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Host Paul John Roach and his guests find the mystical core and explore the perennial philosophy amidst the infinite variety of the world’s religions and spiritual traditions. Paul emphasizes the practical application of spiritual wisdom imparted from poets, writers, philosophers, mystics, and scriptures in order to foster a deeper awareness and understanding in our everyday lives. Explore over 650 shows with thought leaders and spiritual teachers. #PaulJohnRoach.com
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Fixing Chicago

Paul Bryan Roach

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Chicago, weighing in at 2.7 million souls, punches above its weight as a world-renowned city of Arts and Culture, Industry, Finance, Retail, Education, Architecture, Transportation, Politics, Healthcare, Science, Innovation, Dining, Tourism, Sports, and more. It is also notorious for over a century of violence, crime, and political irregularities. Add to that decades of generally low performance within the Chicago Public Schools, the persistent scourge of a drug culture and broken families, ...
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show series
 
We know the truth of justification by faith in our heads, but how does it drop to our hearts? In Galatians 2:11-21, Paul challenges Peter about his behaviour; his concern is that Peter is not "walking in line with the gospel". The gospel of justification by faith sets the path of life and Peter is deviating from it (in this case by not eating with …
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The Bible tells us that God loves justice (Psalm 99:4). But is it intrinsic to his very nature? Can we be sure? In this seminar, Paul Mallard, FIEC Director for the West Midlands and chair of the FIEC Theology Team, and Sarah Allen, a pastor's wife in Huddersfield and member of the FIEC Theology Team, explore the topic of God's justice. They explai…
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Independent churches are free to stand firm for biblical truth whilst reflecting the diversity of their individual contexts.In this interview, John Stevens (FIEC National Director) discusses Independency: is it biblical?; what are its advantages?; what are its challenges?This video was recorded at The Hub, FIEC's conference for those exploring the …
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Jesus shows his love for his sheep by laying down his life for them. How you love Jesus' sheep is a sign of your love for him. Graham Thomson (pastor at Spen Valley Church in West Yorkshire) speaks from Matthew 25:31-46 at The Hub 2024. You can watch a video of this talk and get more resources for church leaders on ⁠the FIEC website⁠. About The Hub…
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How should we live and minister in the world as we wait in expectation for the coming return of Christ? If we want to honour the Lord Jesus and know his welcome when he returns, we need to live out the life he's given us as we fully expect his return. Graham Thomson (pastor at Spen Valley Church in West Yorkshire) speaks from Matthew 25:1-30 at The…
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There is an intensity to Christian ministry that we must hold in tension: the cost and the joy; the privilege and the pain; the blessing and the burden. Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) speaks from Hebrews 12:1-3 on the nobility of Christian ministry and the costs to Christian ministry: two sides that church leaders must hold in t…
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There are reasons for optimism when we look at the growth of the gospel in FIEC and its churches over the past year. In 2023, we find ourselves in a post-Christian context with a declining institutional church, making Christians in an ever-decreasing minority. Yet evangelical churches - that faithfully proclaim Christ, provide a warm welcome, and c…
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How can the church be a clear voice when it comes to beginning and end-of-life issues such as abortion and euthanasia? James Mildred, Director of Communications and Engagement at Christian Action, Research, and Education (CARE), and Pete Killingley, Head of Church Engagement at CARE, explain what the current challenges are, and help us think about …
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Much of what passes for the pursuit of justice can be tinged with a hint (or more) of cultural superiority. How can we serve people well without becoming paternalistic or colonial? In this seminar, Inonge Siluka, founder of Restored Hope Zambia, will help us see how actions and words can often be unwise and misunderstood and how we can serve others…
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What place does the church have in bringing healing to a fractured world when it comes to race? In this seminar, Jason Roach, Director of Ministries at London City Mission, explores how the church can both lead the way in how it relates to all its members but also speak clearly and winsomely into a debate which is often divisive and sometimes bitte…
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There is both a long history and much debate about working for justice in the world around us.In this seminar, Graham Beynon, FIEC Head of Local Ministries, clarifies the key issues, sketches the territory, and helps churches navigate their way forward.An audience Q&A follows, moderated by Phil Topham, FIEC's Executive Director.This seminar is from…
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Can we love and be concerned for God’s creation without going liberal? Or is the caricature valid that we either care for gospel mission or the world, but not both? In this seminar, Dave Gobbett, pastor of Highfields Church in Cardiff, helps us to see what true stewardship of the world looks like. You can order a copy of Dave's book The Environment…
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What administrative and operational burdens do you currently carry? What would happen if you could raise up gifted administrators that would release you from this burden and enhance the work and ministry of the gospel? Gavin Smith, founder of The Church Office, leads a seminar focused on people, structures, and workflows to help identify some pract…
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David VanDrunen’s Living in God's Two Kingdoms gives us one model of how Christians should engage with issues of justice. Is it helpful or are there better models? Are we at liberty to reach different conclusions about cultural engagement and issues of justice? Paul Mallard, chair of the FIEC Theology Team, hosts this panel discussion with Dan Stra…
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How can ministry leaders keep on going in the complexity, frustrations, and suffering of local church life without burning out or becoming cynical? In this seminar, Sarah Allen and Lewis Allen, both serving at Hope Church in Huddersfield, help leaders think through some helpful steps for pastoral resilience. You can watch a video of this seminar on…
