Healthy Gospel Church

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Samuel Tunnicliffe from Ligonier Ministries to discuss the current state of theology in the UK, the findings of the latest UK State of Theology survey, and what authentic revival and church equipping look like in today’s cultural landscape. Dr. Tunnicliffe also reflects on the legacy and teaching of R.C. Sproul, the importance of "warm Calvinism," balancing sy...

In this episode of the Healthy Gospel Church podcast, host David sits down with Tom Muir, Church Planting Director for the Free Church of Scotland and former church planter of Esk Valley Church. Tom shares his journey growing up in the church, watching his parents come to faith and enter ministry, and how his own path led from youth work and teaching into church planting. Connect with us: Website:...

Join us as we sit down with Eilidh Proudfoot and Dave Richards to explore what faithful ministry looks like in practice today. In this in-depth conversation, Eilidh and Dave share reflections on their calling, the everyday joys and challenges of church leadership, and how God is actively working in and through local congregations. Whether you are actively involved in church leadership or looking f...

In this episode, host David Meredith is joined by Peter Turnbull, minister of Cornerstone Church in Edinburgh, to discuss urban ministry, church revitalisation, and how to develop and nurture healthy congregations. Their discussion includes thoughts around the dynamics of leading an urban congregation, lessons from ministry across different Scottish contexts, the importance of building genuine com...

In this episode of the Healthy Gospel Church Podcast, Thomas Davis addresses a crucial question for the modern church: Is theological training only for those called to formal ministry? Many assume that deep theological study is reserved for the "academy" or the pulpit, but Thomas argues for a different vision—one where rigorous training serves the entire church. From his perspective as a "pastor-t...

Is small-town ministry a stepping stone—or a calling worth ambitious investment? Today, Rev. Stephen Witmer joins us to unpack the unique dynamics, opportunities, and tensions of rural church life. 👉 Visit https://freechurch.org to learn more about Engage2026 and the work of the Free Church of Scotland. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with future episodes! — #he...

We’re delighted to welcome former Free Church of Scotland Moderator Rev. David Robertson to the podcast this week. David is an author, formerly minister of St Peter’s Free Church in Dundee and now serving at the Scots Kirk in Newcastle, Australia. The Wee Flea: https://theweeflea.com 👉 Visit https://freechurch.org to learn more about Engage2026 and the work of the Free Church of Scotland. 💬 Don’...

We’re delighted to welcome Christian author and experienced church leader Chic Lidstone to the podcast, sharing insights from his life in ministry and his thoughtful new book Take My Yoke on discovering the rest and grace Jesus promises. Take My Yoke - https://chiclidstone.com 👉 Visit https://freechurch.org to learn more about Engage2026 and the work of the Free Church of Scotland. 💬 Don’t forge...

This week we welcome Rhiannon MacKintosh and Alasdair Macleod to the podcast to discuss the new initiative from the Mission Board of the Free Church of Scotland called "Engage2026." Its purpose is to encourage Christians to pray for ten people they know who are not followers of Jesus yet. If everyone in the denomination prayed that would be over 100,000 prayed for over the next year. 👉 Visit http...

Should churches blend in or stand out? Our guest this week, Derek Lamont, unpacks what it means for a church to reflect — or reshape — the community it serves. 👉 Visit https://freechurch.org to learn more about the work of the Free Church of Scotland. 💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay up to date with future episodes! — #healthygospelchurch #FreeChurchofScotland #dereklamont...

This week, we’re joined by Rev. Dr. Cory Brock, minister at St. Columba’s Free Church in Edinburgh, as he shares his story from Mississippi to the Royal Mile, reflecting on faith, theology, and what makes a Healthy Gospel Church in today’s culture. Cory discusses his journey from a Southern Baptist upbringing to Reformed ministry, the marks of a healthy church, and the importance of cultivating pr...

This week, we’re joined by Rev. Joe Barnard, minister of the newly renamed Holyrood Church in Edinburgh and founder of XTrainingMinistries , an organisation dedicated to forming mature, godly men in a spiritually distracted age. Joe reflects on the landscape of discipleship today, the unique pressures men face in modern culture, and why intentional, rigorous spiritual formation is essential for th...

