In a recent article in Evangelicals Now, John Funnell describes an understanding of burnout and a way of doing ministry that seems to work for him and his family in their context, and that's great. God has most certainly used them! But, I want to offer a response.
John has done so much good for the gospel. We've never met, but we move in similar circles and so over the years I've been kept up to date with the amazing work God has been doing through him in Abersychan. God has gifted John uniquely for this work, while many others look to his ministry as an example and a pattern for their own.
I used to be the senior minister at a church named after a Victorian missionary martyr - so I thought we’d better take world mission seriously, and therefore take our mission partnerships seriously, too.
But why should that be reserved for the handful of churches who think they ought to do that because of what they’re called?
This term at our children's groups, I made the decision to attempt teaching the doctrine of union with Christ — with mixed results!
It got me thinking about how we teach tricky concepts and ideas to children, and whether that's a good idea or not. Let me tell you what went well, and what didn’t go quite to plan.
I have many colleagues in the IT industry who have a decided distaste for religious belief.
This is quite understandable because the IT industry attracts people who are more inclined to rely on deduction. Deduction involves applying a general premise to a specific observation in order to reach a logical conclusion. A general premise might be, for example, that "all autonomous vehicles use advanced sensor technology" which you apply to a specific observation that "Tesla's self-driving cars are autonomous vehicles", leading you to a logical conclusion: "Tesla's self-driving cars use advanced sensor technology".
We look to the role model of C. H. Spurgeon, under whose ministry thousands were converted, or the ministries of Whitefield or Wesley which had such extraordinary impact. We read the accounts of revivals in church history.
Approximately 150,000 people die each day worldwide. Death really is all around us, and yet every now and again there is a death that grips the world. That proved to be the case with former Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota who died recently in a sudden crash crash at the age of 28 along with his younger brother.
A talented footballer. A family man. An infectious personality. A role model. Here was a young man with his whole life ahead of him taken in his prime. Everything about his death was tragic. There was a moving tribute from Jota’s Portuguese teammate Christian Ronaldo who summed up the feelings of many when he simply posted on X, "It doesn’t make sense."
July is Disability Pride month - it has absolutely nothing to do with LGBTQ+, although some do try to hijack it a little!
This month is a celebration of what disabled people bring to the world and who we are. It started in America, way before LGBTQ+ had one. It also had a different name, but "pride" was in its descriptors.
Two days before writing this from sunny North Carolina, a well-meaning friend asked me, “so, when did you convert?” This question still makes me bristle. Perhaps it shouldn’t.
I answer him, of course, and took it as the well meaning question that it was intended to be, but that word “convert” is not a word that I, or any other Jewish believers in Jesus that I know, feel comfortable with.
One of them I came across on a table in Waterstones, a new historical novel set in early medieval England, a period I’m very interested in. The cover is beautiful and the back cover is full of commendations for this wonderful new work of literature, praising not just its good writing but its insight and depth. Good to look at, something that would impart wisdom. I paid out my valuable money for it.
The first two weeks in July make up the best fortnight of the year for British tennis fans. The sun is (hopefully) shining, the barbecues are sizzling and most importantly, Wimbledon is plastered all over the nation’s top two TV channels.
What a Wimbledon it has been so far. At the time of writing, a record-equalling number of seeds have fallen in the first couple of days, others have barely survived, while several of the favourites remain on course to provide blockbuster entertainment in the latter stages.
During a wedding, a groom will say to his bride: “All that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you.” As a result of these words, and being united together, the bride shares in any titles or wealth that her now-husband had before the service started.
Similarly, in chapter 2 of his first letter, Peter writes “As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him – you also like living stones….” and goes on to describe wonderful truths about the church. From this, let's consider the wonderful ways that we inherit certain “properties” from Jesus, because we are enclosed in Him and united to Him.
Back in 2023, technology company Apple’s corporate sustainability campaign was showcased in the commercial, “2030 Status | Mother Nature”.
The ad was a creative initiative designed to communicate the company’s progress toward its ambitious goal of achieving a net-zero carbon footprint across its entire business by 2030. The central character, Mother Nature, was played by Oscar-winning actress, Octavia Spencer.