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Younger adults seem increasingly reluctant to take on responsibility in the local church. How do we encourage them to see the call to leadership positively? In this seminar, Peter Dray, one of the directors of UCCF, explores this issue and helps us explore how we can invest in younger leaders, especially when resources are limited. You can get the …
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We know legal compliance is important, but there is a danger that church policies and procedures are a dry, tick-box exercise, rather than a living reality. In this seminar, staff from Edward Connor Solicitors aim to change your mind about the law, sharing some top tips about how the law can be worked into your church relationships, to work out rig…
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Paul calls Timothy to care for widows who are really in need (1 Timothy 5:3). Jonathan Parkinson, CEO of Caring for Life, helps us think about who the marginalised groups are today and how we can serve and help them. This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool from 6-8 November 2023. About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fello…
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What does it mean to be just as we think about the relationships and partnerships that exist between churches, especially where there are disparities or differences in size, resources, culture and social standing? Pastor of Hardwick Baptist Church Matt Oliver helps us consider this and think about what can be practically done to overcome such injus…
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How does a right view of the justice of God shape our mission and desire to see the unsaved escape the judgement of God through the mercy of Christ? Steve Palframan, pastor of West Kilburn Baptist Church in London, explores how applying the paradigm of justice will change the way we think of world mission in particular. This seminar is from the 202…
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How can a right view of justice help a church to be effective as it welcomes those with neurodivergence – such as autism - in both adults and children? In this seminar, Kay Morgan-Gurr, co-founder of the Additional Needs Alliance, helps us consider what practical and spiritual steps need to be taken to teach the whole church family these important …
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Justice issues have long been difficult for evangelicals to grapple with. What is it about our theology that makes it difficult for us to deal well with these important issues? Yannick Christos-Wahab, Martin Salter, and the FIEC Theology Team help us to consider this question. This seminar is from the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference held in Blackpool…
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How do we answer the powerful claim that complementarianism is inherently unjust? How can we pursue gender justice in the church whilst apparently distinguishing so starkly between those who equally share God’s image? Linda Allcock, staff member at The Globe Church and teacher at London Seminary’s Flourish course, helps us think through these impor…
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Having justified his people, God calls his people to be just in their life together. In this seminar, Graham Beynon, FIEC Head of Local Ministries, looks at Biblical examples, identifies key principles, and reflects on contemporary applications. An audience Q&A follows, moderated by Phil Topham, FIEC's Executive Director. This seminar is from the D…
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God is the source of justice and only acts justly in his world. By contrast we so often pervert justice. In this seminar, Graham Beynon, FIEC Head of Local Ministries, helps us consider how God's justice - and our injustice - changes our perspective and life together. An audience Q&A follows, moderated by Phil Topham, FIEC's Executive Director. Thi…
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The ‘not quite’ election of Kate Forbes as First Minister in Scotland has once again raised the question of whether Christians can get stuck into politics. Tim Farron, MP and host of Premier’s ‘A Mucky Business’ podcast, and James Mildred, Director of Communications and Engagement at Christian Action, Research, and Education (CARE), will help us un…
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A place of perfect justice is coming, a place of delight and joy. Injustice will not be remembered, nor need to be, as wrongs are righted. We will be glad in God and he will be delighted in us. There will be no weeping or crying because God will eliminate the cause of all tears. So, let us point to the God who will put an end to injustice forever. …
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Jesus was sent in the power of the Spirit to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the world, and now his people are too. The church needs to be the just community it is called to be. John Stevens (FIEC National Director) preached from Isaiah 61:1-11 to show how the work of the church is not simply to enjoy God’s justice, but to display i…
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Isaiah wrote: "You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth." (Isaiah 62:6-7) Matt Oliver (Pastor, Hardwick Baptist Church) preached from Isaiah 62 to boldly encourage us to give God “no rest” as we gathered to pray for gospel work in our churches and our…
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Jason Roach (Director of Ministries, London City Mission) helps us see how the justice of God is declared in the work of the cross and justification, preaching from Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Jesus is the servant that Isaiah spoke of, who would bring true justice to the world. He is a wise servant, who was also despised and suffered as our substitute. He …
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The foundation for our 2023 conference was to understand and rejoice in the character of God – and in particular his justice. He will do and does do right in his world. Ray Brown opened the conference by preaching from Isaiah 1:21-31: that God’s wrath at the failure of his people to exercise justice reveals the deep heart of the Father, and that th…
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What could partnership between new churches look like? What does it take to start a new church? In this roundtable discussion, Trevor Archer (Director for London) is joined by the leaders of The Globe Church, Hope Church Vauxhall, and Stockwell Baptist Church to find out what their partnership as leaders looks like and to discuss church planting. 0…
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How does the local community affect local church life? How can partnerships with churches that are different help us grow and glorify God? In this roundtable discussion, Trevor Archer (FIEC Director for London) is joined by the leaders of The Globe Church, Hope Church Vauxhall, and Stockwell Baptist Church to discuss how they reflect their local co…
