October
The Children’s Society were wrong to cancel Welby - but I understand why they did
Refusing a donation from the Archbishop of Canterbury makes sense in our ’cancel culture’ society, says Miriam Cates. And until the CofE starts putting people above process, the problems will remain
‘If you charge me, I’m going to bring 50 homeless people to eat the meal I’ve paid for’
When a wealthy businessman paid for 50 homeless men to go to lunch, Jon Kuhrt was reminded of the parable of the banquet – and of our human propensity to mixed motives
Looking for belonging this Christmas? It’s found in Christ
If the story of Christ’s birth is true, it changes everything, says Tim Farron. Don’t be afraid to explore the miracle of Christmas this year
What can Christians learn from 2024?
Chris Goswami looks back at the news stories from 2024 that caught his attention, explores his highlights and takes a look at the year ahead
How to stay sober this Christmas
It may well be the most wonderful time of the year, but Christmas can also be notoriously boozy, and sometimes lonely and stressful. Emma Heath shares her top tips for anyone struggling with addiction over the festive season
What the Bible does not tell you about Christmas
The squalor of a borrowed stable is a far cry from the sanitised nativity scenes most of us are familiar with. But the real beauty of the Christmas story is that our creator God was willing to fully enter into our world - with all its brokenness, dirt and need
In defence of the commercialisation of Christmas
Let’s stop moaning about what Christmas is not, and start living out what it is, says Jonty Langley. If Christians show people the difference Jesus makes to our lives all year round, maybe they’ll see past the presents and parties to the real reason for the season
The surprising stories behind your favourite Christmas carols
Deck the Hall offers a blend of scholarly research and accessible storytelling - revealing the surprising origins of 27 beloved Christmas carols
You don’t need to choose between evangelism and social action this Christmas
We can do better than binary, divisive discussions, says Bishop Joseph D’Souza. Christians in the majority world have long understood that the gospel is good news for mind, body and soul. It’s time Christians in the West woke up to that
Eddie Stobart (1929-2024): The Christian businessman behind Britain’s most iconic lorry firm
Keith Danby pays tribute to Eddie Stobart, the founder of one of Britain’s most recognisable haulage companies
Societal views on gender are shifting for the better. Christians are on the right side of history
Christians have often felt on the backfoot when it comes to debates around issues such as sexuality, abortion and transgender. But Peter Lynas believes significant shifts are taking place in Western culture and there are good reasons to be optimistic
Discovering Christianity - Rowan Williams
The Rt Hon Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury and well-regarded theologian, has dedicated a significant portion of his long ministry to making Christianity accessible to those with little knowledge or experience of it.
Winter Gardens in Blackpool will host inspirational christian conference in 2025
In 2025, Refreshment UK are holding a conference at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool that combines mission, outreach and inspirational teaching
The Christian case for purging (some of) your possessions
Letting our stuff go is difficult, admits Jeff Lucas. But as we enter a new year, it’s a good discipline to develop
Downtime
Here’s what the Premier Christianity team are enjoying this month
Following Jesus means we’ll face suffering. But the Spirit promises to sustain us through it
We know the Holy Spirit is a source of love, joy and peace. But we should remember that same Spirit also helps us in our suffering, says Lucy Peppiatt
From worldly success to fulfilment in God
Stood atop a VIP table in a New York nightclub, rapper Eugy Official had an out-of-body experience in which God asked him a single question. It would change the course of his musical career
Walking The Way: What I learnt from going on pilgrimage
More people of all faiths and none are choosing to pull on their boots and take to the ancient paths of pilgrimage. Emma Fowle heads to Spain to find out what it’s all about
This promises to be the largest gathering of Christians…ever. Here’s how you can join in
What would you do if you knew Jesus was coming back? That was the question that prompted Jennie Allen to start planning what’s set to become the biggest ever global meeting of Christians. She shares her vision for Gather25
Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman: ‘All music is worship’
Switchfoot’s lead singer on why his Christian faith is still a mystery, music that breaks down barriers and throwing a worldwide 20th birthday party for his band’s biggest album
‘We’re trying to change skiers’ perceptions of who God is’
When Lara and Will Sussman became Christians, they wondered how God could use them. It turned out, he wanted them just where they were – in a French ski resort
The high sheriff: ‘My faith in Jesus shapes what I do’
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
Isabel Vaughan-Spruce: ‘Abortion centres are the modern day Calvary’
Isabel Vaughan-Spruce has been praying outside abortion centres for the past 20 years. She explains why, despite being arrested twice in recent months, she won’t let changes to the law deter her
A new year's toast: May 2025 be drenched in grace
Whatever we’ve been through and whatever is to come, it’s all grace, says Joshua Luke Smith
10 inspiring stories from 2024
The news might not always be bright, but God is still on the move. From personal testimonies to real life stories, here are our favourite reads to inspire and encourage your Christian faith
Wicked: What Christians should know about 2024’s biggest film
Martin Saunders considers the spiritual messages contained in Wicked: Part One
Camel ye faithful
Real-life camels aren’t what you’d expect to see on the streets of west London on a cold winter’s evening, but St Etheldreda with St Clement ‘Camels and carols’ drew a large crowd this Christmas, with no one getting the hump.
