July
Brick by brick: What Lego’s unexpected comeback can teach a declining church
As many UK church denominations are faced with continued decline leading to extinction, is it time to learn from Lego’s ‘back to basics’ approach? Martin Saunders investigates
The Bible is being debated on the world’s biggest stages. Let’s pray for our public theologians
Scripture is making its way into the public square. Please pray for those of us who are called to speak its truth in contexts where millions of non-Christians are listening, says Chine McDonald
Superbowl champion BJ Daniels: 'I haven't always walked with God. But he has never left me'
The NFL star speaks to AJ Gomez about defying the odds, trials and triumphs and God’s radical way of changing our plans
Are churches being attacked by satanists?
Heather Tomlinson investigates disturbing reports from the New Forest
Sam Fender is praying he’ll see his loved ones again. So am I
Sam Fender’s third album, People Watching, sees the “Geordie Bruce Springsteen” asking big questions of himself, society and God. But when it comes to the loss of loved ones, Max Avard says he’s praying Fender also finds the hope in Jesus that held him fast through grief
Who is Paula White-Cain?
Controversial televangelist Paula White-Cain is a long-standing friend of Donald Trump. But her appointment to the White House Faith Office has garnered criticism from across the political and religious spectrum. Stephanie Addenbrooke Bean takes a closer look
The holy act of hand-holding
Gemma Hunt reflects on how a simple hand hold breaks down barriers of age, language and even disconnection. The power of such simple touch points to a deeper truth: we are always held in the gentle but secure grasp of God’s hand
Does God care who wins and loses?
Does God care who wins in sports? Jonny Reid believes the answer is yes, though maybe not for the reasons you’d expect
Can movies help us understand life? This flawed book attempts to find out
A Whole Life in Twelve Movies promises readers “a journey through life, spirituality and what it means to be human”. But our reviewer says it stumbles along the way
‘My once-atheist friends are turning to God’
When The Times run an article about Gen Z coming back to Christian faith, you know something must be going on. It is, says Premier’s Jess Stark. It’s the beautiful witness of a generation of young people living in radical holiness
Trump’s ‘peace plan’ for Ukraine would be a disaster for religious freedom
If a US-negotiated peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine involves ceding land, it will also have huge implications for the Church. Andreja Bogdanovski explains why Putin wants control of Orthodoxy in Ukraine - and why that would be dangerous for all Christians
Why I think The Chosen got it wrong with the Ramah scene
A shocking plot twist in the multi-season portrayal of the life of Jesus has upset some fans. Dr Andrew Ollerton explains why he’s concerned about the theological implications of The Chosen’s latest creative decision
‘We’re marking the invasion of Ukraine with a national day of prayer’
Three years on from Russia’s invasion, the Ukrainian people have not given up hope. Instead, they will be praying for peace today, and are asking Christians everywhere to join them
Explained: What you need to know about the chaos surrounding Barnabas Aid
After a tumultuous power struggle that led to the ousting of the charity’s founder, Patrick Sookhdeo, the Charity Commission launched an investigation and took control of how much Barnabas Aid can spend. Now, two individuals have been arrested in connection with a fraud inquiry. Tim Wyatt delves into the chaos engulfing one of the UK’s most prominent Christian charities
Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson are taking Gen Z men to Church
A new survey from Australia reveals that Gen Z men are embracing Christianity. They’re disillusioned with modern culture, energised by conservative thinkers such as Jordan Peterson and seeking something greater than themselves. But is the Church ready for them?
Trump’s Gaza plan is shocking. Let’s listen to the voices of Palestinian Christians
As Donald Trump suggests turning Gaza into a “riviera”, Dr Harry Hagopian urges Christians to listen instead to the viewpoints of local Palestinian Christians, and to continue to pray for both peace and justice
JD Vance’s speech will leave Christians in a state of confused anxiety
US Vice President JD Vance may have been right to warn Europe against retreating from Christian values during his speech at the Munich Security Conference. But parts of his message should also concern us, says Tony Wilson
Conservative Christians are flocking on board the ARC. I went along to find out why
Political firebrands and Christian apologists shared the stage at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) event in London. As 4,000 leaders including Jordan Peterson, Kemi Badenoch MP and Os Guinness discussed the future of Western civilisation, Sam Hailes went along to find out whether the faith is being co-opted by conservative politics, or a genuine revival is taking place in the public sphere
Revival is coming - but is the Church ready?
