The Profile

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...

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 lead...

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 shipya...

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 Subscrib...

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 broug...

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 Christiani...

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 cha...

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 Pr...

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 Christi...

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...

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 Chris...

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 scho...

Andy Peck talks with the co-authors of ‘The Hopeful Activist: discovering the vital change you were made to bring’ about developing biblically based understanding of initiating political and social change. Rich has co-led Tearfund's policy and advocacy work on plastics and waste. Rachel has worked in communications for an international Christian charity and is now Parish administrator at St Andrew...

As part of mental health awareness week, Sam Hailes talks to Patrick Regan, founder of Christian mental health charity Kintsugi Hope on mediating between Jamaican gang leaders, facing criticism from fellow Christians, and why the Bible is full of wisdom on mental health. You can also read this interview on premierchristianity.com The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity magazine. Visi...

Andy Peck speaks with Jamie Phear, former Professor of English in the US and now writing full time and helping women develop their calling. They discuss how calling may change over time and why having a regular retreat is so beneficial. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Christian magazine Subscribe now from $1/month

Andy Peck chats with Stephen Dempster, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Crandall University, New Brunswick, Canada about his recent book, Return of the Kingdom: a biblical theology of God’s Reign. They discuss how an understanding of the kingdom in the Bible informs the leadership of Christians today, look at why the Hebrew order of the Old Testament books is preferable, and how Jesus’ s...

These 47 words changed Dr Aaron Edwards’ life and career, potentially forever: “Homosexuality is invading the Church. Evangelicals no longer see the severity of this [because] they’re busy apologising for their apparently barbaric homophobia, whether or not it’s true. This *is* a ‘Gospel issue’, by the way. If sin is no longer sin, we no longer need a Saviour.” That post on Twitter (now X) went vi...

Andy Peck speaks with Matt Hatch, founder of Mosaic Church Leeds, and a leader of one of the congregations, about his book: Metamorphosis: Unlocking your spiritual transformation through healthy discipleship’. They talk about how his church approaches discipleship and the importance of the church leader remaining connected with people, and open to God’s direction if a culture of discipleship is to...

Jonathan Evans, Baron Evans of Weardale has worked in espionage since the 1980s, eventually becoming the director general of MI5 (2007-13). In this interview with Tony Wilson, we hear about Lord Evans' Christian faith and how it has sustained him during difficult moments. A crossbench peer since 2014, Lord Evans also comments on what threats the UK might be facing today, and speaks about standards...

Andy Peck speaks with Marcus Culverwell, head teacher of Reigate St Mary’s Preparatory and Choir School about his call to lead a school. They discuss how much influence a school might have on a child, and consider some themes from his book, ‘Would God go shopping’ and how he is able to help young people consider the wider world and their place in it. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christ...

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson believes she’s proof that the world isn’t as antagonistic towards Christians as many assume. In this in depth conversation with Premier Christianity's Sam Hailes, she explains her love for Calvinism, why she's written a commentary (of sorts) on the book of Genesis and reveals how her theology has changed over time.

Andy Peck speaks with two men committed to Christians bringing the whole of their lives into the workplace, including their faith. Dave Law is an analytical chemist with Thames Water and Julian Shellard a lawyer with a global pharmaceutical company. They talk about how recent legislation actually encourages Christians to form Christian groups in their workplace and why scare stories about faith ch...

Andy Peck chats with Paul Friend, CEO of SWYM (South West Youth Ministries) about his book, ‘Fierce Humility: leading in the way of Jesus’. They discuss why Paul wrote the book, which elements of humility are toughest to explore and why humility stands against the self-promotion seemingly required in our social media age. The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK's leading Chri...

Andy Peck chats with Simon Holley, the senior leader of Kings Arms Church Bedford and a leader of the Catalyst strategy team with Newfrontiers. They reflect on whether he still stands by his book, ‘Sustainable Power: creating a healthy culture of the supernatural in the church today’, ten years on; how he has stayed motivated working in the same church; and his new coaching ministry: ‘therawleader...