The official FIEC podcast, where you'll hear discussions and interviews on church leadership, theology, and current affairs from the FIEC Ministry Team and guests. The Fellowship of Independent Evangelical (FIEC) is a fellowship of Independent churches with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together to reach Britain for Christ. Being part of FIEC links you to a growing number of Independent evangelical churches ...
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Churches Together in Britain and Ireland brought together key people from across the Church and society to discuss significant contemporary issues. These are the recordings of the webinars which were originally streamed live.
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The Christian heritage of South Wales has declined, but there remains great opportunity for the gospel. We must pray for workers for the harvest. On this episode of In:Dependence, Joel Murray (FIEC Communications and Media Officer) is joined by Gareth Lewis (FIEC Director for South Wales) to hear about church ministry in the south of Wales. You can…
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Grenfell Blame, Keir Starmer's Realism, and Paralympic Inspiration // In the News
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How holistic should our care of the flock be? How do you lead with bad news? What do the Paralympics teach us about church life? 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 stories in the news over the past …
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God is at work in Suffolk as churches work together and reach new areas with the gospel. In this episode of In:Dependence, Joel Murray (FIEC Communications and Media Officer) is joined by Mark Howson (FIEC Director for Suffolk) to discuss church ministry in the county, the opportunities, and the challenges. You can get more resources for church lea…
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The landscape, history, and language of North Wales makes church ministry there distinct to other areas of the country. In this episode, Joel Murray (Communications and Media Officer) is joined by Ben Midgley (Director for North Wales) to discuss what life is like in North Wales, and what opportunities and challenges it presents for the work of the…
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Holiday Theology, Equal Olympics, and Dudley-Smith's Hymns // In the News
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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 …
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Southport Violence, Olympic Offence, and Pastoral Transparency // In the News
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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. Y…
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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…
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Assassination Attempts, Changes from Government, and Resigning After Success // In the News
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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 stor…
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What to Expect at the 2024 FIEC Leaders' Conference
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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 an…
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General Election Results, 'Conversion Therapy' Bans, and Baton Passing // In the News
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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 En…
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The Beauty of Intergenerational Church (with Graeme Shanks and Rachel Sloan)
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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 R…
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Majority Government, Churches for Sale, and McIlory's Reconciliation // In the News
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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 ne…
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General Election: How to Think Christianly (with Simon Calvert)
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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 (…
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Living in a Technological Age (with Nathan Weston)
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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 li…
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D-Day 80, Election Debates, and Rob Burrow // In the News
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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 …
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Sport on Sundays (with Graham Daniels and Jonny Reid)
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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 tha…
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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…
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Cover-ups, Pope Francis, and Football Managers // In the News
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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 …
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A Theology of Technology (with Nathan Weston)
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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 i…
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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 …
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Social Media Dangers, Leading While Losing, and Eurovision // In the News
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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 o…
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How Can We Talk About Israel and Gaza? (with Joseph Steinberg)
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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 …
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Sporting Events as Gospel Opportunities (with Graham Daniels and Jonny Reid)
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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 p…
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Illegal Immigration, Leadership Styles, and Blackpool Rock // In the News
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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 …
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Taking the Gospel to Jewish People (with Joseph Steinberg)
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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 th…
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Church Policies: Mere Distraction or Essential Ministry? (with Becky Thomas and Gavin Smith)
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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) …
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Gospel Coalition UK, Cass Review, and Rishi Sunak's Trainers // In the News
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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 p…
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Youth Workers for Life (with Trev Pearce)
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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 He…
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Boring Leaders, Secular Neutrality, and Ramadan at King's Cross // In the News
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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 …
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Working Together to Reach Forgotten Places (with Graham and Dawn Thomson)
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How can churches in diverse contexts work together to reach people in 'forgotten places' with the gospel? What might partnership look like? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by Graham and Dawn Thomson (Spen Valley Church, Cleckheaton) to talk about church ministry in deprived areas and wh…
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Defining Extremism, Slavery Reparations, and Deep Fakes // In the News
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What is the definition of extremism versus free speech? How do we differentiate between guilt and consequences? How can we discern the truth of visual media in the era of artificial intelligence? In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), John Stevens (FIEC National Director), and Graham Beynon (FIEC Head of Local Mini…
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Church Ministry in a Global City (with Trevor Archer & Johnny Prime)
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What is so important about London? What is the church landscape like in the city? What are the opportunities for the gospel? In this episode, Adrian Reynolds (Head of National Ministries) discusses the capital city with the outgoing Director for London Trevor Archer and the incoming Director for London Johnny Prime: what church ministry is like in …