The biggest Christian news stories of 2024
As a new year dawns, we round up the good, the bad and the memorable from the past twelve months
10 fascinating interviews from 2024
From prime ministers to preachers, we spoke to over 50 fascinating Christians from all walks of life in 2024. Hear are ten of the best conversations
The 15 best Christian books of 2024
Looking for your next great Christian read? Look no further. From John Mark Comer’s bestselling Practicing the Way to a guide on getting your church noticed, there’s something for everyone. The following books all received a coveted five out of five star rating from the Premier Christianity team of reviewers in 2024
The Premier team’s favourite stories of 2024
Journalists, editors and producers from across Premier’s radio, magazine and podcast brands share the most significant, interesting and uplifting stories from the past twelve months
‘An angel saved my life – by sticking my foot to the curb!’
Do you believe in miracles? Charlie Gobel recalls the evening he was miraculously saved from death, and how it changed his life forever
3 ways to love those with dementia this Christmas
During the festive season, we celebrate Jesus coming to a world who did not recognise him. Ben Boland shares his top tips for loving those who may not recognise us either, whether at Christmas or all year round
Editor’s picks: 15 best features from 2024
Having looked back at 900 pages of magazine articles in 2024, our editor Sam Hailes shares his favourite articles from the past twelve months
Youth work is facing a crisis – just when young people need help the most
At a time when young people are facing unprecedented challenges, there are fewer and fewer people engaged in serving them. Ali Campbell asks: What can the Church do to stand in the gap?
The 10 most popular articles of 2024
Here are the most-read stories on premierchristianity.com over the past twelve months
Why is the leader of a once-thriving London church being deported?
Tobi Adegboyega, founder of the now defunct SPAC Nation church, faces deportation after losing his appeal to the Immigration Tribunal to stay in the UK. George Luke explains what has taken place
Creativity with the Creator: How to use your gifts for the glory of God
In Creativity with the Creator, Maxine Harrison offers an insightful guide to Christian creativity, drawing from biblical examples of God’s creative nature. From the creation of the world to the architectural skills given to Bezalel, Harrison explores how we are all endowed with God’s creativity
Praying by Heart: Rediscovering the depth and power of the Lord’s Prayer
In Praying by Heart, Stephen Cottrell challenges readers to move beyond merely reciting the Lord’s Prayer and explore its profound meaning
‘You’ve been sold a lie. But the truth can still set you free’ - an open letter to Lily Phillips
Pornographic model Lily Phillips, 23 captured international headlines last week when she released a documentary detailing how she slept with 100 men in 24 hours. She has since revealed plans to sleep with 1,000 men next month. In this open letter, Lois McLatchie-Miller tells Phillips she is of infinite worth and value, and God has created her for a much greater purpose
Christmas is non-existent for North Korean Christians
For most Christians around the world, Christmas is a time to gather and celebrate with friends and family. But for Christians in North Korea, the most dangerous country in the world for followers of Jesus, it is a time of great danger
What Wolf Hall teaches us about the Reformation
Whether historically accurate or not, the BBC’s Wolf Hall gives us an insight into the events that surrounded the greatest schism in Church history. It is a timely reminder of the importance of Christian unity, says Tony Wilson
Sermons shouldn’t last longer than 10 minutes, says the Pope. Is he right?
