9 episodes

This new podcast by Affinity delves into the heart of gospel ministry and church unity across the UK. Join Graham Nicholls, Director of Affinity and local church pastor, and Lizzie Harewood, Executive Officer at the Association of Christian Teachers, as they unveil stories of gospel transformation.

We’ll meet with churches and para-church organisations hoping to inspire and inform you about the incredible work God is doing. You'll be encouraged as you hear about the gospel's impact, and you'll be equipped to pray more intelligently for various ministries and serve in new ways.

Affinity Talks Gospel Podcast Affinity

    • Religion & Spirituality

This new podcast by Affinity delves into the heart of gospel ministry and church unity across the UK. Join Graham Nicholls, Director of Affinity and local church pastor, and Lizzie Harewood, Executive Officer at the Association of Christian Teachers, as they unveil stories of gospel transformation.

We’ll meet with churches and para-church organisations hoping to inspire and inform you about the incredible work God is doing. You'll be encouraged as you hear about the gospel's impact, and you'll be equipped to pray more intelligently for various ministries and serve in new ways.

    BONUS EPISODE: Discussing The Gospel Coalition UK with Graham Nicholls

    BONUS EPISODE: Discussing The Gospel Coalition UK with Graham Nicholls

    In this special episode of Affinity Talks Gospel Podcast, Lizzie Harewood is joined by guest co-host, Adam May and they interview Graham Nicholls about forming The Gospel Coalition UK. 

    They discuss the background and conversations that led to this decision, focusing on the usefulness and gospel reach of the potentially new initiative. Graham talks about the importance of visible gospel unity, creating a resource hub for UK churches and Christians, and having a public voice for conservative evangelicals in the UK. They address concerns about cultural differences with The Gospel Coalition in the USA and the current evangelical landscape in the UK. Graham emphasises the need for constructive dialogue, transparency, and careful consideration in moving forward. 

    Listeners are encouraged to share their feedback and engage in the conversation by emailing office@affinity.org.uk. The episode concludes with a prayer for discernment and unity in decision-making.

    • 39 min
    Sharing the love of Jesus with at-risk and marginalised people - with Caring For Life

    Sharing the love of Jesus with at-risk and marginalised people - with Caring For Life

    In this episode of Affinity Talks Gospel, we are joined by Erin and Jonathan from Caring For Life, a charity which seeks to share the love of Jesus with at-risk and hurting people. We discuss Caring For Life’s mission to support marginalised individuals through housing, activities, and the gospel. This relationship building and practical support is built on an evangelical Christian foundation.

    Graham Nicholls hosts this episode of Affinity Talks Gospel with guests Jonathan and Erin from Caring For Life (CFL). Erin works as the Benefits and Tenancies Team Manager at CFL, supporting people through benefit processes. Jonathan, CEO of CFL, is responsible for fulfilling the organisation's objectives in engaging with marginalised individuals and sharing the gospel.

    Caring For Life aims to lead people to Jesus, provide meaningful activities, and offer stable housing to those at risk or vulnerable. They support individuals dealing with homelessness, mental health issues, addictions, and other challenges. The organisation also runs a working farm which provides therapeutic projects and engages individuals to find purpose and direction. Caring For Life also assists people in accessing benefits and supports them in finding employment opportunities where feasible.

    Relationship building, meeting individuals where they are, and providing practical support like safe housing are vital to the charity’s goal of sharing the gospel with the marginalised. This is made explicit through the organisation’s strong Christian foundation. They engage in prayer, Bible studies, and spiritual conversations with beneficiaries. They also highlight the need for churches to be more proactive in ministering to individuals in need, including those with complex backgrounds and challenges.

    We also touch on the difficulties of integrating individuals with diverse needs into church communities and the importance of seeing them through Christ's eyes. Caring For Life value prayers for effectiveness in their ministry, impactful witness, and continued provision to expand their work and bless more people in need.