Paul Williams has always been wary of claims of revival, but he believes that God is on the move. When revival comes, it is not for the Christians, but for those far away, he says. It’s time for the Church to open its doors wide
Steven Nelson didn’t deserve to die, even if he did kill a pastor
Rev Dr Jeff Hood met Steven Nelson, convicted for the murder of a church pastor, on death row in Texas. Steven protested his innocence until the end, but whatever the truth of his case, he should not have been executed, says Hood. We are not righteous enough to judge someone else in that way
How a youth group can change the world
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‘I thought Christians were fooling themselves, until I came out of that baptismal water’
A whirlwind of loss and lament was set in motion the day Mike Wallbridge’s then-wife left him for his best friend. But it was also the day that God’s transformative work in his life began. Although Mike was initially resistant to God’s calls to come home, God’s persistence proved greater
New Wine trustee Bishop Jill Duff: ‘I’m sad Mike Pilavachi hasn’t apologised’
An independent review into the links between Mike Pilavachi and New Wine has found that senior leaders at New Wine failed to ensure that Pilavachi was fit for youth ministry. Premier’s Kelly Valencia speaks to Rt Rev Jill Duff, Bishop of Lancaster and chair of trustees of New Wine, about the findings
Why Sean McDowell’s new book will help you defend biblical truth
In Apologetics for an Ever-Changing Culture, Sean McDowell and a team of other authors explore creative and compassionate ways to engage with the toughest objections to the Christian faith. This book will equip you to share truth with wisdom, grace and conviction, says Paul Valler
Sandie Peggie is standing up to gender ideology. Christians must do the same
Christians in the US have applauded Donald Trump for reversing state support for gender ideology. But in the UK, a nurse is in court after being dismissed for objecting to sharing a changing room with doctor who was born male. Miriam Cates urges Christians to stand firm in the truth and reject fear-driven silence
The CofE cannot mark its own homework when it comes to safeguarding
To the bewilderment of many, the General Synod has voted against transferring oversight of its safeguarding to an independent body, a decision that George Pitcher says has shown it is well past time to purge the CofE of its hypocrisy
‘My husband abused me. The church told me to forgive him’
Jill was told by church leaders to “forgive” her abusive husband. She explains why such advice amounted to spiritual abuse
Russell Brand objectified women. Now he’s sharing the gospel with an OnlyFans star
Russell Brand has interviewed OnlyFans creator, Lily Phillips, about her sexploitations. There are serious allegations against him, but their conversation was full of Christian truth, says Eliza Bailey
Calling all Christian singles! Choose your fave worship artist, and I’ll tell you what you’re looking for in a partner
Listen to a lot of Rend Collective? Or maybe Maverick City or Lauren Daigle are more your bag. Whatever your taste in worship music, it might reveal something about the characteristics you most value in a romantic partner. SALT’s Sarah Paxton reveals all this Valentines Day
‘It’s time to step aside’ - an open letter to the Archbishop of York
If the Church of England is to see real change, it needs leaders to be accountable for when things go wrong, says Rev Dr Ian Paul in an open letter to Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York
Kristie Higgs was sacked for questioning sex education. Her legal victory is good news for all Christians
Christian school worker Kristie Higgs was sacked after criticising plans to teach about LGBT relationships in primary schools. Today, the Court of Appeal said Kristie should not have been dismissed for expressing her Christian views. Tim Dieppe from Christian Concern says the ruling demonstrates Christian beliefs must never be a barrier to employment
Explainer: What Christians need to know about the Assisted Suicide Bill
The committee scrutinising Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill have heard evidence from more than 50 experts and is now debating amendments - including that cases would no longer have to be signed off by a High Court judge. If just 28 MPs switch to oppose the bill when it returns to parliament, it would be defeated, says Catherine Robinson
The Museum of the Bible was conned into displaying fake artefacts. This BBC podcast tells the story
A new BBC podcast catalogues the “turbulent rise” of Washington DC’s Museum of the Bible “from looted treasures to uncovering fakes”. Christian leader and archaeologist Chris Sinkinson previews the first two episodes
The co-founder of Wikipedia has become a Christian. Here’s what convinced him
Decades of his own in-depth study combined with the testimony of “intelligent Christians” helped moved Larry Sanger from agnostic to Christian. In a lengthy blog post published this week, the Wikipedia co-founder revealed what changed his mind on God’s existence. Here’s what you need to know
The changing faith of The Weeknd
Canadian chart topper The Weeknd appeared to abandon the Christian faith of his childhood. But could his plea for “mercy” on his most recent record mark a return to God?