I have long been of the school of thought that knowledge is empowering. The more information one has about the circumstances one finds oneself in, the more helpful it is.
Our transport systems have taken this on board too. Increasingly, when faced with inevitable delays and cancellations, particularly on our train network, information comes across a tannoy system explaining the causes in lots of detail, concluding in announcing the likely time you will be delayed. Psychologists have recognised that anxiety and frustration in passengers is reduced when people are told that their train will be x number of minutes late rather than left hoping constantly for the arrival of a train. This makes sense; it enables you to make a decision for alternative travel or to go for coffee resigned to the long delay, or continue to wait.
I recently attended the consecration of Dr Ashley Null as Anglican bishop of North Africa, a new Diocese in the Province of Alexandria.
The service took place in Tunis, and I was among the leaders from around the world who represented the GAFCON movement. It’s estimated that there are around 30,000 Christians in Tunisia (0.2% of the total population) of whom some are Anglican (English, Arabic and Berber-speaking); there are also Anglican congregations able to meet openly in Chad, and groups of underground believers (including Anglicans) in Mauritania, Libya and Algeria.
This was pop singer Lily Allen speaking of her "four or five" abortions in a recent interview – she can’t remember exactly how many; she used to "get pregnant all the time".
“London has changed, and it’s out of my control”. Thoughts like this one often flit through my mind as I make my way through the bustle of the big city.
Although I wasn’t born in London, I have lived in the same East-end locale for more than 30 years. In this time I believe I have experienced the discomfort of change that would rival that of those who have moved across cities and regions. I have been witness to my friends and family’s growing irritation with the demographic - the general mess, disorder, crime and litter that comes with fast changing populations, the increased number of women in headscarves and men in traditional wear, and overwhelmed public services.
The FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) is an international football competition – but it isn't just about showcasing the best football talent, it also sparks essential discussions about what we value in entertainment.
Although there have been some mismatches and empty seats this year, the tournament is still drawing big viewership numbers. This year, an impressive 1.6 million people tuned in, especially younger fans, with 34% of the audience aged 16-34.
It has been hard to write a short report on the situation in Iran, due to the ongoing developments. But there is a very brief summary and analysis from a Christian view of what is happening among Iranians in general, but specifically, Iranian evangelical Christians.
The bigger picture: War and the religious system behind it In June 2025, Iran and Israel entered a short but intense conflict, known as the 12-Day-War. Israel started the war by striking nuclear targets. Those strikes were mostly precise. Civilian casualties were lower than feared, but inside Iran, fear increased, not from outside attack, but from the regime itself. The internet and phone communications were stopped, which made things very difficult for the general public and added to the fear levels.
The Iranian government, built on the doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist), sees itself not just as a political power, but as a religious authority. Its leaders believe they are preparing the world for the Mahdi’s return (Mahdi is the last promised Imam of the Shi’ite Islam). This belief is not fringe; it is central to how they operate. That is why the regime thrives on crisis, especially with Israel and the West. And when Israel or the West starts to fight, it fuels their rhetoric. And when crisis comes, the people suffer.
Christian life under pressure Christians inside Iran live with ongoing pressure. The police have increased their presence in many areas. Helicopters are flown over residential neighbourhoods as a show of power and intimidation. Several Iranians were arrested and executed recently, and broadcast on the national media, accused of being Israeli or American spies.
Many hoped that Israel’s attacks would lead to a regime collapse. There were many in the general public who were celebrating that this oppressive Islamic regime would be uprooted once and for all. But that hasn’t happened. Now, many feel more hopeless than before. Fear has kept people from protesting, and fear keeps many Christians silent.
One young believer said, “We can’t even meet to worship. We have not been able to do that for years. How can I have close fellowship, being discipled by a faithful pastor. How can I find a Christian spouse? We are isolated.” The lack of physical church gatherings has been and continues to be deeply affecting the community - not only spiritually, but relationally.
A fragmented body Spiritually, the evangelical Church in Iran is weary. True believers still exist. They read the Word. They pray. But most now interact through encrypted chats and online streams. The fellowship of the saints is fractured. For many years most haven't been able to meet in underground house churches; fear of surveillance has driven gatherings underground - so deep, they struggle to even happen.