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Three new churches in central London are located in close proximity yet serve in very distinct settings. What can we learn from their shared experiences in different contexts? In this roundtable discussion, Trevor Archer (Director for London) is joined by the leaders of The Globe Church, Hope Church Vauxhall, and Stockwell Baptist Church to find ou…
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Our Local Conferences in 2023 aimed to help church leaders go deeper into the themes of the 2022 Leaders' Conference. They explored the pressing need for direct partnerships between churches, and how we can overcome some of the challenges. Andy Hunter (FIEC Acting Head of Local Ministries) opened the Liverpool Local Conference by preaching from Eph…
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FIEC churches unite around our Doctrinal Basis, but they also agree to our Ethos Statements which bring clarity to our life and ministry as a Fellowship: gospel unity; women in ministry; and same sex marriage. FIEC was founded in 1922 to be Independent churches united by primary gospel truths but with diversity on secondary issues. That unity has a…
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As the temple of the living God, we must not join with darkness but be yoked with Christ. Andy Rees (pastor, CityGates Church, Norwich) gives the second of three talks at The Hub conference from 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:3 to encourage those considering church ministry. You can access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About The H…
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In church ministry, to give is to imitate the very heart of God as the gospel travels out into the world. Trevor Archer (FIEC Director for London) gives the third of three talks at The Hub conference from Acts 20:17-38 to encourage those considering church ministry. You can access further resources for church leaders on the FIEC website. About The …
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Endurance is necessary in church ministry. But that ministry is a privilege like no other: "making many people rich". Andy Rees (pastor, CityGates Church, Norwich) gives the first of three talks at The Hub conference from 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 to encourage those considering church ministry. You can access further resources for church leaders on the …
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1 - Intro: Join the host and his guests in a discussion on college athletics and principally their utility in developing the character skills of young athletes such as grit, resilience, discipline, teamwork, selflessness, precision, and determination, and the importance of it with respect to their overall growth and maturation both as individuals a…
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A review of the past year - in which we emerged from lockdowns - and a look forward as we continue to serve God in FIEC's 100th year. We are grateful to God for growth after emerging from lockdown in the past year: FIEC churches are growing, FIEC is growing, and FIEC's capacity to help churches is growing. During the 2022 Leaders' Conference in Bla…
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Too often we think about legal requirements in terms of restricting ministry, but in the current climate we need to see how good legal compliance can actually do the opposite; it will help contribute to a healthy church culture which enables gospel ministry and - in human terms – allows it to flourish. This seminar with our friends at Edward Connor…
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There has – rightly – been a lot of focus on some high-profile abuse in leadership. Many of us are wondering whether we have to rethink our own leadership styles and approaches. Richard and Carolyn Lacey (Woodgreen Church, Worcester) will discuss the foundational principles underpinning a healthy leadership culture and explore how we make progress …
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Many churches in the FIEC are ‘smaller’, with memberships of less than 35. Although some of these churches are in decline, being smaller does not necessarily mean being unhealthy. Jonathan Bond (FIEC Director for Smaller Churches) helps leaders of smaller churches be reminded of the joys and think about dealing with the challenges of serving in thi…
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An increasing number of church members have suffered trauma of one kind or another, including abuse of power within churches themselves. We need to know how to minister the grace of Christ to these saints without re-traumatising them. Phil Swann, pastor at Llanelli Free Evangelical Church in West Wales and facilitator of the Soul Care Network in th…
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If we are to develop meaningful partnerships, how do we do so when so many differences exist between churches? Are our differences all of the same kind? And how do we navigate the challenge of being clear on secondaries, without letting them become primary? Inspired by the book of the same title, Mike Kendall, pastor at St Neots Evangelical Church,…
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We are most comfortable developing partnerships with people like us. But we need to recognise that such narrowness is not only unbiblical, it is severely limiting. In this seminar, Yannick Christos-Wahab (pastor at Stockwell Baptist Church in London) helps us explore what we need to look out for, what attitudes are necessary, and what realism we ne…
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Churches have often experienced sharpening divisions internally, for example, in how to respond to the Covid crisis. Sometimes elderships have been sharply divided. Colin Adams, pastor at Greenview Church in Glasgow, helps leaders think about developing perception and wisdom in our increasingly complex world. Download the handout. This seminar is f…
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One of the strengths of the FIEC is the ability to gather and facilitate local partnerships. But that also means that we are weaker at developing partnerships that are outside of geographic areas yet equally meaningful. Tim Manson (Gunnersbury Baptist Church, London) and Pete Roberts (Trinity Church, Everton, Merseyside) will share their experience…
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If we are to work together to reach Britain for Christ, our churches and leaders must have meaningful local partnerships which are based on trust. Paul Gamston, pastor at South Craven Evangelical Church in North Yorkshire, helps us answer how such trust can be developed and built on for effective church ministry. This seminar is from the 2022 FIEC …
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