The Profile

‘It’s bonkers’, ‘God is blowing my mind’ ... Despite the dire statistics around church attendance in the UK, stories of God working miracles are proliferating, especially among young people. Emma Fowle is joined by four ministry leaders to discuss what’s going on. In this special edition of the show, Jamie Price (Limitless), Josh Green (24-7 Prayer), Susie Aldridge and Zeke Rink (Dreaming the Impossible) share their encouraging stories.

Andy Peck chats with the Youth and Children's Ministry Consultant and manager and founder of Paraklesis, who has developed umpteen leaders, especially young people. They look at what attributes to seek in a potential leader, what red flags to look for and how to make sure our own ego doesn’t get in the way The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Subscribe now from $1 per month

The motto of the London Olympics in 2012 was “Inspire a Generation”. For one eleven-year-old from Coventry whose disability meant she’d never been allowed to play sport at school, this slogan became a reality. Just four years later, Karé Adenegan would win three medals in the 2016 Rio Paralympics. In Tokyo, she added two more. Now 23, the softly spoken wheelchair racer is bidding for a medal in her third successive games. Ahead of her final preparations for Paris 2024, Marcus Jones asks if she can sum up her remarkable journey in one word. “Mind-blowing,” she says simply. In this interview you'll hear more about Kare's faith, including the one prayer she always recites on the startline. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. See subscription offers now at premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Andy Peck talks with the co-founder of Celebrate Church, Bradford about his transition from a Baptist Church to develop a different kind of church with distinct values that seek God’s presence. They discuss his leadership of social enterprise projects which touch many hundreds locally and how to develop hope when we feel hope-less. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Subscribe now from $1 per month

Rev Dr Sam Wells has been described as one of the most influential public theologians in the world today. He's also the Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, which is situated opposite Trafalgar Square in central London. The church is well known for hosting many musical and cultural events, but it is also bucking the trend of decline in the Church of England. For Sam, the Bible is "all about poverty", and that belief has influenced the church's pioneering work among the homeless in London. In this interview with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, Rev Dr Wells opens up about his early life, and his disappointment that while his Christian friends seemed to be enjoying a "personal relationship" with Jesus, this seemed missing from his own life. This, along with his interest in poverty and apologetics, sent him on a lifelong journey of going deeper with God. Sam is visiting professor of Christian Ethics at King’s College and the author of over 40 books, including Humbler Faith, Bigger God (Canterbury Press), which explores the key tenets of Christian faith while also engaging with common objections. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. For a half price subscription offer visit premierchristianity.com/podcast

Andy Peck talks to the author of 'Do Manage Lead: Essential Bible Tools for leaders', about how to assess our tasks in the light of a wise focus for living. They look at tried and tested time-management tools, the role of personality and how not to make the whole exercise too legalistic. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Subscribe now from $1 per month

Andy Peck talks with the founder of One Rock International about how to lead like Jesus, especially when the Gospels don’t give us a detailed account of how he led. They look at what elements of Jesus leading were transferable and the all-important question of how to do it. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Subscribe now from $1 per month

Norman Stone began his career in television as the youngest producer/director at the BBC. Moving from documentaries, and a pioneering children's show, into popular drama, Norman later achieved international success with the BAFTA award winning Shadowlands, a film about the love and loss experienced by C.S. Lewis through the death of his wife from cancer. In this in-depth interview with Tony Wilson, Norman unpacks his Christian faith and explains why he believes most Christian productions - with the notable exception of Angel Studio's The Chosen - are 'awful'. With several projects in the pipeline, Norman remains as passionate about his role as a "storyteller" as ever and confirms he has no plans to retire. "I can't even spell it," he says.

Andy Peck talks to the former Baptist Minister and Principal of London School of Theology about how the idea of leadership evolved in the New Testament era. They discuss how this translates to the very different size and style of church today and consider if leadership scandals might be avoided if we followed biblical principles. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