Single believers, young men and women, struggle in heart-breaking ways. “How do I meet someone to marry?” one brother asked. “There’s no evangelical, non-Charismatic church to go to. There’s nowhere to be seen.” Marriage, community, spiritual growth, all feel just out of reach.
Hard questions about spiritual growth Western media often declares that Iran is experiencing a great Christian awakening. We rejoice at every soul turned to Christ - but we must be honest. At the cost of being called a pessimist, we must still ask: what kind of Christianity is it? What fruit does it produce?
Not every profession of faith bears fruit. Many seek Christian identity for safety, status, or access to Western aid. The marks of true discipleship - repentance, holiness, love for Scripture, and evangelism - are weak and often absent.
Many who convert while in Iran or as refugees fall away once comfort and citizenship arrive. This has been the experience of many churches in the West who have welcomed Iranian refugees.
A word to the Western church It’s easy to be encouraged by the headlines. But the real work of God is often quiet, painful, and unseen. We must discern the difference between popularity and perseverance.
Please continue to pray, but pray with understanding. Rejoice in genuine fruit, and ask for discernment in supporting those doing deep, lasting gospel work.
By God’s grace, there are a handful of evangelical leaders, churches and organisations, such as Parsa Trust that are seeking to produce resources to explain the gospel and sound doctrine.
For example, the Parsa Trust team has been translating many resources into Persian (Farsi). Much literature has now become available and is being used in small groups. We have just translated and released Radical Discipleship by Pastor Jonas Hensworth and How Should Men Lead Their Homes? by Dr. Joel R. Beeke—now available digitally and in audio.
Through the Parsa Ketab app (iOS, Android, Web), Iranian believers now have access to Bibles, classic evangelical and Reformed works, and theological tools. And over 2,000 biblical sermons on SermonAudio, and social media platforms, are now reaching thousands.
Sadly, we do not have well taught leaders in Iran, but we are seeking to do what we can to provide resources from outside.
This is our part: feed the scattered sheep in Iran. Build up those who truly hunger. Plant roots that will endure.
Looking ahead If the regime falls, the church must be ready to rise - not with power, but with gospel zeal and purity. If the regime endures, the church must be ready to suffer - not with fear, but with faith and courage.
Either way, the call remains the same: preach Christ, make disciples, teach sound doctrine, live holy lives. Ultimately we pray that the Lord would raise qualified labourers, to establish biblical and orderly churches, who will continue the work of the Great Commission.
A final appeal Let us not measure the church in Iran by numbers or noise. Let us be careful of the news outlets and the media. They have their agenda. Let us measure the church in Iran by truth, by fruit, and by faithfulness under fire.
The saints in Iran are sometimes weary, but have not lost heart. Christ is at work, even in silence. Christ is building His true church. May we join Him in what He is doing, not what we wish were true.
“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body” (Hebrews 13v3).
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6v9). May Christ purify His Church. May He save His people. And may He come quickly
We’ve all been told stories of the great saints of prayer. You know, those worthy people who got up early in the morning and prayed for hours, without a cup of coffee and before breakfast.
We’ve all, at some point, probably felt guilty that we can’t pray that way. But dig a little deeper into those stories and we will also find lives just like ours - fragile and flawed.
On Friday, MPs backed the legalisation of assisted dying in England and Wales. Although the House of Lords may tweak and amend the legislation, it looks all but certain that assisted dying will become legal in some form in the UK.
Evangelicals have been members of a broad coalition of groups that have spent the last few months tirelessly fighting for this bill to be defeated. And many of us have prayed without ceasing that this day would never come.
Comment
The realities of ministry burnout
In a recent article in Evangelicals Now, John Funnell describes an understanding of burnout and a way of doing ministry that seems to work for him and his family in their context, and that's great. God has most certainly used them! But, I want to offer a response.
John has done so much good for the gospel. We've never met, but we move in similar circles and so over the years I've been kept up to date with the amazing work God has been doing through him in Abersychan. God has gifted John uniquely for this work, while many others look to his ministry as an example and a pattern for their own.