Last week the Pope repeated his plea to preachers: ”Please, do not go longer than ten minutes, ever! This is very important.” Sam Hailes considers the pros and cons of long sermons
Hal Lindsey (1929-2024): The end times theologian who popularised the rapture
The US author Hal Lindsey promoted a dispensationalist view of the end times which continues to hold influence among some evangelicals. But Lindsey’s predictions in his widely read 1970 book The Late Great Planet Earth, haven’t aged well, says Rev Ian Paul
Dear Santa is a dangerous trivialisation of the devil
At a time when the true meaning of Christmas - celebrating the birth of Jesus - feels increasingly overshadowed, Dear Santa has put Satan centre stage, in a manner far too playful for a subject that demands such caution, says Caroline Farrow
New Christmas music from Jon Seccombe
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Bob Dylan biopic leaves many stones unturned - not least his Christian faith
A Complete Unknown is a film for anyone curious about the human condition. But by leaving out the singer’s conversion to Christianity, the redemptive arc is ultimately unfulfilling, says Krish Kandiah
I called this divorce ad ‘evil’. Was I right?
Divorce is being presented as a “kind” option on adverts spotted on the London tube, but Glen Scrivener says trampling across the sanctity of marriage in the service of mere convenience is far from kind
Want to share your faith with confidence? This book will help
In a time when many are turning away from secularism, Glen Scrivener’s How to Speak Life: Sharing Your Faith in 3-2-1 offers Christians timely and practical guidance in evangelism, says Pat Finlow
Lead Like the Real You: A powerful guide for women in leadership
In Lead Like the Real You, Amy Orr-Ewing offers 43 heartfelt letters filled with wisdom and encouragement for women in ministry. Rachel Bedford says these honest reflections and practical advice will empower women to embrace their God-given voice and lead with faith and courage
Three cheers for Rev Richard Coles on I’m a Celebrity
While Justin Welby was in the House of Lords exhibiting precisely how not to conduct yourself in the face of safeguarding failures, Rev Richard Coles was in the jungle of the I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here embodying all the qualities we would hope for in leader of the Church of England, says Rev Alex Frost
Expect a busy carol service this Christmas. People want to know more about Jesus
As new figures reveal attendance at Church of England Christmas services has leapt by 20 per cent in recent years, Rachel Jordan-Wolf says many churches will be looking forward to packed services in the coming days
Jesus wasn’t a Palestinian
Some have objected to the casting of Israeli actors in Netflix’s new film Mary. It’s a demoralising example of misguided attempts to erase Christ’s Jewish identity, says Michael Coren
Assad’s fall leaves Syrian Christians in peril
Could Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s takeover see a jihadist-inspired coup peacefully transition to a free, democratic Syria? If it does, it would be a first for the region, says David Charlwood. If it doesn’t, their long history of violence spells disaster for all non-Muslim minority groups
Netflix’s Mary is a solid piece of filmmaking but Christians will question its accuracy
Netflix’s Mary tells the story of the mother of Jesus before she became pregnant with the saviour. But is this biblical epic up to scratch? Giles Gough doesn’t think so
Bible Boom: How Gen Z’s search for spirituality is renewing faith in America
As sales of Bibles in the US surge, Dr John Farquhar Plake says there’s a new hunger for spirituality among young people
The most popular Bible verse of 2024 is the perfect antidote to our anxious age
YouVersion’s most popular verse may be thousands of years old, but it speaks perfectly to the times we’re living in, observes Bible Society’s Rev Mark Woods
‘Manifest’ is the Word of the Year. It nearly ruined my life
The belief that you can achieve your goals through positive thinking has gone mainstream. But Kate Orson’s attempts to “manifest” wealth led instead to debt. She believes the practice can be dangerous - and it’s not worth the price
Marc Guéhi’s armband controversy shows equality in football is not there yet
By adding ‘Jesus ❤️ U’ to his rainbow armband, Crystal Palace captain, Marc Guéhi, has sparked a vital conversation about football’s commitment to equality and diversity - whether that’s religious beliefs or sexuality and gender. Christians in Sport’s Graham Daniels says he deserves our respect