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When Your Children Don't Believe (with Paul Mallard)
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Having unbelieving children is a painful reality for many Christians, especially for church leaders. How can we deal with the guilt and heartbreak, whilst holding on to the hope of the gospel for our children? In this episode, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by Paul Mallard (FIEC Director for West Midlands and the chair…
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Alexei Navalny, Parliament Chaos, and Life from Conception // In the News
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What can we learn from Alexei Navalny's life? What does chaos in Westminster teach us about church life? How can we show that life is valuable from conception? In this episode, Phil Topham, John Stevens, and Adrian Reynolds discuss some of the stories in the news from the past fortnight and consider how we can learn as church leaders from them. 00:…
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Ministry Families and Church Life (with Richard and Carolyn Lacey)
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How can we protect family life when serving in church ministry? What changes when a ministry wife moves from voluntary to paid work in the church? In this episode, Adrian Reynolds (Head of National Ministries) chats with Richard and Carolyn Lacey (Woodgreen Church, Worcester) about ministry life as a couple and a family, how the church seeks to pro…
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Humour, Friendship, and a Kingdom Perspective (with Trevor Archer)
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Trevor Archer, FIEC's Director for London, has served in church ministry for decades. As he comes to stand down from serving at FIEC, he shares what he has found are the essential elements of a long-lasting ministry. In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) reflects with Trevor on his 45 years of service …
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Caring for Your Church Treasurer (with Manny Kemp)
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Why do church leaders need to care especially for their treasurers? How can they do it in a way that helps treasurers to grow and flourish? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by Manny Kemp, a church treasurer and volunteer trainer with the Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers (…
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Why Do We Need Christian News? (with Mike Judge)
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What is the value of keeping up with Christian news - both for church leaders and church members? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by Mike Judge, pastor at Chorlton Evangelical Church in Manchester and editor of Evangelical Times, to talk about the benefits of reading and listening to Ch…
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Leadership Opposition, Capital Punishment, and Secular Schools // In the News
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How should leaders react to opposition? Where should Christians stand on capital punishment? Should secular schools make space for religious practice? In this episode, Phil Topham (Executive Director), Graham Beynon (Head of Local Ministries), and John Stevens (National Director) discuss some of the stories in the news over the past weeks. 00:00 - …
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Investing in Women in Ministry: Our 2024 Conferences for Women
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Conferences for women in ministry are invaluable opportunities to invest in and care for women who serve in the local church. In this episode, Adrian Reynolds (Head of National Ministries) is joined by Elinor Magowan (Director for Women's Ministry) and Rachel Sloan (Director for Women's Ministry) to discuss the importance of investing in women in m…
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The Ministry of Administration (with Gavin Smith)
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Administration is a spiritual gift to serve the church (1 Corinthians 12:8). What is the role of an administrator in church life, and how can they be supported best? In this episode of In:Dependence, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director) is joined by Gavin Smith (Christ Church Newport) to discuss the role of administrator in the church, where it fi…
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Post Office Scandal, Strikes in the Middle East, and Conversion Therapy in Scotland // In the News
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What can we take from the 'Alan Bates vs the Post Office' drama and scandal? How should we respond to miltary action in the Middle East? How could the conversion therapy plans in Scotland affect church ministry? In this episode, Phil Topham (Executive Director), Adrian Reynolds (Head of National Ministries), and John Stevens (National Director) dis…
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Children's Ministry as Ministry (with Ed Drew)
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How can church leaders encourage and support those who are working in our churches with children and young people? In this episode, Adrian Reynolds (Head of National Ministries) is joined by Ed Drew, Director of Faith in Kids, to discuss encouraging and recruiting volunteers for children's work, the problems faced by both larger and smaller churche…
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2023: Year in Review (with Adrian Reynolds and John Stevens)
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In the final episode of In:Dependence in 2023, Adrian Reynolds (Head of National Ministries) and John Stevens (National Director) take a look back at the encouragements and challenges for FIEC and FIEC churches over the past year. Show notes A Passion for Life (apassionforlife.org.uk) Different, Yet the Same: Is Complementarianism Unjust? (fiec.org…
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Living in God's Two Kingdoms (with David VanDrunen)
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Christians are foreigners and exiles in this world. So, how do we help people in our churches think about how they live in and engage with the world? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by David VanDrunen, professor at Westminster Seminary California and author of Living in God's Two Kingdo…
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General Synod and Same-Sex Blessings (with Ros Clarke)
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What was voted for at the November General Synod? How can we pray and support friends in the Church of England?In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) discusses the current events in the Church of England with regards to blessings for same-sex couples with Ros Clarke from Church Society. What happened at…
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Same-Sex Blessing Vote, 'Conversion Therapy' Bill, and Suella Braver-gone // In the News
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How significant is the Church of England vote to trial same-sex blessings? How should we respond to another bill to ban 'conversion therapy'? What can leaders learn from the cabinet reshuffle? 00:00 - Introduction00:30 - FIEC Leaders' Conference04:06 - Changes to the FIEC Doctrinal Basis07:29 - Church of England vote on blessing same-sex marriage16…
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Meeting the Gospel Need in Scotland (with Rachel Sloan and Andy Hunter)
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What are the challenges and needs of gospel work in Scotland? How can people pray and support gospel work in the nation? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by Rachel Sloan (FIEC Director for Women's Ministry) and Andy Hunter (FIEC Director for Scotland and North England) to discuss the nee…
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Covid Inquiry, Leaders' Conference, and Q&A // In the News
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How should leadership decisions be made? What happened at the Leaders' Conference? How do you include the news in preaching? In this live episode, recorded at the 2023 FIEC Leaders' Conference, Phil Topham (FIEC Executive Director), Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries), and John Stevens (FIEC National Director) discuss topics in the n…
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Gospel Ministry in Scotland (with Rachel Sloan and Andy Hunter)
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What is the gospel landscape like in Scotland? What are the challenges that evangelical churches in Scotland face? In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Head of National Ministries) is joined by Rachel Sloan (FIEC Director for Women's Ministry) and Andy Hunter (FIEC Director for Scotland and North of England) to discuss gospel min…
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