Should you consider visiting a mission partner?
I used to be the senior minister at a church named after a Victorian missionary martyr - so I thought we’d better take world mission seriously, and therefore take our mission partnerships seriously, too.
But why should that be reserved for the handful of churches who think they ought to do that because of what they’re called?
Should we teach hard doctrine to children?
This term at our children's groups, I made the decision to attempt teaching the doctrine of union with Christ — with mixed results!
It got me thinking about how we teach tricky concepts and ideas to children, and whether that's a good idea or not. Let me tell you what went well, and what didn’t go quite to plan.
Why belief isn’t illogical: A conversation with an atheist peer
I have many colleagues in the IT industry who have a decided distaste for religious belief.
This is quite understandable because the IT industry attracts people who are more inclined to rely on deduction. Deduction involves applying a general premise to a specific observation in order to reach a logical conclusion. A general premise might be, for example, that "all autonomous vehicles use advanced sensor technology" which you apply to a specific observation that "Tesla's self-driving cars are autonomous vehicles", leading you to a logical conclusion: "Tesla's self-driving cars use advanced sensor technology".
Preaching and the power of perseverance
Some have a romantic view of Christian ministry.
We look to the role model of C. H. Spurgeon, under whose ministry thousands were converted, or the ministries of Whitefield or Wesley which had such extraordinary impact. We read the accounts of revivals in church history.
Diogo Jota, Jesus and dealing with grief
Approximately 150,000 people die each day worldwide. Death really is all around us, and yet every now and again there is a death that grips the world. That proved to be the case with former Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota who died recently in a sudden crash crash at the age of 28 along with his younger brother.
A talented footballer. A family man. An infectious personality. A role model. Here was a young man with his whole life ahead of him taken in his prime. Everything about his death was tragic. There was a moving tribute from Jota’s Portuguese teammate Christian Ronaldo who summed up the feelings of many when he simply posted on X, "It doesn’t make sense."
Disability Pride Month: Will your church celebrate?
July is Disability Pride month - it has absolutely nothing to do with LGBTQ+, although some do try to hijack it a little!
This month is a celebration of what disabled people bring to the world and who we are. It started in America, way before LGBTQ+ had one. It also had a different name, but "pride" was in its descriptors.
Stop asking Jewish believers when they 'converted'
Two days before writing this from sunny North Carolina, a well-meaning friend asked me, “so, when did you convert?” This question still makes me bristle. Perhaps it shouldn’t.
I answer him, of course, and took it as the well meaning question that it was intended to be, but that word “convert” is not a word that I, or any other Jewish believers in Jesus that I know, feel comfortable with.
Why is modern storytelling so disappointing?
Recently, I started reading three new novels.
One of them I came across on a table in Waterstones, a new historical novel set in early medieval England, a period I’m very interested in. The cover is beautiful and the back cover is full of commendations for this wonderful new work of literature, praising not just its good writing but its insight and depth. Good to look at, something that would impart wisdom. I paid out my valuable money for it.
What Wimbledon taught me about pressure - and the cross
The first two weeks in July make up the best fortnight of the year for British tennis fans. The sun is (hopefully) shining, the barbecues are sizzling and most importantly, Wimbledon is plastered all over the nation’s top two TV channels.
What a Wimbledon it has been so far. At the time of writing, a record-equalling number of seeds have fallen in the first couple of days, others have barely survived, while several of the favourites remain on course to provide blockbuster entertainment in the latter stages.
Four ways union with Christ changes everything
During a wedding, a groom will say to his bride: “All that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you.” As a result of these words, and being united together, the bride shares in any titles or wealth that her now-husband had before the service started.
Similarly, in chapter 2 of his first letter, Peter writes “As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him – you also like living stones….” and goes on to describe wonderful truths about the church. From this, let's consider the wonderful ways that we inherit certain “properties” from Jesus, because we are enclosed in Him and united to Him.
A tale of two marketing campaigns
Back in 2023, technology company Apple’s corporate sustainability campaign was showcased in the commercial, “2030 Status | Mother Nature”.
