In:Dependence

Why are holidays important? Have the 2024 Olympics been equal? What is the legacy of Timothy Dudley-Smith? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) and John Stevens (FIEC National Director) discuss some of the stories in the news over the past fortnight. You can watch a video of this episode and get more resources for church leaders on the FIEC website ....

How should we respond to the horrible news in Southport? What is there to learn from the Olympic Games and opening ceremony? How transparent should we be in pastoral matters? In this episode, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director) and Andy Hunter (FIEC Director for Scotland and North of England) discuss stories in the news from the past fortnight. You can get the show notes and more resources for c...

What is church ministry in London like, what opportunities do churches in the city have, and what challenges does London present? In this episode of In:Dependence, Joel Murray (FIEC Communications and Media Officer) is joined by Johnny Prime (FIEC Director for London) to talk about his role in London, and his thoughts on church ministry in the city. You can watch a video of this episode and get mo...

Did strong rhetoric lead to the assassination attempt on Donald Trump? How do you deal well with change? What can we learn from Gareth Southgate's resignation? In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), Rachel Sloan (FIEC Director for Women's Ministry), and John Stevens (FIEC National Director) discuss some of the stories in the news over the past fortnight. Y...

Our Leaders' Conference this year is exploring healthy church leadership by looking to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and learning to love like Jesus. In this episode, Phil Topham (Executive Director) and Adrian Reynolds (Head of National Ministries) discuss what you can expect from the conference: the theme, the programme, the speakers, the seminars and tracks, the venue, and the post-conference e...

What do the general election results mean for church leaders? What might a 'conversion therapy' ban look like? What can leaders learn from Joe Biden and the upcoming US election? In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), John Stevens (FIEC National Director), and Andy Hunter (FIEC Director for Scotland and North of England) discuss the results of the 2024 gen...

The diversity of the local church is a beautiful and unique thing. The different generations in our churches offer an opportunity to grow in faith together and witness to the world around. In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by Graeme Shanks (Bruntsfield Evangelical Church, Edinburgh) and Rachel Sloan (FIEC Director for Women's Ministr...

How can we lead fairly when one group has a majority of power? Why are church buildings in Scotland being sold off? How does Rory McIlroy's marriage reflect the gospel? In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), John Stevens (FIEC National Director), and Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) discuss the news over the past fortnight. Show notes FIEC Le...

A surprise general election brings with it temptations to grumble and divide. How can we help our churches to think "Christianly" about the election as they come to vote? How can we keep unity even when our political opinions may differ? On this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by Simon Calver (The Christian Institute) to discuss the...

How can we help those in our churches to flourish as they live as believers in an age of technology? How can leaders set an example in their living with technology? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by Nathan Weston (Moorlands Church, Lancaster) to discuss technology, its effect on our lives, and how we can disciple people to live well i...

What reflections are there to be had from the D-Day anniversary? How can we learn from the TV election debates? What can we take from Rob Burrow's heroism and friendship? In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), John Stevens (FIEC National Director), and Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) discuss the big stories in the news over the past fortnig...

How can biblical principles help us flourish as Christians in a society that values sporting activities on Sunday mornings? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by Graham Daniels (Christians in Sport) and Jonny Reid (Christians in Sport and Town Church Bicester) to discuss the challenges that Sunday sport presents for churches, the importan...

As we approach a general election, we need to help those in our churches to be confident in God's sovereignty, to be prayerful, and to be thoughtful in decision-making. In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries), John Stevens (FIEC National Director), and Justin Gill (FIEC IT Manager) discuss the lead-up to the 2024 general election, how Christians sho...

Why do we so often try to cover-up scandals, like the contaminated blood scandal? Are people 'fundamentally good'? How are pastors like football managers? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries), John Stevens (FIEC National Director), and Graham Beynon (FIEC Head of Local Ministries) discuss some of the big stories in the news over the past few...

How can we think theologically about technology to help us use the gift of technology in a godly way? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by Nathan Weston ( Moorlands Church , Lancaster) to discuss technology: how do we define it?; is it good or bad?; how is it changing the world?; how does it fit into the story of redemption? You can watc...

More than 5% of England's working population work in care, and carers face particular demands both physically and emotionally. How can church leaders support the carers in their churches? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by Lucy Honeysett ( Christians in Care ) to discuss how churches and their leaders can support Christians who wor...

How can we protect children from the dangers of social media? How can we lead while losing? Has Eurovision gone for style over substance? In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), John Stevens (FIEC National Director), and Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) discuss some of the big stories in the news over the past fortnight. You can access the show no...

The conflict in Israel and Gaza has been a constant fixture in the news for more than six months alongside global protests and a significant increase in anti-Semitism and Islamaphobia. How can we talk and pray about the situation in church life? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) speaks with Joseph Steinberg (International Mission to Jewish People)...

Sport is a significant point of connection with a local community. How can churches make the most of sport and sporting events as evangelistic opportunities? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by Graham Daniels and Jonny Reid ( Christians in Sport ) to discuss how sport can be a connection point in our communities and can present missiona...

How can we balance our spiritual and political principles when it comes to illegal immigration? What can we learn from Liz Truss' and Humza Yousaf's leadership styles? Will we be able to buy rock from Blackpool? In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), John Stevens (FIEC National Director), and Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) discuss some...

There are 385,000 Jewish people in the UK, from more than 15 million across the world, who have not been reached with the truth of the gospel. How can we bring mission to this people group onto the radar in the local church? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by Joseph Steinberg, CEO of the International Mission to Jewish People (IMJP), t...

Church governance and policies can feel like a distraction from gospel ministry. How can we see them in their rightful place as part of that ministry itself? In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director) is joined by Becky Thomas (FIEC Church Governance Advisor) and Gavin Smith (Christchurch Newport and The Church Office) to discuss why church policies are important to mi...

Why is a Gospel Coalition UK being considered? What are the implications of the Cass Review into NHS gender services? Why should we care about the Prime Minister's trainers? In this episode, Phil Topham (Executive Director), John Stevens (National Director), and Adrian Reynolds (Head of National Ministries) discuss the stories in the new from the past few weeks. You can watch a video of this e...

A lot of paid youth and children's work in our churches is short-term. We see youth workers and children's workers as a stepping stone to 'bigger and better things'! How can we reclaim the value of this ministry in its own right and invest to train and deploy life-long workers in this area? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is join...

Is there something to say for being a boring leader? How is the secular world struggling to stay neutral? Why did King's Cross celebrate Ramadan? In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), John Stevens (FIEC National Director), and Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) discuss stories in the news over the past fortnight. 00:00  - Introduction 00:35  -...