In this engaging interview, the principal of Spurgeon's College, Rev Prof Philip McCormack reflects on his work as a miltiary chaplain in Afghanistan, for which he received an MBE. Talking about the strong influence of faith from an early age he shares memories of attending Sunday school and the profound impact of witnessing the genuine faith and scriptural knowledge of his coworkers in the shipyard. His decision to join the Ulster Defence Regiment was driven by a desire to serve his community during the tumultuous times of the early 80s. Despite the dangers, he found professionalism and dedication among his fellow part-time soldiers. Commenitng on Christian ethics, including the Just War thoery, Philip explores how to reconcile Jesus' teachings on loving our neighbours and enemies with the reality of armed conflict. The role of Christian pacifism is also explored as a vital ethical viewpoint that challenges the necessity and conduct of war. In 2017, Philip became principal Spurgeon's College, which was founded in 1856 by well known preacher Charles H Spurgeon. Spurgeon's was awarded a triple gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework and is now emphasising engaging with diverse worldviews and ideas, seeing it as essential for character development and the cultivation of a reasoned, resilient faith. For that reason, the future of Spurgeon's College involves welcoming both Christian and non-Christian students, says Phillip. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. For a half price subscription offer visit premierchristianity.com/podcast

Andy Peck talks with Mark Arnold, the Additional Needs Ministry Director for Urban Saints and the co-founder of the Additional Needs Alliance. They discus the neurodiversity language, how leaders can better lead those with additional needs and whether local churches are improving in their provision. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

The apologist and spoken word poet Preston Perry speaks to Emma Fowle about growing up in gangs, finding Christ and how God convicted him about his old approach to evangelism. Preston is the author of new book How to Tell the Truth: The story of how God saved me to win hearts – not just arguments (Hodder). You can also read this interview in Premier Christianity magazine The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity. Subscribe for half price at premierchristianity.com/podcast

Andy Peck talks with the executive director of the Railway Mission about his oversight of chaplains who serve across the mainland UK Rail Network. They discuss the current dispute between ASLEF and the Government, consider the challenges of fatalities that occur on average every 30 hours, and why the Mission’s work is such ‘good value for money’. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

The bestselling Christian author Sarah Bessey gives us a glimpse into her "evolving faith" in this week's edition of The Profile podcast. In reflecting on her spiritual journey thus far, Sarah explains how she's been able to hold onto faith during periods of turmoil, and why she retains a respect for a variety of church traditions and expressions. As she once wrote, "I’m an Anglican-influenced charismatic, postevangelical with a strong pull toward Anabaptist theology. Say that three times fast. I speak in tongues and I pray the hours. I dance and clap at church, but I also sit in silence and meditation. I place my hands on people when I pray for them, and I light candles. I follow the Church calendar observing Lent and Pentecost, Advent and ordinary time, but I worship in community with believers who do not - and likely never will - and I belong there." Sarah is the author of a number of books. Her most recent is entitled 'Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith'. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine. For a special half price subscription offer visit premierchristianity.com/podcast

Andy Peck talks with the youth and student co-ordinator at Kintsugi Hope, a charity that was set up to support those with mental and emotional health challenges. They look at why we are all on a spectrum when it comes to mental health and how we can wisely have conversations that can assist young people and students who are finding things especially challenging. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

On this week's episode, Emma Fowle speaks to the Christian writer and broadcaster Sheridan Voysey. The Pause for Thought contributor shares about giving up his career as a club DJ and how he and his wife dealt with infertility. He also tells his personal story of leaving a Christain cult and updates us on his research into loneliness and friendship. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity. Subscribe now and receive Patrick Regan's new book FREE premierchristianity.com/subscribe

Andy Peck talks with the president of Westmont College, a Christian Liberal Arts College in Santa Barbara, California about his book: The Crucibles that Shape Us: navigating the defining challenges of leadership. They discuss the 7 crucibles he outlines, the tumultuous times faced by the College, and which of the crucibles might be especially apt for a church leader. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Andy Peck talks with the author of ‘Mindful Formation: A Pathway to Spiritual Liberation’ about Christian mindfulness. What is the biblical backing for the idea? How might it function in a Christian leader’s life and be an antidote to extreme stress and anxiety? The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Andy Peck talks with Bishop Emma Ineson about her book, Ambition: What Jesus Said About Power, Success and Counting Stuff. They discuss when ambition is good and when it’s bad, how we serve before an ‘audience of one’ and why statistics can help the Church if used wisely and humbly. This was originally broadcast in 2019. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Shaun is a West End veteran, having played Mufasa in the Lion King for over 16 years. He’s also a soul and RnB artist who has recorded six critically-acclaimed solo albums, and sung with stars including Beverley Knight, Angie Stone and Erykah Badu, as well as touring with Michael Ball and Alfie Boe. On today’s podcast, he shares his story of getting into the creative arts industry via his old school friend, Idris Elba, how his Christian faith keeps him grounded, and the importance of having a sure and certain identity in an ever changing world