The ad was a creative initiative designed to communicate the company’s progress toward its ambitious goal of achieving a net-zero carbon footprint across its entire business by 2030. The central character, Mother Nature, was played by Oscar-winning actress, Octavia Spencer.
When knowing too much is running out ahead of God
I have long been of the school of thought that knowledge is empowering. The more information one has about the circumstances one finds oneself in, the more helpful it is.
Our transport systems have taken this on board too. Increasingly, when faced with inevitable delays and cancellations, particularly on our train network, information comes across a tannoy system explaining the causes in lots of detail, concluding in announcing the likely time you will be delayed. Psychologists have recognised that anxiety and frustration in passengers is reduced when people are told that their train will be x number of minutes late rather than left hoping constantly for the arrival of a train. This makes sense; it enables you to make a decision for alternative travel or to go for coffee resigned to the long delay, or continue to wait.
Questions from a visit to North Africa
I recently attended the consecration of Dr Ashley Null as Anglican bishop of North Africa, a new Diocese in the Province of Alexandria.
The service took place in Tunis, and I was among the leaders from around the world who represented the GAFCON movement. It’s estimated that there are around 30,000 Christians in Tunisia (0.2% of the total population) of whom some are Anglican (English, Arabic and Berber-speaking); there are also Anglican congregations able to meet openly in Chad, and groups of underground believers (including Anglicans) in Mauritania, Libya and Algeria.
Lily Allen's 'four or five abortions': How can we respond?
"I don’t want a f***ing baby right now."
This was pop singer Lily Allen speaking of her "four or five" abortions in a recent interview – she can’t remember exactly how many; she used to "get pregnant all the time".
Britain has changed: should we mourn or celebrate?
“London has changed, and it’s out of my control”. Thoughts like this one often flit through my mind as I make my way through the bustle of the big city.
Although I wasn’t born in London, I have lived in the same East-end locale for more than 30 years. In this time I believe I have experienced the discomfort of change that would rival that of those who have moved across cities and regions. I have been witness to my friends and family’s growing irritation with the demographic - the general mess, disorder, crime and litter that comes with fast changing populations, the increased number of women in headscarves and men in traditional wear, and overwhelmed public services.
The curious case of the Club World Cup
The FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) is an international football competition – but it isn't just about showcasing the best football talent, it also sparks essential discussions about what we value in entertainment.
Although there have been some mismatches and empty seats this year, the tournament is still drawing big viewership numbers. This year, an impressive 1.6 million people tuned in, especially younger fans, with 34% of the audience aged 16-34.
The Iran-Israel war and the church in Iran: A Christian reflection
It has been hard to write a short report on the situation in Iran, due to the ongoing developments. But there is a very brief summary and analysis from a Christian view of what is happening among Iranians in general, but specifically, Iranian evangelical Christians.
In June 2025, Iran and Israel entered a short but intense conflict, known as the 12-Day-War. Israel started the war by striking nuclear targets. Those strikes were mostly precise. Civilian casualties were lower than feared, but inside Iran, fear increased, not from outside attack, but from the regime itself. The internet and phone communications were stopped, which made things very difficult for the general public and added to the fear levels.
The Iranian government, built on the doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist), sees itself not just as a political power, but as a religious authority. Its leaders believe they are preparing the world for the Mahdi’s return (Mahdi is the last promised Imam of the Shi’ite Islam). This belief is not fringe; it is central to how they operate. That is why the regime thrives on crisis, especially with Israel and the West. And when Israel or the West starts to fight, it fuels their rhetoric. And when crisis comes, the people suffer.
Christians inside Iran live with ongoing pressure. The police have increased their presence in many areas. Helicopters are flown over residential neighbourhoods as a show of power and intimidation. Several Iranians were arrested and executed recently, and broadcast on the national media, accused of being Israeli or American spies.
Many hoped that Israel’s attacks would lead to a regime collapse. There were many in the general public who were celebrating that this oppressive Islamic regime would be uprooted once and for all. But that hasn’t happened. Now, many feel more hopeless than before. Fear has kept people from protesting, and fear keeps many Christians silent.
