourage your personal faith.
We have to do everything we can to connect to the world around us. The magazine tackles issues that affect the whole of society, including politics, international and current affairs. We also make sure we take a regular look at cultural trends – usually in music, books, films and TV programmes – looking for prevailing messages in our culture and how the Christian story can speak into them.
“It’s the sheer variety that I like – the variety of styles – funny, serious, passionate; the variety of topics – world, church, culture. And all of it, marked by the courage to take on the tough questions with both generosity and a deep commitment to biblical truth.”
Mark Greene, executive director, London Institute for Contemporary Christianity
“I find Premier Christianity magazine a fantastic way to stay informed with what is going on across the UK Church. Thanks to a great team of writers, reviewers and journalists this magazine is essential reading for Christians leaders who want to be up to date. With cultural comment, the latest reviews and in depth features there will always be something you enjoy in each month’s magazine. It’s one of the only regular pieces of mail I look forward to receiving.”
Dr Krish Kandiah, activist, author, speaker and consultant
”Premier Christianity magazine does an amazing job of reflecting the UK Church in all its diversity. I value its commitment to seeking to break outside bubbles and push against becoming an echo chamber. It is an excellent publication, and I love that I can read stories, comments and opinions that I find challenging as well as those I agree with. Above all, it’s a great read and holds to the highest editorial standards - I’m proud to be associated with it.”
Chine McDonald, Director of Theos, author and speaker
“The beauty of Premier Christianity magazine, is that it leaves us to make our own opinion. It signposts rather than enforces, it introduces us to current affairs with a gentle bias of the gospel. It is my go-to for a Christian perspective, without finger-pointing, or agenda. In short, it keeps us close to the simple gospel while the rest of the world, still tries to complicate it.”
Carrie Lloyd, writer and pastor
“Premier Christianity magazine is a vital servant of the church in the UK. With in-depth relevant reporting and analysis that is both fearless and compassionate, the magazine enquires, inspires, provokes and clarifies. I’m honoured to be associated with it, and have frequently pointed to it as a world leader in Christian publishing.”
Jeff Lucas, international speaker and writer
“Premier Christianity magazine is brilliant - speaking to so many important areas of need”
Pete Greig, Founder of 24/7 prayer
There have been many incarnations of Premier Christianity magazine. It started life as a black and white newsletter called Buzz, formed by affiliates of the coffee house scene of the late 1960s. By the 1980s, the title had changed to 21st Century Christian. In the 1990s, under a new title of Alpha, the magazine started to produce a supplement insert called Youthwork, aimed at youth leaders. In 1996, Alpha and Youthwork were bought by Trinity Square. Alpha was re-branded as Christianity. In 1999, Christianity and Youthwork were bought by Premier Media Group. In 2001, Renewal magazine, which had launched at the height of the charismatic Church movement, was also bought by Premier. The two merged to form Christianity & Renewal magazine. In 2004, the title reverted back to Christianity. In 2014, the title was updated to its current form Premier Christianity. See here for the full story
Premier Christianity magazine is edited by Sam Hailes, who oversees all of our print and digital output. Sam came to Premier with a background in Journalism and has also been involved in local church leadership. Emma Fowle is our deputy editor who takes a lead in commissioning much of our daily online content. She lives in Cornwall with her husband and two teenage daughters. She loves to read, swim in the sea, play netball and lift weights with her dad. Between them, Sam and Emma deliver daily online articles, weekly podcast interviews and the monthly print magazine and are supported by a broad range of freelance writers and journalists.