Band Aid, white saviours and why Christians should avoid cynicism
As ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ turns 40 years old this month, Ed Sheeran has added his voice to those critiquing the song’s ‘damaging stereotypes’. Maddy Fry used to share that view. She explains what changed her mind
Tim Farron: ‘Christians must keep fighting assisted dying’
Christians shouldn’t be surprised if assisted dying is legalised in the UK, says Tim Farron MP. But we must continue to challenge it, even if our motivations are questioned. The sanctity of life is at stake
Why the Church needs to denounce the far right
As Christian symbolism becomes increasingly common at far right rallies, Chine McDonald urges church leaders to condemn racism and misogyny
Esther Rantzen is wrong. There’s no such thing as ‘secular neutrality’
Christians should not feel intimidated by those who say our faith is not a legitimate basis from which to express an opinion. Everyone’s worldview is shaped by something, says Jamie Gillies, including humanists, atheists or secularists. Ours is no less valid
How the trauma of advent brings God's healing
When God came into the world, it was traumatic, argues George Pitcher. But Advent reminds us that now, more than ever, the Church needs the healing balm of Jesus - even if it is painful at first touch
5 Ways to Find Peace Amidst the Hustle and Bustle of Christmas
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AI Jesus can only give you fast-food wisdom. I prefer the real thing
A hologram of Jesus claims to be able to impart wisdom to visitors at St Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland. Christians should be cautious about our creeping dependence on AI, says Chris Goswami
The Israel Dilemma: A one-sided film about biblical prophecy
God made an everlasting covenant with Israel and their turbulent history from King David to today, is all prophesied in the Old Testament. That’s according to this new Christian-made documentary The Israel Dilemma. Chris Goswami went to see it
Saint Boris the Skinny shouldn’t be throwing stones at the Church of England
Boris Johnson has blamed the UK’s obesity crisis on the CofE. Jonty Langley thinks he can smell a whiff of hypocrisy
Tim Farron: Assisted dying makes the vulnerable even more so
Changing the law will make those at risk of abuse much more vulnerable, says Tim Farron, as well as putting pressure on the elderly and infirm to ‘do the decent thing’ and choose death
Give your brokenness to God. Vulnerability will set you free
Joshua Luke Smith explores the spiritual abundance found in admitting our brokenness and rediscovering the grace of God
Churches are burning across Europe. But why?
Deliberate arson attacks on churches are part of a wider increase in hate crimes against Christians. But who is to blame? Heather Tomlinson investigates
The God who keeps his promises
Jeff Lucas reflects on 46 years of marriage, ministry, and the temptation to blame God for broken dreams
Heaping Coals - Michael Coren
Journalist and author Michael Coren had a high-profile career in the Canadian and international media – but it all came crashing down when he wrote a newspaper column sympathetic to gay Christians.
The Road to Wisdom - Francis Collins
Francis Collins is arguably one of the most powerful biologists in the world. The US-based scientist has helped identify the cause of cystic fibrosis and a number of other genetic diseases. He led the Human Genome Project and, most recently, was a key player in the race to find a ...
Mud, Bullets and Open Roads - David Robinson
Armed with five insect-resistant boxes, three mosquito nets and toys for their toddler, young British couple David and Jenny Robinson set off to Thailand to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
The Exorcist Files - Father Carlos Martins
The horror genre has reached an all-time high in terms of book sales during the past year. There appears to be a heightened interest in the forces of evil and the supernatural. There should therefore be a large market for this new title, and it should make essential and salutary ...
The secret to joy this Christmas
Find your joy in giving, not receiving this festive season, says Natalie Williams
Why should Christians bother improving the world?
Q: Why should Christians bother improving the world if it’s all destined for renewal?
Palestinian brothers
Palestinians are not Arabs by descent. Could their true identity provide a path towards peace in the Middle East today?