One young believer said, “We can’t even meet to worship. We have not been able to do that for years. How can I have close fellowship, being discipled by a faithful pastor. How can I find a Christian spouse? We are isolated.” The lack of physical church gatherings has been and continues to be deeply affecting the community - not only spiritually, but relationally.
Spiritually, the evangelical Church in Iran is weary. True believers still exist. They read the Word. They pray. But most now interact through encrypted chats and online streams. The fellowship of the saints is fractured. For many years most haven't been able to meet in underground house churches; fear of surveillance has driven gatherings underground - so deep, they struggle to even happen.
Single believers, young men and women, struggle in heart-breaking ways. “How do I meet someone to marry?” one brother asked. “There’s no evangelical, non-Charismatic church to go to. There’s nowhere to be seen.” Marriage, community, spiritual growth, all feel just out of reach.
Western media often declares that Iran is experiencing a great Christian awakening. We rejoice at every soul turned to Christ - but we must be honest. At the cost of being called a pessimist, we must still ask: what kind of Christianity is it? What fruit does it produce?
Not every profession of faith bears fruit. Many seek Christian identity for safety, status, or access to Western aid. The marks of true discipleship - repentance, holiness, love for Scripture, and evangelism - are weak and often absent.
Many who convert while in Iran or as refugees fall away once comfort and citizenship arrive. This has been the experience of many churches in the West who have welcomed Iranian refugees.
It’s easy to be encouraged by the headlines. But the real work of God is often quiet, painful, and unseen. We must discern the difference between popularity and perseverance.
Please continue to pray, but pray with understanding. Rejoice in genuine fruit, and ask for discernment in supporting those doing deep, lasting gospel work.
By God’s grace, there are a handful of evangelical leaders, churches and organisations, such as Parsa Trust that are seeking to produce resources to explain the gospel and sound doctrine.
For example, the Parsa Trust team has been translating many resources into Persian (Farsi). Much literature has now become available and is being used in small groups. We have just translated and released Radical Discipleship by Pastor Jonas Hensworth and How Should Men Lead Their Homes? by Dr. Joel R. Beeke—now available digitally and in audio.
Through the Parsa Ketab app (iOS, Android, Web), Iranian believers now have access to Bibles, classic evangelical and Reformed works, and theological tools. And over 2,000 biblical sermons on SermonAudio, and social media platforms, are now reaching thousands.
Sadly, we do not have well taught leaders in Iran, but we are seeking to do what we can to provide resources from outside.
This is our part: feed the scattered sheep in Iran. Build up those who truly hunger. Plant roots that will endure.
If the regime falls, the church must be ready to rise - not with power, but with gospel zeal and purity. If the regime endures, the church must be ready to suffer - not with fear, but with faith and courage.
Either way, the call remains the same: preach Christ, make disciples, teach sound doctrine, live holy lives. Ultimately we pray that the Lord would raise qualified labourers, to establish biblical and orderly churches, who will continue the work of the Great Commission.
Let us not measure the church in Iran by numbers or noise. Let us be careful of the news outlets and the media. They have their agenda. Let us measure the church in Iran by truth, by fruit, and by faithfulness under fire.
The saints in Iran are sometimes weary, but have not lost heart. Christ is at work, even in silence. Christ is building His true church. May we join Him in what He is doing, not what we wish were true.
“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body” (Hebrews 13v3).
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6v9). May Christ purify His Church. May He save His people. And may He come quickly
Not all prayer looks the same - and that's okay
We’ve all been told stories of the great saints of prayer. You know, those worthy people who got up early in the morning and prayed for hours, without a cup of coffee and before breakfast.
We’ve all, at some point, probably felt guilty that we can’t pray that way. But dig a little deeper into those stories and we will also find lives just like ours - fragile and flawed.
A post assisted dying world: Three ways the church can prepare
On Friday, MPs backed the legalisation of assisted dying in England and Wales. Although the House of Lords may tweak and amend the legislation, it looks all but certain that assisted dying will become legal in some form in the UK.
Evangelicals have been members of a broad coalition of groups that have spent the last few months tirelessly fighting for this bill to be defeated. And many of us have prayed without ceasing that this day would never come.