Gen Z Christians are the most generous generation in the Church
Young Christians give away the largest proportion of their income than any other age group. God is calling Gen Z to a lifestyle of radical holiness and obedience, says Josh Green. It’s good news for the future of the Church
When tragedy hits, Jesus calls us to stand in solidarity
IIn the face of abhorrent evil, such as the Southport murders or the Nottingham attacks, the desire for revenge is a very natural one, says George Pitcher. But what does it look like to stand together, in hopeful solidarity; to acknowledge the pain and work towards something better?
The Church of England must change in order for women to be safe
When the Bishop of Warrington made a complaint against her boss, the Bishop of Liverpool, she was sent on study leave while he remained in position – until a Channel 4 investigation shone a light on the story. If women are ever to feel safe in the Church, things have to change, says Martine Oborne
How long, O Lord? David Fletcher is the latest conservative evangelical to be exposed as an abuser
Rev David Fletcher, brother to Jonathan and named in the Makin report as being instrumental in the cover up of John Smythe’s abuse, has himself now been accused of abuse. Tim Wyatt explores what happened, and what needs to change in the conservative evangelical church world to ensure such horrors cannot occur again
This new book from Bear Grylls retells the life of Jesus
Best known for his survival skills, Bear Grylls turns his attention to the greatest story of all time—the life of Jesus Christ. In this bold and imaginative retelling, Grylls brings faith and adventure together to captivate a new generation
Bishop of Kensington: I’m praying for revival. Will you join me?
Revival is not about experience or emotion and it cannot be strategised or planned for, says Rt Rev Dr Emma Ineson. It is the faithful seeking of God’s heart for the transformation of our nation, and the drawing near to God of those who are far away. Let’s pray faithfully for it to begin with us
Miracle encounter transforms mother’s life
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Explained: Who is Mike Bickle and what are the allegations against him?
The founder of the International House of Prayer Mike Bickle sexually abused 17 people, while his ministry engaged in a cover-up. That’s according to a new independent investigation whose report was released this week
I help drug addicts get clean…but they often relapse. Here’s what it’s teaching me about God’s grace
Working at a drug detox centre certainly has it’s challenges, says DB Ryen. But it’s taught him more about forgiveness and second chances than he ever thought possible
Margery’s life and plans for her lasting legacy
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How fighting cancer strengthened my faith
On World Cancer Day, Heather Tomlinson reflects on the gifts that emerged from her battle with cancer, revealing the profound blessings and insights she never anticipated would come from such a trying time
JD Vance and Rory Stewart are arguing about theology. Who’s right? Well, it’s complicated
A spat between the sitting US Vice President and a former Tory MP has generated a huge amount of debate online. What is ordo amoris, why does it matter and how should Christians respond?
Want to get better at sharing your faith? This quiz can help!
The world desperately needs to hear about the hope of Jesus, says Andy Frost. But when we’re told there’s only one way to evangelise, it can be scary and offputting. Here’s how to understand your natural faith-sharing profile, and get some great tips on telling your friends about God in a way that doesn’t seem weird
Was Matthew autistic? The Chosen makes it plausible
The decision to portray of Matthew as being on the spectrum has been warmly welcomed by audiences. Sharon Longo uncovers the thought process behind the creative decision and the impact it’s now having
Face to face with Chosen
Premier Praise’s Craig Wakeling is about to become the eyes and ears of Premier listeners, embarking on an amazing journey to Pajule, Uganda. This is the place where Premier readers and listeners are empowering children through Chosen Child Sponsorship – as well as those wonderful school desks you all helped fund.
Carol Wimber-Wong (1937-2025): Faith, grace and prophecy in the Vineyard and beyond
Carol Wimber-Wong co-founded the Vineyard Church alongside her late husband, John Wimber. Together, they transformed a small gathering into a global movement. Carol’s unwavering faith, deep love for Jesus and dedication for serving the marginalised have left an indelible mark on the body of Christ, say John & Debby Wright.
Whatever the challenges of today, Christians can hold onto the hope of heaven
Jesus could endure anything because he knew where he was heading, says Sheila Walsh. She explains how the promise of heaven gives us unshakable peace for today, and outrageous hope for tomorrow
In praise of ‘ordinary’ Christians
Sharing our faith isn’t about pressure or performance, but simple, everyday conversations. Jeff Lucas says these seemingly ordinary moments can besurprisingly powerful
Downtime
What the Premier Christianity team are enjoying this month
Why the Bible is sometimes obscure
When we divide over the irrelevant, we forget the most important message of all, says David Instone-Brewer
Can Christians be rich?