'God saved me from drugs, prison and homelessness'
A tumultuous childhood marked by sexual abuse led Rob Wery to start abusing substances at the age of seven. After more drug use and gang involvement, he ended up in the same prison as two of his children. That’s when God broke into his life
We need to talk about grief
When her mother died suddenly, Mandy Gill was not as comforted by her Christian faith as she might have expected. Her fellow believers didn’t always respond well either. Here are the lessons she’s learned from a slow and painful journey with grief
Before the night comes: My mission to rescue Brazil’s forgotten girls
When Matt Roper stumbled across an 11 year-old girl selling her body for sex on a Brazilian motorway, it changed his life forever. He tells the shocking story of the road where child exploitation is considered ‘normal’ and his journey to change hearts and minds
‘Even in the darkest stories, I’m looking for light’: The Christian faith of Denzel Washington
As Gladiator II hits our screens, Tim Bechervaise takes a look at the role that faith has played in the life of Hollywood actor, Denzel Washington
How a Christmas knock at the door changed Rob Parsons' life forever
When a homeless man arrived on his doorstep one Christmas, Rob Parsons never dreamed that he would stay for more than 45 years. Or that Ronnie would impact their life so significantly
12 creative ways to share your faith this Christmas
Phil Knox presents a dozen ideas on how to share your faith over the festive season
The Diplomat’s David Gyasi: ‘I’m quite explicit about who Jesus is’
The star of Netflix’s The Diplomat on how becoming a father at 19 drew him to faith and why he’s far more interested in people’s character than their showbiz connections
After years on TV, my life is in a changing season
Gemma Hunt kicks off her new column by exploring the somewhat uncomfortable changes she is experiencing in her life
‘Christmas was often the worst time of the year, but with God’s help, I have managed to reclaim it’
Does the biblical instruction to honour your parents mean you have to spend the festive period with your emotionally abusive alcoholic father? That’s a question Alexandra Walker grappled with for many years
The new mum: ‘God has called me to this role’
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
Could faith go viral again? Malcolm Gladwell’s new book has the answer
One of the world’s leading non-fiction writers doesn’t write much about his own Christian faith. And yet when you apply Malcolm Gladwell’s Revenge of the Tipping Point to the Church’s evangelism the implications are exciting, says Martin Saunders
Why Christians shouldn’t feel guilty for watching reality TV
After a rough year, Chine McDonald is looking forward to some escapism this Christmas
Can you be arrested for praying in your head?
The national roll out of buffer zones around abortion clinics is leading to more pro-life activists being arrested
The scandal that brought down the Archbishop of Canterbury
After facing mounting pressure, Most Rev Justin Welby has become the first Archbishop of Canterbury ever to resign. Tim Wyatt has the full story
Assisted suicide isn’t a choice we should give ourselves
Danny Webster challenges the idolisation of autonomy, highlighting how assisting suicide undermines the value of choice and freedom
Don’t be offended by The Life of Brian, it’s a great Christian apologetic
It’s 45 years since Monty Python’s The Life of Brian caused outrage among some Christians, who took offence at its mockery of Christ. But the Bible is full of people mocking Jesus – and God uses it all for his glory, says Samuel Tarr
What did Jesus’ quiet time look like?
Mike Wallbridge offers a glimpse into Jesus’ personal times of prayer, revealing a form of communion with God you may not expect. Could Jesus’ moments of prayer provide a model for your own quiet time today?
Iraq wants to lower the age of consent to 9. Christians must do something
Proposals by Iraq’s ultra conservative government to make the law reflect strict Islamic Shia principles would have devastating affects on women’s rights - and lower the age of consent to just nine years old. They must not be allowed to do so, says one Iraqi woman
Is the last stained glass ceiling about to come down?
The Church of England needs a clean slate and a fresh pair of eyes, says Michelle Guinness. Is it time for a female Archbishop of Canterbury?
Ed Sheeran is right. Ending poverty in Africa will take more than a song
Popstar Ed Sheeran says he did not want to feature on the 40th anniversary re-release of Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ Andrea Kazindra wonders why it takes a rock star to get us talking about aid to Africa
The Bible doesn’t give us neat answers on assisted suicide. But these 3 stories will help
As the conversation surrounding assisted suicide intensifies, Mark Woods considers the message of three stories from the Old Testament
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