This week, we’re joined by Robin Silson, Free Church of Scotland minister and church planter in Winchburgh, as he shares his journey into ministry and the vision behind planting a gospel-centred church in one of Scotland’s fastest-growing new towns. Robin speaks about the opportunities and challenges of church planting in a rapidly developing community, the importance of relational ministry, and h...

This week, we’re joined by Esther Dickson, Scotland Team Leader for UCCF (Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship), an organisation committed to giving every student the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Esther shares her passion for student mission, the unique challenges and opportunities facing university ministries today, and how local churches can partner mo...

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Diane Langberg, internationally renowned psychologist, speaker, and author of Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church. Dr. Langberg brings decades of wisdom and pastoral insight to a deeply important conversation about power, trauma, and the witness of the Church. With grace and clarity, she challenges us to consider how we use power in our c...

Our guest this week is Mairi Murchison.   Mairi is a Gospel Worker in Merkinch Free Church , Inverness. In this episode she shares her story and why she felt called to support church planting in one of Scotland's most deprived areas.   And for the first time you can now watch the episode as well on YouTube ! 📺   -- freechurch.org   #church #christian #freechurch

Paul grew up in Wales and worked as a dentist for ten years before studying theology at Moore College in Sydney. Married to Shiona they have four children. After leading a church in the US they moved back to the UK in 2009 and now live in Edinburgh where he is Lead Pastor at Charlotte Chapel . Paul is an enthusiastic supporter of Welsh rugby, Scottish dancing, live music and eco-houses. -- freechu...

In this episode of the Healthy Gospel Church podcast, we’re joined by Rev. Dr Lee Gatiss, Director of Church Society and a leading voice in evangelical Anglicanism. We explore key issues shaping the Church of England today — from the impact of liberal theology on church life, to the structures that define Anglicanism, and the vital role of systematic theology. Dr Gatiss also reflects on the evolut...

This week, we welcome David's brother, Rev. Dr Ian Meredith, to the podcast. Ian is currently the vicar of St Mary's in Portchester, which is part of the Church of England .    Topics this week: - The Evolution of the Free Church of Scotland - Reflections on the Charismatic Movement - The Role of Worship - The Concept of Parish in a Modern Context - Keys to Church Growth - Class and Church Dynamic...

Our guest this week, Rev. Ivor Macdonald, has recently been appointed as the Director of the Centre of Rural Ministry. Ivor unpacks some of the vision for the Centre and his hopes for rural ministry in Scotland.    Conversation topics:   - The Centre for Rural Ministry - Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Scotland - The Future of Rural Churches and Communities Engagement   Centre for Rural Mini...

This week's Healthy Gospel Church Podcast guest is Rev. David Moore. David is a minister in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and currently serves in Belfast.   Topics Include:   ➡ Celtic Heritage and Language ➡ The Benefits of Being Presbyterian ➡ William Still and Gilcomston ➡ Ministry in Northern Ireland ➡ Engaging with Different Communities ➡ Building Relationships Across Divides   https://ww...

Our guest today is Tim Clemens, the lead pastor of Grace City Church in Sydney, Australia.  This episode's topics include: Pathway to Minister and Church Planting City Ministry in Australia Evangelism Strategies Prayer Culture and Community Engagement Vision and Philosophy of Preaching https://www.freechurch.org #healthygospelchurch #church #christian 

We are delighted to have Kathy Keller as our first guest in this new series.  Kathy formerly served as assistant Communications Director for Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. She is the author of Jesus, Justice, and Gender Roles: A Case for Gender Roles in Ministry and co-author with her late husband, Tim Keller, of The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with t...

We are delighted to welcome Canon J. John to the Health Gospel Church podcast this week.   J.John is an Evangelist, minister, speaker, broadcaster and writer. He has been in ministry for four decades. He has spoken in towns, cities and universities in 69 countries. J.John lives near London in England. He is married to Killy and is a father and grandfather.   Contact the show: communications@freech...

Our guest this week is Rev. Dr Paul Blackham.  Leading since the summer of 2021, Jonathan, and the Blackham family, has been a part of Church plants around the country for the past decade. But at the centre of this life and current ministry is a love of Jesus, throughout all the bible! Ordained in 1997, Paul served at All Souls Langham Place as Associate Minister for theology until 2008, and has s...