We talk money and business with Christian entrepreneurs Shell Perris and Gary Spicer
A Nurse’s Journey: How Education and Faith Transform Communities
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Who can you call at 2am? It's time for Christians to counter the loneliness epidemic
The world is experiencing a friendship recession. Sheridan Voysey explains how both culture and Church came to neglect friendship and how you can reclaim this forgotten love
Can men and women really just be friends?
If someone of the opposite sex asked you to pray with them during a church service, would you do it? Dani Treweek looks at why single Christian women are caricatured as threats to “good Christian marriages” while Christian men are stereotyped as incapable of relating to any woman without seeing her as a potential “stumbling block”
The 4 biggest trends in Church and culture
Theologians from the UK’s top Bible colleges talk to Sam Hailes about migration, revival, formation and keeping it weird
Why I’m going slow in 2025
Thank God for grace, says Gemma Hunt. Let’s cut ourselves – and each other – a bit of slack this year
‘We only had sex three times in the first three years of our marriage’
As a Christian couple, Hannah and Ben Tarbuck thought they were doing everything right by saving sex for marriage. But it didn’t result in the passionate wedding night they were expecting
The musician: ‘I begin every project with prayer’
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet their ordinary tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith on the frontline
The nuclear family isn’t the ultimate Christian goal
A biblical view of family is much wider than one man, one woman and two kids, says Chine McDonald
Sweets rain down on Epiphany parade
An estimated 500,000 people filled the streets of Barcelona on the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany for the Cabalgata de Reye, or three kings parade.
Young people with no connection to church are coming anyway. It’s called ‘contactless curiosity’
Across the UK, more and more young people are investigating Christianity - not through the invitation of a friend or a church outreach programme, but a contactless curiosity seemingly stirred by God alone. Dave Kemp shares his story and asks: is this the beginning of something?
Gen Z might be more ‘spiritual’ than previous generations, but let’s be careful to understand what that means
Dr Gareth Crispin teases out what messages Christians can take from the latest statistics on the beliefs of Generation Z
UK Christians don’t understand why US evangelicals voted for Trump. We need a better conversation
White evangelicals in the US overwhelmingly support Donald Trump, but their reasons are often misunderstood by their British counterparts. Dr Alastair Roberts looks at the cultural and political forces at play
Christians in India can break the cycle of religious violence
Despite the growing threat Hindu nationalism poses to the Christians already facing persecution in India, Joseph D’Souza urges the Church to resist retaliation and embody the love of Christ. It’s the only way to achieve lasting peace, he says
Did I just watch revival in the UK begin?
Amid claims that Gen Z is increasingly turning to spirituality, AJ Gomez gathered with hundreds of young Christians to contend for spiritual renewal in their nation. As he listened to the stories of God at work, he felt something shift in him, too, he says
What climbing Kilimanjaro taught the viral vicar about justice
Much like climbing a mountain, working for justice and freedom requires commitment, endurance and community, says Rev Chris Lee. He reflects on what he learned on Africa’s highest peak
Praise God for the ceasefire in Gaza. Let’s pray it holds
It can be easy to become disillusioned by stories of war, conflict and persecution around the world. But there are glimmers of hope across the Middle East, says Martin Thomas, and we can all learn lessons from the resilience of Christians living there
A Daily Reminder of Faith: FaithFlex Bracelets by ZIXI
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Glyn Barrett: The !Audacious Church leader causing traffic jams in Manchester
!Audacious has grown from nothing to become one of the largest churches in the country. But is bigger always better? The church’s senior pastor and national leader of Assemblies of God in the UK tells all
What Christians need to know about Trump’s first week in office
Tim Wyatt looks back at all the key events of the past seven days, and offers some analysis of where faith has taken centre stage
Beast Games: Three cheers for this Christian who just turned down $1 million
Amazon Prime’s latest reality TV offering which sees 1,000 people compete for $5m has divided critics. But Max Avard says the presence of an inspirational Christian contestant makes Mr Beast’s show an unlikely source of hope
Was Donald Trump ‘Saved by God to Make America Great Again’?
During his inauguration speech, the President of the United States claimed, “I was saved by God to make America great again.” Andy Witherall considers the parallels between Trump’s words and a Christian understanding of salvation
Lucian Mustata: The Romanian evangelist reaching thousands for Christ
Abandoned as a baby and raised in an orphanage, Lucian Mustata is now a successful entrepreneur and founder of Eastern Europe’s largest Christian music festival. Lucian is carrying a vision to see 1 million lives transformed. Tony Cummings met him
Reconnect, Reflect, Recharge on a Retreat to Iona
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Paul’s conversion was a life-long turning to Christ. So should ours be
The feast of the conversion of St Paul marks one of the most powerful redemption stories in Christian history. But what can it teach us today? Samuel Tarr looks at what it really means to be converted to Christ
Should Christians feel guilty about watching The Traitors?