    For more information on Caring For Life visit their website and social media platforms. Alternatively, they would love to welcome you to an in-person visit: www.caringforlife.co.uk

    • 41 min
    Discussing abuse of power by church leaders - with Phil Swann and Catherine Haddow

    Discussing abuse of power by church leaders - with Phil Swann and Catherine Haddow

    In this episode of Affinity Talks Gospel, we are joined by Phil Swann (Pastor in Wales) and Catherine Haddow (Chartered Psychologist and Founder of The Cornerstone) to discuss abuse of power by church leaders emphasising self-awareness, servant leadership, creating safe spaces for survivors, promoting humility, empathy, and understanding for healing and reconciliation within our church communities.

    Host Graham Nicholls is joined by guests Phil Swann and Catherine Haddow to discuss the impact of abuse of power by church leaders. Phil Swann underlines the significance of self-awareness and servant-hearted leadership, emphasising creating a safe environment for trauma survivors. Catherine Haddow, drawing from psychology, stresses the importance of safety and slow healing processes. The conversation emphasises promoting humility, empathy, and compassion in church leadership to address trauma and foster healing and reconciliation within local church communities.

    Find out more about the book Challenging Leaders by visiting: www.affinity.org.uk/challengingleaders

    Find out more about The Cornerstone at: the-cornerstone.net

    • 45 min
    Sex education in UK schools - with Julie Maxwell from Lovewise

    Sex education in UK schools - with Julie Maxwell from Lovewise

    In this episode of Affinity Talks Gospel, we talk to community paediatrician Julie Maxwell about the importance of teaching children biblical views on marriage and how to make wise choices. We discuss how to handle Relationships and Sex Education in schools and safeguard kids in today's culture.

    Hosts Graham Nicholls and Lizzie Harewood welcome guest Julie Maxwell from Lovewise to the show. Together they speak about the importance of teaching children about marriage and making wise choices from a biblical perspective. We highlight Lovewise's resources for promoting healthy relationships and advise parents to engage actively in teaching their children about God's design for marriage. We also discussed challenges in navigating Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) guidance in schools, emphasising the need to protect children from harmful influences and instil biblical values amidst modern cultural pressures. The conversation concluded on the importance of prayer, a truth-centred narrative, and the proactive efforts we can make to support and safeguard children in today's complex world.

    • 46 min
    Challenges facing Christian healthcare workers - with Steve Fouch from CMF

    Challenges facing Christian healthcare workers - with Steve Fouch from CMF

    In this episode of Affinity Talks Gospel, we discuss with Steve Fouch from the Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) how to empower health professionals to advocate for Jesus Christ, highlighting ethics, technology, and support.

    Host Graham Nicholls is joined by Steve Fouch, Head of Communications at CMF, and they discuss the organisation's mission to equip health professionals to live and speak for Jesus Christ. We delve into the changing landscape of faith in the medical field over the years, ethical challenges faced by medical professionals, the impact of advanced medical technologies on decision-making, and the need for support and pastoral care for healthcare workers facing high-pressure environments. We touch on the importance of community support and prayer for health professionals in churches, emphasising the significance of individuals being witnesses for Christ in their workplace. The conversation highlights the complexities of modern healthcare, the demands on medical professionals, and the importance of understanding and supporting them in their roles.

    • 35 min
    The History of the Church in Wales - with Jonathan Thomas

    The History of the Church in Wales - with Jonathan Thomas

    In this episode of Affinity Talks Gospel, we explore Welsh Christianity with Jonathan Thomas, covering historical influences, Welsh language development, revivals, and shifts in the religious landscape towards unity and encountering God's power.

    Hosts Graham Nicholls and Lizzie Harewood, are joined by Jonathan Thomas, a minister from Wales. Jonathan takes us on a captivating journey through the rich history of Welsh Christianity, spanning from Roman times to the Age of the Saints. We explore the influence of Normans on Welsh Christianity, the role of education, and the impact of pivotal figures like Saint David.

    Our discussion delves into the development of the Welsh language, the influence of revivals, and the tensions between Welsh and non-Welsh Christians. Despite challenges faced by mainline denominations, there are signs of growth in independent churches, signalling a shift in the Welsh religious landscape. Throughout our dialogue, we emphasise the themes of unity, spiritual hunger, and the transformative power of encountering God, reflecting on the enduring narrative of faith and revival in Wales.

    • 46 min

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