Lies, deception and backstabbing… But don’t worry, the hit BBC series is just a game. Or is it?
Jesus Christ trumps your politics
Whether you voted for him or opposed him, there’s one thing Christians must not do when it comes to Donald Trump, says Tim Farron
Bishop Mariann Budde was right when she spoke truth to power. All Christians should
Bishop Mariann Budde’s decision to use her sermon to challenge US President Donald Trump has caused widespread debate. Should Christians be speaking truth to power? Yes, says Andy Flannagan, but only if we’re willing to do the hard yards of seeking understanding, and listening to those we disagree with
Theology among the disciplines: Reflecting on the future of theological education
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Franklin Graham: ‘Trump didn’t intentionally snub the Bible during inauguration oath’
There wasn’t time to get the Bible to President Trump before he was sworn in, says Rev Franklin Graham in a frank interview with Premier. And yes, Trump feels God saved him for a purpose. But if America is to be great again, its people must turn back to Jesus, he says
Have you heard of Popcorn Brain? It may be stifling your walk with God
With each swipe of a screen producing another distraction, Chris Witherall explores the concept of Popcorn Brain. Is the fast-pace of modern life inhibiting our ability to deepen our faith and cultivate a more meaningful relationship with God?
Explained: Who is Michael Brown and what are the allegations against him?
One of the most prominent apologists in the Messianic Jewish movement has been urged to step back from all public ministry while an investigation takes place into allegations he kissed and inappropriately touched a young woman
‘I prayed every day and knew God was with me’ Rev Lisa from The Traitors reveals all
The Traitors contestant Rev Lisa Coupland opens up about her time on the hit TV show and why it’s important viewers understand that priests are just people, too
Life is a gift. I want to walk in constant gratitude
Joshua Luke Smith explains how a pair of boots taught him to be grateful for every blessing. No matter how much you have given, you have received more
John Ortberg applies the 12 Steps to Christians
With wisdom, honesty, and relatability John Ortberg remagines Alcoholics Anonymous’s 12 Step programme as a tool for Christian discipleship. Steps breaks down what it means to surrender to God, confront sin, and build a life transformed by faith
Heaven Earth Connection is Out Now
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If we can remember how to feast and fast, there will be Blue Mondays no more
On the alleged saddest day of the year, ‘Blue Monday’, Samuel Tarr attributes the dulled sense of joy and gratitude to modern society’s faded ability to balance the feasts and fasts of life.
Why the director of Bonhoeffer is fed up with refuting lies
Contrary to what its detractors have claimed, Angel Studios’ new film Bonhoeffer is not trying to endorse a modern political agenda. That’s according to the film’s director Todd Komarnicki, who says he’s grown frustrated at how critics are linking this film with “the opposite of what it’s trying to do.”
Almost 400 million Christians are persecuted. Why aren’t more people talking about this?
The 2025 World Watch List from Open Doors has revealed 380 million Christians are now persecuted. Henrietta Blyth is urging prayer for those whose stories are scarcely featured in the headlines
The internet is broken. Here’s how Christians can help fix it
Amid Mark Zuckerberg’s reforms to free speech on the internet, Chris Witherall explores what the Church’s own strategy to transform the digital landscape should look like.
Arthur Blessitt (1940-2025): The man who walked 40,000 miles for Jesus
The evangelist Arthur Blessitt became world-famous through carrying a 12 foot cross around the globe in the hope of having conversations with strangers about the gospel. Like many church leaders, RT Kendall was keen to invite Blessitt to speak. Little did he know the upheaval it would cause
CofE bishops don’t believe in God? That's laughable nonsense
While the Church is no stranger to misreporting, Tim Wyatt says a recent Spectator article was especially egregious
Explained: What an Israel-Hamas ceasefire might mean for the Middle East
A ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel has been announced. Gavin Drake explores whether, after 15 long months of fighting, peace could restored to the Holy Land
1 in 5 don’t believe in democracy. Here’s why Christians must defend it
A new survey shows an alarming shift toward authoritarianism among young Brits. Democracy isn’t perfect, says Tim Farron MP, but it’s far better than the alternative, and there are distinctly Christian reasons for supporting it
Richard Hays (1948-2025): The leading New Testament scholar was a real Christian
Richard B. Hays was one of the most influential New Testament scholars of his generation, says Dr Ian Paul. His radical faith in Christ motivated his scholarship and led him to write a number of game-changing books
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